Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the gateway to the Northern Territory. This 24-hour airport handles the bulk of the region’s domestic and international flights, putting keen adventurers within easy access of Darwin’s Waterfront precinct, outdoor activities and the stunning Kakadu National Park. And if Darwin’s city centre marks the start of your journey, we’ve rounded up the best ways to travel there from Darwin Airport.
Shuttle bus from Darwin Airport to the City
One of the easiest ways to get from Darwin Airport to the city centre is by shuttle bus. Blue Taxi operates a service between Darwin Airport and the CBD seven days a week (yes, it’s a bus and not a taxi!). The shuttle bus runs to the city and stops at all hotels and accommodation in the city.
The one-way price of a shuttle bus to the city from Darwin Airport is $15 per person. A family of four costs $35, while children under three travel for free. Tickets can be purchased at the shuttle bus booth near the baggage carousels, and pre-booking your trip to the city isn’t required.
The shuttle bus takes around 20 minutes to reach the city centre. As it’s not a private service, you may need to allow extra time for other passengers to be dropped off at their accommodation.
If you’re travelling solo, a shuttle bus is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get to the city. For a family, the price is similar to a taxi or Uber.
Taxi from Darwin Airport to the City
A taxi to the city from Darwin Airport costs around $30-$35, which includes a $4 exit fee when leaving the airport. Prices are non-negotiable as taxis run on a meter. The trip to the city takes around 15 minutes, depending on the time of day.
The taxi rank can be found directly outside the terminal. There’s no need to pre-book, as taxis are readily available 24/7.
If travelling as a pair of family, the price of a taxi is similar to a shuttle bus. But if you’ve got plenty of luggage in tow, you may find the space and convenience of a taxi better suited to your needs.
Darwin Airport rideshare pickup zone
The pickup zone for all rideshare services is located in the short-stay carpark at Darwin Airport. Currently, only Uber and Ola operate in and around Darwin.
Uber from Darwin Airport to the City
An Uber to the city from Darwin Airport takes just 15 minutes and costs around $30-$35, depending on the time of day. Like taxis, rideshare vehicles picking up passengers from Darwin Airport are subject to a $4 exit fee, which is added to the final cost of your journey.
Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn one Qantas Point per $1 spent on Uber rides to and from eligible airports in Australia. To ensure your points are credited, simply link your Qantas Frequent Flyer and Uber accounts before you ride.
Following the end of the Velocity Frequent Flyer and Ola partnership, Uber is the only rideshare in Australia that allows you to earn frequent flyer points. But if you’re looking to maximise your rewards during your trip, consider using a credit card that earns frequent flyer points.
Public transport from Darwin Airport to the City
A public bus operates between Darwin Airport and the city centre. This option isn’t the fastest – and certainly not the most convenient – but it is an option for the ultra budget-conscious.
The closest public bus stop to Darwin Airport is on Charles Eaton Drive – an eight-minute walk from the terminal. Bus route 3 takes you to Casuarina Interchange in about 30 minutes. From there, you’ll need to hop on bus 4, 10 or OL2 bound for Darwin Interchange, which is roughly another 30-minute ride.
The one-way bus fare costs just $3 but the total trip takes around an hour and 15 minutes, factoring in walking and transfers. Given that a shuttle bus, taxi or rideshare can save you an hour of travel time, it’s worth considering one of these options when you fly into Darwin Airport.
Summing up
If you’re heading to the north, it’s handy to know that there are a number of ways to travel from Darwin Airport to the city centre. For a seamless experience when you land, plan ahead so you know exactly how you’ll be getting to the CBD.
Want to know what to expect when you visit Darwin? Check out our review of Adina Apartment Hotel, Darwin Waterfront or explore The Qantas Club, Darwin before your next departure.
Featured image: Vitalii Tairov, iStock
FAQs
Darwin Airport is located around 13 kilometres from the CBD.
Options for travelling to the city include shuttle bus, taxi, Uber, Ola and public bus.
One of the easiest ways to travel to the city is via shuttle bus, with a one-way fare setting you back just $15. Taxis and Ubers are similarly priced at around $30, and are great options for larger groups or those travelling with heavy luggage.
The price of an Uber to the city from Darwin Airport starts at around $30. This price varies depending on your final destination and the time of day. For an estimate, you can check the Uber app before your journey.
The cost of a taxi from Darwin Airport to the CBD starts at $30, with the journey taking approximately 15 minutes.
Yes, a public bus runs from Charles Eaton Drive – around an eight-minute walk from Darwin Airport – to the city centre.
Blue Taxi operates a shuttle bus service between Darwin Airport and the city centre. A one-way fare is just $15 for an adult or $35 for a family, with no charge for children under the age of three.
If you’re looking for accommodation close to Darwin Airport, the Novotel Darwin Airport, Mercure Darwin Airport Resort and Quality Hotel Darwin Airport are conveniently located.
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