Overview
Darwin Airport is the busiest airport in the Northern Territory and one of the primary gateways into Australia’s Top End. The international airport is located in the Darwin suburb of Eaton, which is 13 kilometres northeast of the CBD. The journey from the city to the airport only takes about 15 minutes by car. The airport offers access to the vibrant city of Darwin as well as must-visit spots nearby like Kakadu National Park and the Tiwi Islands.
Darwin Airport has made major environmental strides in recent years and has won multiple awards in that area. One such honour was the ‘Airport Innovation and Excellence Award for Environmental Management’, awarded by the Australian Airport Association in 2016. The airport was also given the ‘Asia-Pacific Green Airports Platinum Award’ at the Airports Council International Awards in 2017.
Have a look at Webjet’s deals on airfare, hotels, and rental cars to start planning your adventure to Darwin and the Northern Territory’s Top End.
Transport/Parking
Car Hire
Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty all offer car hire from Darwin Airport. You can reserve your rental car through Webjet, then pick it up after landing at Darwin Airport arrivals. Desks for each of the six car hire companies are located near baggage claim on the ground floor of arrivals.
Parking at Darwin Airport
Short Stay: This Darwin Airport parking lot is perfect for drop-offs, pick-ups and short stays. It’s conveniently located right in front of the terminal entrance. The Short Stay car park is free for the first 15 minutes and $8 AUD for an hour. Rates for longer stays are $85 AUD for three days and $185 AUD for a week.
Long Stay Plus: Long Stay Plus is located just 200 metres to the left of the terminal building. The uncovered parking spaces cost $80 AUD for three days and $138 AUD for a week.
Long Stay Saver: Long Stay Saver is the most budget-friendly of the Darwin Airport parking options. The open-air car park is a six minute walk to the terminal undercover, and a free shuttle is also available. Drive-up rates for the Long Stay Saver car park are $59 AUD for three days and $69 AUD for a week.
Each Darwin Airport parking lot can be accessed from Henry Wrigley Drive on the approach to the airport. Save extra money on parking rates by booking a park online in advance.
Shuttle and Public Transport
The Darwin City Airport Shuttle Service offers 24/7 connections between the airport and accommodations within the city. Pre-book your shuttle, and meet it just outside the Darwin Airport arrivals hall after you land.
Guests who have booked into the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort or the Novotel Darwin Airport Hotel can make the most of a free shuttle bus. Pick-ups are by request – you can use the phone near the baggage carousel to arrange a transfer to your hotel. The pick-up point for the bus is just outside Darwin Airport arrivals.
Airport Features
Hotels near Darwin Airport
Shopping & Dining
Flight Specials
Airfare Specials
Flights From Darwin Airport To
Flights To Darwin Airport From
Terminals
A single terminal handles all Darwin Airport departures – both domestic and international. The ground floor is where you’ll find check-in, security and baggage claim, while the first floor is home to the departure gates, shopping and dining, and lounges. Domestic gates are located at one end of the departures level and international gates on the other.
Airlines that operate from Darwin Airport include Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Airnorth, Donghai Airlines and Silk Air.
Direct flights connect Darwin to many of Australia’s major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Alice Springs and Cairns. There are also flights available to regional destinations in the Northern Territory and Australian Top End, such as Katherine, Kununurra, Tennant Creek and Elcho Island. International routes departing from Darwin Airport include Bali, Singapore, Shenzhen and Dili.
Airport Lounges
Catalina Lounge
Catalina Lounge is located in the international area of Darwin Airport departures. It isn't affiliated with any airlines and is open to all travellers with an international flight. The lounge opens two hours before the first scheduled international flight of the day.
An entry fee of $28 AUD will get you unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks during your time in Catalina Lounge. An upgrade to $45 AUD also includes full bar service with complimentary beer, wine, and spirits. In addition to food and drinks, guests of Catalina Lounge can enjoy its stylish design, unlimited WiFi, shower facilities, and a kids' zone.
Wirraway Business Centre
Fit in some work or a business meeting before or after your flight at the Wirraway Business Centre. It's located on the first floor above international arrivals, across from the rental car desks. Wirraway Business Centre is connected to the airport, but it's located outside of security. The business centre is complete with meeting rooms, day offices and hot desks. Anyone can reserve a room or desk online, and food and drinks are also available for pre-order. The Wirraway Business Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm.
Qantas Club
The dedicated Qantas lounge is located in the domestic area of Darwin Airport departures adjacent to Gate 4. Travellers booked onto a Qantas or Jetstar flight may be eligible to visit the lounge with a Platinum One, Platinum, or Gold Frequent Flyer membership. Travellers holding a Qantas Club Annual Guest Card or Qantas Club membership can also gain complimentary access to the lounge. Qantas Club is open an hour before the first scheduled Qantas flight of the day until the final Qantas departure.
Complimentary features that Qantas Club guests can enjoy include barista service, lounge dining, bar service after midday, shower facilities, a business centre, free WiFi, a dedicated family zone, and reading materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of Darwin Airport?
Its official name is Darwin International Airport.
Does Darwin have an international airport?
Darwin Airport services both domestic and international flights. It is the busiest airport in Northern Territory and is one of the main gateways into the Top End and Red Centre.
How far is Darwin Airport from the city centre?
Darwin Airport is located 13 kilometres or a 15-minute drive from Darwin’s city centre.
What time does Darwin Airport open?
Darwin Airport is open 24 hours a day.
How many terminals does Darwin Airport have?
Darwin Airport has one terminal from where both domestic and international flights operate.