Getting Here and Around

Darwin's International Airport is serviced from overseas by Qantas, Jetstar, Philippine Airlines, Air Asia, and Air North. Qantas flies from Darwin to Bali several times a week, SilkAir and Jetstar connect Darwin with Singapore, and Air North flies to East Timor.

Qantas, Air North, Virgin Australia, Tigerair, and Jetstar fly into Darwin regularly from other parts of Australia and operate regional flights within the Top End. Air North flies west to Kununurra and Broome, and east to Gove. The Darwin Airport Shuttle has regular service between the airport and the city's hotels. The cost is A$18 one-way, A$30 round-trip; book a day in advance for hotel pickup. Taxis await at the airport's taxi rank. The journey downtown costs about A$25–A$30.

The Ghan train connects Darwin with Adelaide via Alice Springs on a two-night 2,979-km (1,861-mile) journey a couple of times a week (www.greatsouthernrail.com.au).

The best way to get around Darwin is by car. The Stuart Highway is Darwin's land connection with the rest of Australia. By road Darwin is 15 hours from Alice Springs (1,491 km [926 miles]), 2½ days from Broome via the Great Northern Highway (1,875 km [1,165 miles]), 4–5 days from Brisbane (3,387 km [2,105 miles]), and 5–6 days from Perth (3,981 km [2,474 miles]).

For drivers headed outside the Northern Territory, one-way drop-off fees for rental vehicles are often twice as much as a weekly rental. If you don't feel like driving, the bus network in Darwin links the city with its far-flung suburbs, and a choice of minibus operators, including the 24-hour Metro minibuses, run all over town for fixed prices starting at A$4 per person. The main bus terminal (Darwin Bus) is on Harry Chan Avenue, near the Bennett Street end of Smith Street Mall. A minibus stand is also located at the front of Darwin's airport terminal.

Taxis

Blue Taxi Company. Darwin, Northern Territory. 08/8981–3777; www.bluetaxi.com.au.

Darwin Radio Taxis. Darwin, Northern Territory. 13–1008; 08/8985–0720.