Launceston Airport (LST) is the airport for northern Tasmania. It sits at Western Junction on Evandale Main Road, about 15 km south of the Launceston city centre and about 5 km north of the village of Evandale. Flights here are domestic. Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Link Airways use the main terminal, while Sharp Airlines flies to Flinders Island and King Island from its own Sharp Airlines terminal. For connections further afield, the operator points travellers to its sister airport, Melbourne.

This guide sets out which airline uses which building, how check-in works for each one, the ways to get into Launceston, parking and lockers, the facilities you will find, and a few tips for a smooth trip through LST.

Terminals and airlines at Launceston Airport

Most travellers only ever see the main terminal at Launceston Airport. The exception is anyone flying with Sharp Airlines to the Bass Strait islands, who uses a separate terminal with its own pick-up and drop-off area. Airline arrangements can change, so look at your e-ticket before you set off and make sure you are heading to the right building.

Launceston Airport terminal (main terminal)

The main terminal holds the Check-in Hall, the Departures Hall and Gate Lounge past security, and the Arrivals Hall at the southern end. These airlines use it:

• Qantas
• Jetstar
• Virgin Australia
• Link Airways

Check-in works a little differently for each. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia use self-serve kiosks and auto bag drop in the Check-in Hall. Link Airways checks in at the northern end of the hall.

Sharp Airlines terminal

Sharp Airlines operates from its own terminal at Launceston Airport, with flights to Flinders Island and King Island. The operator's maps show a separate Sharp Airlines pick-up and drop-off area, and Sharp passengers who drive can use designated spaces in the P2 Long Stay car park. Accessible parking is also provided outside the Sharp Airlines terminal.

• Sharp Airlines

Getting between the two terminals

The operator does not describe a route between the main terminal and the Sharp Airlines terminal. If you are connecting between a Sharp flight and a mainland flight, ask your airline how to get across and allow plenty of time, as the two have separate kerbside areas.

Getting to and from Launceston Airport

Launceston Airport has no public bus service, so plan your ride before you land. Taxis, Uber, pre-booked minibus transfers and hire cars are the options. The operator does not publish journey times, and fares are shown by each operator, so check those when you book.

Taxi

Taxis pick up directly outside the Arrivals Hall, at the southern end of the terminal. It is a short walk from the baggage carousels to the rank.

Uber and rideshare

A designated Uber rank sits to the left as you leave the Arrivals Hall, near baggage claim. Request your ride after collecting your bags and head straight out.

Minibus transfers

Two pre-booked transfer services operate from the airport. Wild Island Airport Transfers caters for groups. Launceston Airport Shuttles and Transfers runs door to door to the CBD, the suburbs and nearby towns. Both need to be booked ahead.

Car rental

Car rental desks are in the Arrivals Hall. With no public bus to the airport, a hire car is often the simplest way to get around northern Tasmania at your own pace.

No public bus

There is no public bus to or from Launceston Airport. If you were planning to rely on public transport, switch to a minibus transfer and book it before you travel.

Parking at Launceston Airport

The car parks at Launceston Airport sit right beside the terminal:

• P1 Premium, the closest option
• P3 Short Stay, for pick-ups and drop-offs, with a free short period once a day
• P2, P4 and P5 Long Stay, for trips of several days, with designated Sharp Airlines spaces in P2

Pre-booking is not available, so simply drive in. Payment uses registration-plate recognition, either at the exit gate or at a pay machine. Rates vary with the length of stay, so check the airport's parking page for the current prices.

Facilities at Launceston Airport

Launceston Airport is a compact regional airport. The facilities are focused on a short wait, with a strong local flavour.

Shopping and souvenirs

The Launceston Store sells Tasmanian gifts and produce, whisky and wine, travel essentials and books. It is a good place to pick up something local before you leave the island.

Terminal layout

In the main terminal, you start in the Check-in Hall. After security screening you reach the Departures Hall and the Gate Lounge, with lifts linking the two. Arrivals and the baggage carousels are in the Arrivals Hall at the southern end of the building. There are no aerobridges at Launceston Airport, so boarding is by aircraft stairs or a lift device.

Food and drink

The cafe and bar serve Tasmanian produce with local beer, wine and coffee, so your trip can start or finish with a taste of the region.

Luggage storage

Self-service baggage lockers are in the Short Stay car park, a short walk from the Check-in Hall. Bags can be stored for up to nine days, which helps if you are spending a day in town before a late flight.

ATMs and money

There are no ATMs or banking facilities at Launceston Airport. The nearest are in Kings Meadows, about a 10-minute drive away, so bring a card or some cash before you arrive.

Free Wi-Fi

Airport Free Wi-Fi covers all public areas and the gate lounges. Each session lasts up to 3 hours, which is plenty for a regional wait.

Showers

Launceston Airport has no shower facilities.

Families and accessibility

Parents' rooms are in the Check-in Hall, the Departures Hall, the Gate Lounge and the Arrivals Hall. A Changing Places adult change facility is near the Gate Lounges, and hearing loops are installed. There is a service dog relief area outside the Arrivals Hall, plus water refill stations and luggage trolleys outside the Check-in and Arrivals Halls.

Tips for departing and arriving at Launceston Airport

Launceston Airport does not publish a single arrive-by time, but check-in opening times are clear. Jetstar opens check-in 120 minutes before departure. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Link Airways open check-in 90 minutes before. Each airline also has its own cut-off, which is shown on your booking and is the time that matters.

Because there are no aerobridges, you board by aircraft stairs or a lift device, so keep a jacket handy for the walk out. If you are flying with Sharp Airlines, head for the Sharp Airlines terminal rather than the main Check-in Hall.

Arriving from the mainland, collect your bags in the Arrivals Hall and pick up your hire car, taxi or Uber right there. Remember there is no ATM on site.

Heading overseas? No international flights are listed at Launceston Airport, so an overseas trip starts with a domestic flight to a mainland airport. The operator points travellers to its sister airport, Melbourne, for onward connections. Leave a generous gap between flights, especially if your bags are not checked through to your final destination. For live departure and arrival information on the day, use the Traveloka flight status page.

Flights and flight schedule from Launceston Airport

You can also use this page to plan your next trip from LST. The fare cards show fares from Launceston to popular destinations, so you can compare a few routes before you pick dates. The schedule tables work by date: pick a day and you will see upcoming Launceston Airport departures and arrivals, each with the airline and its scheduled times. They show a selection of flights rather than every service.

Choose a route, compare airlines and departure times, and book the flight that suits you. If you are not ready to buy, set a Price Alert and Traveloka will tell you when the fare changes. Your e-ticket is emailed to you and saved in the app.

Popular routes from Launceston Airport include:

• Launceston to Melbourne flights
• Launceston to Sydney flights
• Launceston to Brisbane flights
• Launceston to Adelaide flights
• Launceston to Flinders Island flights
• Launceston to King Island flights

From a hop across Bass Strait to an island getaway, compare flights from Launceston Airport on Traveloka and book the trip you want.