Cheap flights to Darwin from across Australia

Whether you're an adventure seeker looking to explore Australia's rugged landscapes or a travel enthusiast eager to experience its diverse cultures, Darwin offers something for everyone. Planning a trip to Darwin begins with finding the right flight, which can significantly enhance your travel experience by saving time and money. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about booking a flight to Darwin, including the best times to fly, cost-saving tips, and essential travel insights. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to plan a seamless trip.

How long is the flight to the Darwin?

When flying direct, here’s the approximate length of the flight to Darwin from other major cities. Of course, depending on the weather and whether you end up on a connecting flight, these times may be longer.

• Adelaide to Darwin: 3 hours, 40 minutes
• Cairns to Darwin: 2 hours, 35 minutes
• Gold Coast to Darwin: 4 hours, 20 minutes
• Melbourne to Darwin: 3 hours, 35 minutes
• Perth to Darwin: 3 hours, 35 minutes
• Sydney to Darwin: 4 hour, 25 minutes

Which airlines fly to Darwin from within Australia

• Jetstar: Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast (from June 2025), Melbourne, Sydney
• Qantas: Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
• Virgin Australia: Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth
• Airnorth: Alice Springs, Broome, Cairns, Elcho Island, Gove, Groote Eylandt, Katherine, Kununurra, Maningrida, McArthur River Mine, Milingimbi, Perth Tennant Creek, The Granites, Townsville
• Fly Tiwi: Gapuwiyak, Milikapiti, Minjilang, Nguiu, Pirlangimpi, Ramingining, Tennant Creek, Warruwi
• Nexus Airlines: Broome, Kununurra

International airlines flying to Darwin

If you’re booking a flight from outside Australia to Darwin, you can book with the following international airlines:

• AirAsia
• Singapore Airlines

Cheapest time to fly to Darwin

Timing is everything when booking affordable flights, and Darwin is no exception. Generally, the low season in Darwin is during the tropical wet season, from November to April. You can expect fewer tourists and potentially lower flight prices during this period, especially if you book mid-week flights. With those low prices though do come heavy rains and high humidity. Some natural swimming holes and sections of national parks may be closed because of this, too.

In contrast, the high season is during the dry months of May to October, when the weather is more temperate and conducive to outdoor activities. Flights tend to be more expensive during this time due to increased demand.

We recommend visiting during the shoulder season months so you have the best chance of getting to all the attractions and can still find relatively well-priced flights. That means visiting in March-May and from September to November.

Booking in advance is critical if you want to snag a good deal on your flight to Darwin. Airlines often release their cheapest seats about six months before departure, so start your search early to lock in the best rates. Additionally, setting up fare alerts can help you monitor price drops and receive notifications when your desired flight becomes more affordable. Traveloka offers historical data and alerts, making it a handy tool for travellers seeking budget-friendly options.

Where is Darwin Airport?

Not far from the city, the airport is about 10 kms from Darwin’s CBD and it’s shared with a RAAF base.

It’s conveniently located just a few minutes from the Stuart Highway, making it a breeze to get from the airport to national parks like Kakadu and Litchfield.

How to get to and from the airport in Darwin

• Taxi and rideshare: Taxis are ready and waiting at the rank in front of the terminal and will set you back about AU$30-AU$35 for the journey. If you prefer rideshare, you can order an Uber from the Rideshare Pickup Area, too.
• Public transportation: If you don’t mind a bit of a walk, you can take the number 4, 10 or OLD to Casuarina interchange and then change to route 3. You’ll be able to take the bus to Henry Wrigley Drive which will be an 8 minute walk to the terminal
• Rental car: If you’ve hired a car to explore Darwin and the Top End, it’s easy to get back to the airport from the city. It’s just a 15-minute drive from the CBD.
• Shuttle bus: Some nearby hotels do offer airport shuttle services for guests. You’ll need to enquire with your accommodation provider for schedules and pricing.

How early to arrive at DarwinAirport

Flying to Darwin from within Australia

If you’re booking a flight to Darwin from another Australian city, you’ll want to get to the airport at least an hour before departure. While you can usually check in for your Darwin flight online in advance, sometimes queues to drop checked baggage off can be slow so it’s best to leave extra time if you need it.

Flying to Darwin from outside of Australia

For international flights to Darwin, it’s best to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to check in, drop off any luggage, go through customs and pass security checks and relax before your flight to the Top End.