Kakadu National Park Transport

Darwin International Airport
Darwin International Airport is the nearest aviation facility to Kakadu providing major international access for holidaymakers bound for the park. The airport serves direct flights from Asia only, requiring visitors from Europe and North America to make a change en route.

The airport is located eight miles from downtown Darwin and is served by several ground transportation options. A single, two-storey air-conditioned terminal handles all flights with services offered around the clock. A good selection of passenger facilities is available including information desks, ATMs, bureau de change counters and a wide range of dining and shopping outlets. There are also showers, an arcade, internet kiosks and a Wi-fi signal throughout the terminal.

Getting to or from the airport is uncomplicated with shuttle buses connecting with the city and offering service to most regional destinations. Shuttles leave from outside of the Arrivals area of the terminal and must be booked a minimum of one day in advance. Taxis are also available and can be hired from a stand located at the front of the terminal building.

Alternatively, there are car rental companies operating inside the terminal for visitors preferring to make their own way to their onward destination. Passengers arriving at the airport by rental or private vehicle will find ample parking facilities with options for both short and long stays.

If you are planning on staying in Darwin and only making a short trip to Kakadu, then taking one of the many coach tours from the city is probably your best option. There are all manner of tours available with different itineraries offered so visitors of all ages and backgrounds are catered for. The journey by road from Darwin to the park takes approximately three hours.

If you have even less time or would just like to travel in style and with considerably more convenience, then you can take one of the tours that will fly you by small jet plane from Darwin to the park.

Alternatively you can rent a car and make the relatively easy journey to the park by yourself. It’s worth noting that visitors who choose to rent regular two-wheel drive vehicles may not be able to access some parts of the park, especially during the wet season. If you intend on driving the whole time you are resident in the park then consider hiring a four-wheel drive vehicle, which will be able to handle the bumpy or slippy terrain with considerably more ease.

The alternative to driving during your stay is to make use of the various tours that are available. The Bowali Visitor Centre is the best place to head for details of the various road and water trips that are on offer.