Getting around Darwin

By Ashlea Wheeler

While Darwin is the smallest of Australia’s major cities, it still has plenty of transport options for visitors including buses, driving, cycling, and walking. Here's how to move around Darwin like a local.

Public transport options in Darwin

To use the public bus network in Darwin, you can purchase a Tap and Ride card or buy single tickets on board (cash only). The Tap and Ride card is available for purchase as you board the bus (cash only) or from bus interchanges. Once you have the Tap and Ride card, you can take 10 bus trips or use it for seven consecutive days of unlimited travel before your credit runs out. To start your ride, tap your card on the card reader when you board.

If you choose not to buy a Tap and Ride card, you can use single tickets, valid for three hours from purchase, or daily tickets, which gives you one full day of unlimited bus travel. Tickets can be purchased as you board the bus, using cash only.

Buses

Most buses in Darwin travel between bus interchanges. The most useful bus for visitors is the route 4 bus which travels from Darwin Bus Interchange to Casuarina Bus Interchange via the waterfront. This bus stops by popular attractions such as Crocosaurus Cove, Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory, and Fannie Bay Gaol. Services run every 10-35 minutes throughout the day.

The Big Bus Tours hop-on, hop-off bus is another great way to see Darwin’s city attractions. You can purchase a one-day or two-day ticket. Tickets are available for purchase on the day, though a discount is available if you pre-book your tickets online. The bus will take you from the Tourist Information Centre to all the major sights including Cullen Bay Marina, Darwin Military Museum, and the Waterfront Precinct.

Getting to and from the airport

Public buses are available for travel between Darwin Airport and the city. Route 3A buses collect passengers from Charles Eaton Drive at the airport and travel to Casuarina Bus Interchange, with five to seven services per day. Route 3C/3D buses do this same journey in the opposite direction. You can use the Tap and Ride card or buy a single ticket to pay for this airport service, which costs the same as a regular bus fare within the city.

Accessible transport options

In Australia, airlines, trains, buses and ferries have accessible options for people using a wheelchair or mobility device. Darwin Airport provides special assistance for people with disabilities and can help with baggage, getting around the airport, and getting on and off the plane.