Aerial View of Darwin International Airport

Darwin International Airport DRW

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Darwin International Airport (DRW) Guide

Welcome to Darwin International Airport, your entry to Australia's Northern Territory and its unique outdoor art gallery, showcasing local culture. Our concise guide ensures a seamless journey through DRW, from efficient check-ins to breathtaking views.

Need a quick yet detailed DRW overview? Our guide has it all - from flight updates, terminal info, to dining and shopping. Dive deeper with iFly's Comprehensive Airport Guide.

DRW has one main terminal with two levels, and it serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal is divided into two sections: the northern end is used for domestic flights, while the southern end is used for international flights. The airport has a total of 16 gates, with 10 gates for domestic flights and 6 gates for international flights.

Major airlines that operate at DRW include Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Airnorth. Qantas and Jetstar operate from the northern end of the terminal, while Virgin Australia and Airnorth operate from the southern end. International airlines such as SilkAir, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines also operate from the southern end of the terminal.

Passengers can easily navigate the airport terminals by following the signs and directions provided throughout the terminal. The airport also offers various services and amenities, including restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, ATMs, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

DRW Airport has one main terminal building that houses both domestic and international flights. The terminal is easy to navigate, with all gates located within a short walking distance. There are no shuttle buses or trains needed to get between terminals, as there is only one terminal building.

Passengers arriving at the airport can expect a quick and hassle-free experience, as the terminal is well-equipped with all necessary facilities such as baggage claim, customs, and immigration. The airport also offers a range of dining and shopping options for passengers to enjoy while waiting for their flights.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At DRW, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the designated curbside areas outside the terminal buildings. However, there are restrictions on the time limit for parking in these areas, so it is important to plan accordingly. Vehicles are not allowed to park or wait at the curbside for more than two minutes, and drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times.

If you need to wait for arriving passengers, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas where you can park your vehicle for free and wait until your passenger has arrived and collected their luggage. These waiting areas are located near the terminal buildings and can be accessed by following the signs from the main airport entrance. It is important to note that vehicles are not allowed to be left unattended in these waiting areas, and drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times.

Parking Facilities & Options

When it comes to parking at DRW Airport, travelers have several options to choose from. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with multiple lots and garages available for your convenience.

If you're picking up or dropping off passengers, there are designated cell phone waiting areas where you can wait for your party to arrive without having to pay for parking. These areas are conveniently located near the terminal, making it easy to meet up with your loved ones.

For those with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spots available in all parking areas. These spots are located close to the terminal for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking may be a good choice for you. There are several off-airport parking lots located near the airport that offer shuttle service to and from the terminal. These lots can be a cost-effective alternative to parking at the airport itself.

Get details about DRW parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport provides a variety of ground transportation options to suit every traveler's needs.

Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty offering their services. The car rental desks are located in the arrivals area of the terminal building.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside the terminal building. The fares are metered and vary depending on the destination. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

Shared ride services such as Uber and Ola are available for pickup at the designated ride-share pickup area located outside the terminal building. However, it is important to note that ride-sharing services are only allowed to drop off passengers at the airport and not pick them up.

Airport shuttles are available for passengers who prefer a more cost-effective mode of transportation. The shuttle service operates 24 hours a day, with pickup areas located outside the terminal building. Fares vary depending on the destination and can be purchased at the shuttle desk located in the arrivals area of the terminal building.

For those who prefer public transportation, the airport is serviced by the public bus system. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building, and fares can be purchased on board. However, it is important to note that the bus service operates on a limited schedule, so it is recommended to check the timetable beforehand.

Airport Hotels

Are you looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We have a selection of the best hotels that range from luxury resorts to cozy motels, all located within close proximity to the airport. These accommodations offer a variety of amenities including complimentary airport transfers, free WiFi, on-site dining, and more. Some of these hotels are situated in serene neighborhoods, providing a tranquil retreat for travelers. Others are located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to local attractions. Whether you're looking for a hotel with a poolside dining experience, a resort with ample parking facilities, or a motel with gaming facilities for entertainment, you'll find a suitable option in this list. Check out our Darwin Airport Hotels for more information.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for dining and shopping options at the airport, you won't be disappointed. The airport offers a variety of restaurants and stores to choose from, no matter what you're in the mood for.

One recommended restaurant is The Green Room, located in the departures area. This restaurant offers a range of delicious meals made with fresh, local ingredients. Another great option is the Hungry Jack's fast food chain, which can be found in both the arrivals and departures areas. For those looking for a quick snack, there are several cafes and bakeries located throughout the airport, including Hudsons Coffee and Bumbu Desa.

When it comes to shopping, Darwin International Airport has plenty of options. For souvenirs and gifts, head to Australian Way or The Crocodile Shop. For duty-free shopping, there are several stores to choose from, including JR/Duty Free and Australian Duty Free. Other stores at the airport include News Travels, Tech2Go, and Sunglass Hut.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Darwin Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, browse the full directory here.

Passenger Services

Darwin International Airport is committed to providing its passengers with a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience. Here are some of the passenger services available at the airport:

Wifi Access: Free wifi is available throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected with their loved ones or work while waiting for their flight.

Lost and Found: If you have lost an item at the airport, you can contact the Lost Property Office located in the terminal building. The office is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays.

Children's Areas: The airport has a dedicated children's play area located in the departure lounge, equipped with toys and games to keep the little ones entertained.

Special-Needs Services: Darwin Airport is committed to providing assistance to passengers with special needs. Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other assistance can be arranged by contacting your airline in advance.

Banking: There are several ATMs and currency exchange services available at the airport, making it easy for passengers to access cash or exchange currency.

Medical Help: In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a first aid room located in the terminal building. Trained medical staff are available to provide assistance if needed.

Flight Status Info

As a traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight. At DRW, there are several ways to check your flight status.

One option is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS), which provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. These displays are located throughout the airport, making it easy to find the information you need.

Another option is to download your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to check your flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check in for your flight. You can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications through these apps to stay updated on any changes to your flight.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at DRW Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

When traveling through DRW Airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are typically early morning and late afternoon, so if possible, try to avoid these times to minimize wait times and potential delays.

Getting to the Airport

There are several options for getting to the airport, including taxi, shuttle bus, and private car. Taxis are available 24/7 and can be hailed from the taxi rank located outside the terminal building. Shuttle buses operate on a regular schedule and provide transportation to and from various locations throughout Darwin. If you prefer to drive yourself, the airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options.

Getting Oriented

When arriving at Darwin International Airport, it can be helpful to use the interactive airport maps available on iFly.com. These maps provide detailed information on the airport's layout, including the location of gates, shops, and restaurants. Additionally, airport staff are available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Darwin Airport, it is important to arrive early and be prepared for security screening. Make sure to have all necessary documents, such as your passport or boarding pass, easily accessible. Additionally, be aware of any restrictions on liquids or other items in your carry-on luggage. Finally, keep an eye on the airport's flight status board to stay informed of any delays or cancellations.

Airport Facts & Stats

The airport, located in Australia, is the busiest airport in the Northern Territory. The airport has one terminal building which serves both domestic and international flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at Darwin International Airport are Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. On average, the airport handles around 4,000 passengers daily and has around 60 daily flights.

Darwin Airport serves a number of domestic and international destinations. On average, the airport serves around 20 destinations. The top 5 destinations served from DRW are Bali, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Several air carriers use DRW Airport as a hub, including Airnorth and Alliance Airlines.

Airport History

The airport, located in Darwin, Australia, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here are some of the significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1919 - The first aircraft landed in Darwin, marking the beginning of aviation in the region.
  • 1920 - The first commercial flight from Darwin to Katherine was operated by Australian Aerial Services.
  • 1934 - The first airport in Darwin was established at Parap, with a single runway and basic facilities.
  • 1942 - During World War II, Darwin Airport was heavily bombed by the Japanese, causing significant damage to the runway and facilities.
  • 1946 - The airport was reopened for civilian use after extensive repairs and upgrades.
  • 1966 - Darwin Airport was officially declared an international airport, with the construction of a new terminal and runway.
  • 1986 - A major expansion project was undertaken, which included the construction of a new international terminal and a second runway.
  • 2008 - The airport was renamed Darwin International Airport, to reflect its growing importance as a regional hub.
  • 2019 - Darwin Airport celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of aviation in the Northern Territory.

Today, DRW is a modern and efficient facility, serving over 2 million passengers each year and connecting Darwin to destinations across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Darwin International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: DRW
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +61 8 8920 1811
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Darwin International Airport, GPO Box 735, Darwin NT 0801, Australia

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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