Getting to Alice Springs
In the heart of the Red Centre, Alice Springs is a long way from everywhere — most people fly in, but you can also drive the Stuart Highway or ride the Ghan. Here is how each option works.
Getting to Alice Springs
Alice Springs sits smack in the middle of the continent, in the heart of the Red Centre — which is part of its magic, and part of the planning. Most visitors fly straight in to Alice Springs Airport, while the more adventurous drive the Stuart Highway or ride the Ghan train across the outback. Here’s how each option works, so you can pick the arrival that suits your trip. Routes, timetables and road conditions change, so always check current details before you commit.
How to Get Here
Alice Springs Airport
Domestic flights from the major capitals, a short drive from the town centre.
The Stuart Highway
Sealed road the length of the Territory — roughly 1,500 km from Darwin, further from Adelaide.
The Ghan
A multi-day journey between Adelaide and Darwin, with Alice Springs near the midpoint.
Car & 4WD Hire
Hire a car for the ranges, or a 4WD for remoter roads — check current availability.
Arrival Tips
- Flying is fastest — Alice Springs Airport is a short drive from the town centre
- Confirm current flight routes and airlines before booking
- Driving the Stuart Highway is a big trip — plan fuel, breaks and overnight stops
- Check current road conditions before any long outback drive
- The Ghan is seasonal with limited departures — check current timetables and fares
- Heading on to Uluru? It’s a long day south — see the Alice to Uluru drive
Getting to Alice Springs — FAQ
How do most people get to Alice Springs?
Most visitors fly in. Alice Springs Airport handles domestic flights from major Australian capitals, and it’s a short drive from the town centre — routes and airlines change, so check current details when you book.
Can you drive to Alice Springs?
Yes. Alice Springs sits on the Stuart Highway, the sealed road that runs the length of the Territory — it’s roughly 1,500 km down from Darwin and a much longer haul up from Adelaide. It’s a big drive, so plan fuel, breaks and overnight stops, and check current road conditions before you set out.
Does the Ghan train go to Alice Springs?
Yes. The Ghan runs between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin, and Alice is roughly the midpoint. It’s a multi-day journey and a trip in its own right rather than a quick transfer — departures are limited and seasonal, so check current timetables and fares.
How far is Uluru from Alice Springs?
Uluru is around 450 km (about 4.5–5 hours) south by road — a long day, not a quick hop. See the Alice to Uluru drive, or plan the region with the Uluru guide.
Do I need a car in Alice Springs?
The town itself is compact, but a hire car makes the region much easier and a 4WD helps on remoter roads. Once here, see getting around Alice Springs for local transport and distances.
Alice Springs, Planned Around You
The MacDonnell Ranges and their gorges and waterholes, the Desert Park and the Telegraph Station, and the road south to Uluru — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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