Getting to Launceston
One of the easiest corners of Tasmania to reach — fly into Launceston Airport, drive 2.5 hours from Hobart, or sail to Devonport, on kanamaluka / the Tamar.
Getting to Launceston
Launceston sits in northern Tasmania, on kanamaluka / the Tamar, and it’s one of the easiest corners of the island to reach. Fly straight into Launceston Airport, make the scenic 2.5-hour drive from Hobart on the Midland Highway, or sail across Bass Strait to Devonport and drive an hour east. With Cradle Mountain and Freycinet each about 2.5 hours away, it’s a natural base for the north. Here’s how to get there.
Ways to Get There
Launceston Airport
Direct flights link Launceston with mainland cities; hire a car at the terminal.
~2.5 hours by car
North on the Midland Highway — an easy inland run between the two cities.
Ferry to Devonport
The Spirit of Tasmania sails to Devonport, about an hour west — check current sailings.
Let us drive
Prefer not to drive? A guided tour handles the road, routes and bookings.
Getting Around
- Hire a car to explore — Launceston makes a great base for northern Tasmania
- Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and Hobart are each about 2.5 hours’ drive
- The Tamar Valley wine route starts on the city’s doorstep
- Check current flight and Spirit of Tasmania ferry times before you book
- Prefer guided? See our Launceston tours
Getting There — FAQ
How do you get to Launceston?
You can fly into Launceston Airport from mainland cities, drive the Midland Highway from Hobart in about 2.5 hours, or sail to Devonport on the Spirit of Tasmania and drive roughly an hour east. Check current flight and ferry times as they change.
How far is Launceston from Hobart?
About 2.5 hours by car on the Midland Highway — an easy inland run that links Tasmania’s two main cities and makes a natural loop of the island.
How far is Launceston from Cradle Mountain and Freycinet?
Each is roughly 2.5 hours’ drive, and Hobart is about the same, so Launceston makes an excellent base for northern Tasmania and beyond. See our day trips from Launceston.
Do you need a car in Launceston?
The compact city centre and Cataract Gorge are walkable, but a car helps for the Tamar Valley, Bridestowe and Ben Lomond. If you’d rather not drive, we run guided Launceston tours.
Can you get to Launceston by ferry?
Not directly — the Spirit of Tasmania sails from the mainland to Devonport, about an hour west by road, where you can hire a car and drive to Launceston. Check current sailings before you book.
Launceston, Planned Around You
Cataract Gorge in the heart of the city, the Tamar Valley’s cool-climate wine, lavender fields and Ben Lomond — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry