Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin (DRW)
Darwin, AU 🇦🇺 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
YPDN
IATA
DRW
Elevation
103 ft
Region
AU-NT
Local Time
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GPS Code: YPDN
Local Code: Not available
Location: -12.41497° N, 130.88185° E
Continent: Oceania
Type: Large International Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Recent traveler reviews for Darwin International Airport (YPDN (DRW)) in Darwin, AU, present a mixed but generally moderate picture of satisfaction. While some travelers praise the airport for its efficiency, modern security, and relaxed atmosphere during off-peak times, others express frustration with inconsistent service, limited amenities at certain hours, and issues with cleanliness and self-check-in systems. The airport is often described as a small to mid-sized regional facility that has undergone refurbishment in recent years.
What Travelers Love
- Efficient Security and Short Wait Times: Many travelers appreciate the fast security screening process, which often takes around 15 minutes or less, especially outside peak hours. The airport also utilizes modern security technology, meaning passengers often do not need to remove laptops or aerosols from their bags.
- Good Parking Options and Ground Transportation: Darwin Airport offers various parking options, including Long Stay PLUS and Long Stay SAVER, with touchless number plate recognition for convenience. Travelers also find readily available taxis, shuttle buses, rideshares (Uber), and car rental services.
- Free Showers and 24/7 Operation: The terminal is open 24/7, providing flexibility for travelers. Free shower facilities are available in the Domestic Departures area on the first floor, enhancing comfort for those with layovers.
- Refurbished Areas and Adequate Seating: Parts of the airport have been refurbished, offering good facilities, and there are generally plenty of seats available for waiting passengers. Free WiFi and charging stations are also available.
Common Complaints
- Inconsistent Staff Assistance and Self-Check-in Issues: Some travelers report a lack of staff assistance and find the self-check-in system to be unreliable or frustrating. Staff attitudes can also be perceived as unfriendly or rushing at times.
- Limited Amenities and Cleanliness Issues: Food and bar options can be limited, especially during off-peak times. Concerns have been raised about the cleanliness of departure lounges, describing them as old, cracked, and dirty, with some reporting broken lifts and poor signage.
- Peak Hour Congestion and Baggage Delays: While generally efficient, the airport can become very busy during specific peak hours (around 11 am to 1:30 pm and 11 pm to 1:30 am). There are also reports of delayed baggage delivery and slow service at security checks during these periods. Current estimated security wait times can be up to 30 minutes, and immigration up to 9 minutes.
Overall, Darwin International Airport appears to function reasonably well as a regional hub, particularly for domestic travel, offering key conveniences like modern security and free showers. However, travelers should be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service, limited dining choices outside peak hours, and some cleanliness issues, especially if traveling during busy periods.
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Current Weather Conditions
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Airport Routes
Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin (DRW) offers 43 flight routes operated by 9 airlines. Major carriers include Qantas, Airnorth Regional, Jetstar and others. Popular destinations from Darwin include Perth Int'l, Brisbane, Melbourne Tullamarine, Sydney and Presidente Nicolau Lobato Int'l (Comoro Int'l).
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Perth Int'l (PER) 3
- Brisbane (BNE) 3
- Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) 3
- Sydney (SYD) 2
- Presidente Nicolau Lobato Int'l (Comoro Int'l) (DIL) 2
- Singapore Changi (SIN) 2
- Adelaide Int'l (ADL) 2
- Ngurah Rai/Bali Intl (DPS) 2
- Groote Eylandt (GTE) 2
- Cairns Int'l (CNS) 2
- Kununurra (KNX) 2
- Townsville Int'l / RAAF (TSV) 1
Newly Discovered
- Ngurah Rai/Bali Intl (DPS) new
- Gove (GOV) new
- Sydney (SYD) new
- Kununurra (KNX) new
- Milingimbi (MGT) new
- Adelaide Int'l (ADL) new
- Cairns Int'l (CNS) new
- Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) new
- Perth Int'l (PER) new
- Singapore Changi (SIN) new
- Presidente Nicolau Lobato Int'l (Comoro Int'l) (DIL) new
- Groote Eylandt (GTE) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Darwin International Airport / RAAF DarwinAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Qantas
QFA
/ QF
|
8 | 580 | 8 | Feb 7, 2026 |
|
Airnorth Regional
ANO
/ TL
|
12 | 562 | 12 | Feb 7, 2026 |
Jetstar
JST
/ JQ
|
6 | 247 | 6 | Feb 7, 2026 |
|
Alliance Airlines
UTY
/ QQ
|
4 | 199 | 4 | Feb 7, 2026 |
Virgin Australia
VOZ
/ VA
|
3 | 154 | 3 | Feb 7, 2026 |
Singapore Airlines
SIA
/ SQ
|
1 | 58 | 1 | Feb 7, 2026 |
|
Network Aviation
NWK
|
1 | 45 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
AirAsia
AXM
/ AK
|
1 | 31 | 1 | Jan 30, 2026 |
|
Indonesia AirAsia
AWQ
/ QZ
|
1 | 24 | 1 | Feb 7, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11/29 |
11004 ft | 197 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
18/36 |
5000 ft | 98 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| A/D | APP | 125.2 MHz |
| ARTC | BRISBANE CNTR | 118.15 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 112.6 MHz |
| CLD | CLNC DEL | 126.8 MHz |
| DEP | DEP | 123.0 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.8 MHz |
| MISC | RAAF AIR OPS | 897.4 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 133.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are readily available at a dedicated rank located directly outside the terminal building. The main provider is the Blue Taxi Company. A $4 airport exit fee applies to all fares. The journey to the Darwin CBD takes approximately 15 minutes and typically costs between AUD $25-$35, depending on traffic.
Rental Cars
Several major car rental companies operate directly from the airport, with service desks located inside the arrivals hall. These include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Thrifty. Vehicles are collected from a dedicated car park adjacent to the terminal. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak tourist season (May-October).
Public Transportation
There is no direct public bus service to the terminal building. The nearest public bus stop is a significant walk (approx. 1.5-2 km) away on Charles Eaton Drive, making it impractical for travelers with luggage. A more convenient option is the Darwin Airport Shuttle, a private service offering door-to-door transfers to the CBD and various accommodations. Bookings can be made online or at their desk in the arrivals hall.
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