World Country Guide

Travel - International

Air
The national airline is Qantas (QF) (website: www.qantas.com.au). About 25 international airlines fly to Australia.

Approximate flight times
From London to Adelaide is 24 hours 25 minutes, to Brisbane is 23 hours 25 minutes, to Cairns is 25 hours 45 minutes, to Darwin is 21 hours 25 minutes, to Melbourne is 23 hours, to Perth is 21 hours 50 minutes and to Sydney is 23 hours 30 minutes.
From Los Angeles to Sydney is 13 hours 30 minutes. From New York to Perth is 30 hours and to Sydney is 20 hours.
From Singapore to Sydney is eight hours and to Perth is five hours.

International airports
Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. All airports have a duty free shop, bank/bureau de change, restaurant/bar, tourist information kiosk, car hire and taxi stand; these will almost always be available on arrival and departure of international flights.
Sydney Airport (SYD) (Kingsford Smith) (website: www.sydneyairport.com) is 8km (5 miles) south of the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Airport Link connects the airport to Sydney Central Station (travel time – 13 minutes). Coaches meet all incoming international and domestic flights, departing every 20 to 30 minutes. There are many courtesy guest shuttles; enquire at hotel when booking is made. The international terminal is separate from the domestic terminal. Passengers may be set down at city airline terminals and some city hotels, motels and guest houses on request. There are also buses and taxis.
Adelaide Airport (ADL) (website: www.aal.com.au) is 6km (4 miles) west of the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Coaches meet all international and domestic flights. Buses and taxis are available to the city and hotels. A new terminal is currently under construction.
Melbourne Airport (MEL) (Tullamarine) (website: www.melbourne-airport.com.au) is 22km (14 miles) northwest of the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Skybus Coach (24 hours) or taxis are available to the city centre. There are also regional bus links from the airport.
Perth Airport (PER) (website: www.perthairport.com) is 12km (7 miles) northeast of the city (travel time – 25 minutes). There are separate international and domestic terminals. Airport buses meet international and domestic flights. Taxis are available.
Brisbane Airport (BNE) (website: www.bne.com.au) is 13km (8 miles) northeast of the city (travel time – 35 minutes). Coach services are available to the city, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and major hotels. Coaches meet all international flights. A rail link between the airport and the city was introduced in 2001. Taxis are also available.
Darwin Airport (DRW) (website: www.darwinairport.com.au) is 13km (8 miles) northeast of the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Coaches and taxis meet all incoming international daytime flights.
Hobart Airport (HBA) (website: www.hobartairpt.com.au) is 16km (10 miles) east of the city (travel time – 25 minutes). Coaches meet all incoming flights. Buses and taxis are available to the city.
Cairns Airport (CNS) is 8km (5 miles) north of the city (travel time – 10 minutes). Coaches meet all incoming flights. There is also a shuttle taxi service, limousines, car hire and taxis.
Canberra Airport (CBR) (website: www.canberraairport.com.au) is 8km (5 miles) east of Canberra (travel time – 15 minutes). Taxis and shuttle buses are available to the city centre.

Departure tax
None.

Sea
Cruise liners dock at Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth (Port of Fremantle), Adelaide and Brisbane. International cruise lines calling at Australian ports include Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Orient Lines, P&O, Princess Lines and Silver Sea.