IATA Code
DRW
ICAO Code
YPDN
Airport Type
Large Airport
Class
International

Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the main civil airport serving Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, co‑located with RAAF Darwin. It handles domestic flights across Australia and a limited number of international services to nearby countries. The civilian terminal complex is compact and handles both domestic and international processing.

Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin
Elevation: 31 m
-12.4150, 130.8819

Terminal Guide for Darwin International Airport (DRW) / RAAF Darwin #

The civilian airport operates from a single passenger terminal complex that houses both domestic and international operations with dedicated processing areas. The military side is separate and restricted; civilian passengers use the public terminal facilities for check‑in, security, and immigration for international services.

Getting to and From Darwin International Airport (DRW) #

The airport sits roughly 10-20 minutes by car from Darwin’s central business district depending on traffic. There is no heavy rail link.

  • Taxis & shuttles: Taxis and hotel shuttles provide regular transfers; pre‑booked shuttles are common for hotels.
  • Car hire & private transfer: Rental cars are available at the terminal and driving into the city is straightforward.
  • Public bus: Local bus services connect the airport with parts of Darwin; frequency is lower outside business hours.
  • Driving: Road link to the city is direct but check seasonal weather impacts on travel time.

Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Darwin International Airport (DRW) #

Darwin’s airport offers a range of services appropriate for a regional capital.

  • Lounges: Select airline or pay‑per‑use lounges may be available.
  • Food & drink: Multiple cafés and fast‑service outlets in the terminal.
  • Wi‑Fi & charging: Public Wi‑Fi and charging points available throughout the terminal.
  • Shops: Retail and basic duty‑free for international passengers.
  • Accessibility: Accessible facilities and assistance available; contact airline/airport for specifics.

Tips for Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin #

  • Allow extra time for travel into Darwin CBD in wet season - roads can be slower with heavy rain.
  • Taxis and airport shuttles are the most reliable ways to the city; rideshare availability may vary.
  • If connecting between civilian and military operations, follow airport signage - certain areas are restricted.

Weather & Climate near Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin #

Climate

Darwin International Airport / RAAF Darwin's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1812 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 40 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 25° - 32° 33° 484 mm overcast 81% 3.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.6h
February Acceptable 25° - 32° 33° 335 mm overcast 81% 3.4 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.4h
March Acceptable 24° - 32° 32° 361 mm overcast 79% 2.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 24° - 33° 32° 102 mm partly cloudy 74% 2.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.7h
May Ideal 22° - 32° 27° 21 mm some cloud 68% 2.9 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
June Ideal 19° - 31° 25° 2 mm some cloud 59% 3.1 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
July Ideal 18° - 31° 24° 0 mm some cloud 56% 3.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.3h
August Ideal 20° - 31° 26° 8 mm some cloud 54% 2.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.6h
September Ideal 23° - 33° 29° 16 mm partly cloudy 60% 3.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.9h
October Very Good 25° - 34° 32° 79 mm partly cloudy 63% 2.8 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.3h
November Good 25° - 34° 33° 134 mm partly cloudy 69% 2.5 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.6h
December Acceptable 25° - 33° 33° 270 mm overcast 76% 3.2 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.7h

Nearby Cities #