Darwin Airport Guide

sleeping in darwin airport — (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / August 2014)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Darwin Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

The couches were soft and long enough for most girls. If you’re tall, that would be probably not comfortable enough for you. – AmoMattia

DRW Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Darwin International Airport.

What to Expect

Darwin Airport (code: DRW) has a small, single terminal that handles domestic and international flights. The terminal includes a few eateries, shops and duty free shopping, including some 24-hour concessions. WiFi is available, and there are plenty of outlets to charge mobile devices. Free showers are available. Additional comfort can be found through fee-based access to the airport’s first-class lounge.

Sleeping in Darwin Airport

Travellers report that the airside is more conducive to sleeping than the landside. There are armrest-free benches on the upper level as well as carpeted flooring throughout the terminal. For uninterrupted sleep, there are some hotels within walking distance of the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Darwin Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Darwin Airport:

Novotel Darwin Airport – Upscale hotel within walking distance of the terminal.
Mercure Darwin Airport Resort – Mid-range resort within walking distance of the terminal.
ibis Darwin Airport Hotel (0.3 mi / 0.5 km) – Budget hotel within walking distance of the terminal.
Quality Hotel Darwin Airport (0.9 mi / 1.4 km) – Mid-range hotel.

Airport Shuttle: A few nearby airport hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle service. Check with your hotel for pick-up instructions and schedules.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Catalina Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, Level 1, near Gate 6. Hours: 2 hours before the first international departure until the last international flight (based on flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (AUD 55 per person for up to 3 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Qantas Club – Location: Domestic Terminal, Airside (combined Domestic/International; note: International Transit Lounge is separate for specific flights). Hours: One hour before the first Qantas flight until the last Qantas departure. Showers: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Qantas Club members, Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One/Platinum/Gold, oneworld Sapphire/Emerald, Business/First Class on Qantas or oneworld flights, single-entry pass, complimentary invitation.

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Drinking water fountains are available free of charge. Locations: Ground Floor and Airside, in the Domestic Departures Lounge.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. At the time of this update, there were no 24-hour food options other than a Relay in Domestic Departures, on the first floor.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Self-service luggage lockers are available and accept credit card payment only. Rates (per 24 hours):

Small bag: AUD 12
Medium bag: AUD 16
Large bag: AUD 19

Location: In a sheltered walkway area of the Short Stay car park, near the terminal entrance. Hours: Available 24 hours.

Mobile Charging

Mobile charging points are available throughout the terminal. Availability of power outlets near seating may vary, so having a backup battery is recommended during busy periods.

Showers

Free shower facilities are available in the Domestic Departures area on Level 1. These are first-come, first-served. Travellers must bring their own toiletries and towel.

Showers are also available inside the Catalina Lounge for eligible guests. See Airport Lounges above.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “DarwinAirport” network and follow the prompts to log in.

Laptop workstations are located on the ground level, landside. Availability may vary.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Amusement Machines – Coin-operated “amusement” machines (likely arcade-style games) are available on the Ground and First Floors.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available throughout the terminal, including in the International Departures area. Some machines dispense foreign currency through Travel Money Oz. Fees may apply. Check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling internationally, and consider notifying your bank of your travel plans.
Baby Care Facilities – Baby changing facilities are available in multiple areas, both landside and airside, including near the check-in desks, in the baggage claim area, and in the departures lounges.
Baggage Trolleys – Baggage trolleys are available free of charge.
Change Machines – Change machines are located on the Ground Floor near Giancarlo Café & Bar.
Currency Exchange – Travel Money Oz provides currency exchange services in the Arrivals Hall (Ground Floor) and in the International Departures lounge (Level 1). Foreign currency can also be withdrawn from Travelex ATMs located throughout the terminal.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available for international passengers in both International Departures (Level 1) and International Arrivals (Ground Floor). For convenience items, gifts and snacks, a 24-hour Relay is available in the Domestic Departures area on the first floor.
Medical Services – A First Aid Station is available. Contact a staff member if assistance is required.
Postal Services – A public mailbox is located landside, in front of the terminal building.
Prayer Room – A prayer room is available airside in the Departures Hall, near Gate 11.
Smoking – Designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal building.
Viewing Terrace – A viewing terrace is accessible on the First Floor.

Airlines

Darwin Airport is served by the following airlines: Air North • Donghai Airlines • Jetstar • Qantas • SilkAir • Virgin Australia.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

Car rental desks are on the ground floor, near the Baggage Collection area of the Arrivals Hall. The following agencies are located on-site: Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Thrifty.

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Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Mercure Darwin Airport Resort • Novotel Darwin Airport • Quality Hotel Darwin Airport.

Shuttle

Darwin Airport Shuttle offers a convenient and economical shared-ride shuttle service between DRW airport and all Darwin City accommodations. Shuttles run from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, with a total trip time between the city center of 15 minutes (plus pickup/drop-off time). To book a ride, visit the Darwin Airport Shuttle website or head to the Darwin Airport Shuttle desk in the Baggage Collection area of the Arrivals Hall. At the time of this update, fares start at AU$24 per person one-way (AU$48 round-trip), with discounts available for multiple passengers.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available from the taxi rank in front of the airport terminal. At the time of this update, the average fare between the airport and Darwin CBD is between AU$25 – AU$30, with a surcharge of AU$4 for all fares leaving the airport.

Last updated: 2026-02-18

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.