Launceston Airport
Airport guide 2026

Launceston Airport LST

Australia

Launceston Airport serves northern Tasmania, providing access to the picturesque Cataract Gorge and the wine-growing areas of the Tamar Valley.

It is located just a few kilometers from Launceston city center, Tasmania's second-largest city.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.launcestonairport.com.au

How to get to Launceston Airport

Launceston is accessible from its airport via taxi or shuttles, with a journey of a few minutes to the city centre.

By Car

Visitors arriving by car follow the Bass Highway, which connects the airport to central Launceston.

By Train

The airport lacks a train station.

By Bus

Shuttles operate to the city centre, coordinated with major flight schedules.
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Tips Launceston is a good gateway to northern Tasmania: if your itinerary includes the Tamar Valley, consider car rental directly at the airport.

Average travel time to LST

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus15-20 minutes
Taxi / Private hire15 minutes

Parking near Launceston Airport

The parking is close to the terminal and small in size.

After the 2026 tariff revision: Short-term 6 AUD for the first 30 minutes then 3 AUD/30 minutes, maximum 38 AUD/day; Long-term 35 AUD the first day then 20 AUD/day, maximum 90 AUD/week; Premium 60 AUD the first day then 30 AUD/day.

How to get to Launceston from LST

Connection to Launceston's city center is via taxi and shuttle services.

By Train

There is no train station inside the airport.

By Bus

Shuttle stops are located in the terminal's arrivals area.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; the regulated meter without airport surcharge in Tasmania applies roughly 38-55 AUD to the city center (15-20 minutes), with night/weekend rates at the upper range.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at Launceston Airport

Car rental desks from several companies are present, useful for exploring the Tamar Valley and northern Tasmania.

The agency typically requires a driving licence, passport, credit card, and an International Driving Permit.

 

Hotels near Launceston Airport

Launceston Airport is about 15 km from the centre, a quarter of an hour by car: since April 2024 there's no longer a regular public shuttle, so it's best to rely on a taxi, Uber, or some hotels' direct service. With the airport fairly isolated and no strong public transport alternatives, central Launceston still remains the simplest choice: that's where the branded hotels with parking are concentrated, and in some cases a direct link to the airport.
City centre

Central Launceston

About 15 km and a quarter of an hour by car from the airport; with the end of the public shuttle service in 2024, the options left are taxi, Uber, or the direct service offered by some hotels.

Best for: Those who want the city centre, the restaurants and walking proximity to City Park and Cataract Gorge.

Pros
  • City Park, the Princess Theatre and the Brisbane Street Mall shopping centre within walking distance
  • Cataract Gorge, the city's main natural attraction, is a few minutes from both hotels
Cons
  • Without your own car you always need a taxi or Uber for the airport, to be booked a little in advance
  • Outside the centre the range of branded hotels shrinks quickly
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport offers essential services suited to Launceston's role as a gateway to northern Tasmania.

Shopping & Duty Free

Commercial services are limited.

Lounges & relaxation

There are no private lounges, but the bar and dining area remains a comfortable alternative before departure.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi covers the public areas of the terminal. There is no mobile operator shop in the airport: for a local SIM it's advisable to visit a Telstra, Optus or Vodafone store in the city.

Families & Children

The terminal reserves basic-level assistance for families with children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is compact, with predominantly regional traffic relative to the larger Hobart airport.

The walk from check-in to gate takes only a few minutes thanks to the compact layout.

Map of Launceston Airport

Map of Launceston Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Launceston airport convenient for northern Tasmania?

Yes, it's the main air gateway to the island's northern region, including the Tamar Valley.

Q. How do you get from Launceston airport to the city center?

By taxi or shuttle, both available outside the terminal.

Q. Is it worth renting a car in Launceston?

Yes, it's often the most practical solution for exploring northern Tasmania beyond just the city itself.

Q. Can you reach the Tamar Valley from Launceston airport?

Yes, it's one of the wine regions closest to the airport, comfortably reachable by car.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Launceston

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