Townsville to Alice Springs

from $260: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Townsville to Alice Springs with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Plane

6h 45m

Fastest

$334-691

Drive

20h 54m

$260-380

Bus

75h 11m

$360-1

Train

104h 20m

Cheapest

$2-8

Bus, Train

113h 19m

$2-5

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Traveling From Townsville to Alice Springs

The journey from Townsville to Alice Springs offers travelers a fascinating shift from coastal tropical vibes to the rugged, sunburnt beauty of the Australian outback.

Best Neighbourhoods in Alice Springs

Alice Springs boasts diverse neighborhoods that offer rich cultural experiences.

Todd River

• Scenic river views and tranquil walking paths.

• Close to cafes and local art galleries.

Anzac Hill

• Provides stunning panoramic views of the town.

• Home to the iconic Anzac Hill lookout.

Old Eastside

• Features historic architecture and heritage sites.

• Offers a local market with fresh produce.

Best Times To Visit Alice Springs's Attractions

Timing your visit to attractions in Alice Springs can enhance your experience.

Alice Springs Desert Park

Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and lively animal activity.

Anzac Hill Lookout

Sunrise or sunset visits offer breathtaking views without the daytime crowds.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum

Afternoons during weekdays see fewer visitors, allowing for an immersive experience.

Alice Springs Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Alice Springs experiences a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, making spring and autumn the most pleasant times to visit. Understanding the weather helps you pack appropriately and plan your activities to enjoy the outdoors comfortably.

Dining Recommendations in Alice Springs

Consider trying the bush tucker platter at the Overlanders Steakhouse, which showcases native Australian ingredients like kangaroo and barramundi, setting it apart from the seafood-focused cuisine often found in Townsville. The rustic atmosphere and commitment to local flavors create a dining experience that immerses you in the heart of the outback.

How to Get from Townsville to Alice Springs: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$260 - OtherBest price

2083 kmDistance

6h 45m Fastest

Townsville - Alice Springs operators

Explore transport companies operating between Townsville and Alice Springs, with prices starting at $260. These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus

Contact phone

1300 473946

Website

https://www.greyhound.com.au/

Bus from Townsville to Brisbane

Average Duration

23h

Estimated price

AU$140-340

Bus from Brisbane to Central Station

Average Duration

14h

Estimated price

AU$85-200

Bus from Central Station to Albury

Average Duration

7h 35m

Estimated price

AU$60-140

Bus from Adelaide to Alice Springs

Average Duration

20h 30m

Estimated price

AU$130-330

Contact phone

13 34 10

Website

https://premierms.com.au/

Bus from Townsville to Brisbane Roma Street

Average Duration

23h 10m

Estimated price

AU$100-170

Bus from Townsville to Chermside Gympie Road

Average Duration

22h 45m

Estimated price

AU$100-170

Train

Contact phone

1800 872 467

Website

https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/

Train from Townsville to Roma Street

Average Duration

18m

Estimated price

AU$90-150

Train from Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration

14h 12m

Estimated price

AU$55-90

Train from Sydney Central Station to Adelaide Parklands

Average Duration

Estimated price

AU$261-600

Contact phone

1800 703 357

Website

https://journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Adelaide Parklands to Alice Springs

Average Duration

Estimated price

AU$318-759

Plane

Website

https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/home

Plane from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Alice Springs Airport (ASP)

Average Duration

9h 10m

Estimated price

AU$230-700

Website

https://virginaustralia.com/

Plane from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Alice Springs Airport (ASP)

Average Duration

7h 15m

Estimated price

AU$300-800

Website

https://www.qantas.com/

Plane from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Alice Springs Airport (ASP)

Average Duration

9h 25m

Estimated price

AU$440-850

Townsville to Alice Springs: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Townsville and Alice Springs offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Be prepared for potential delays or extended layovers as there are no direct flights; plan your connecting flight carefully to minimize waiting time between transfers.

• Upon arriving at Alice Springs Airport, familiarize yourself with the single terminal layout to efficiently navigate through baggage claim and customs; it's a compact airport that makes for straightforward navigation.

• Expect taxi fares from Alice Springs Airport to the city center to be around AUD 25-$35; consider booking a rideshare in advance for a more cost-effective option, and check local transport schedules at Alice Springs Airport Transport.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Townsville to Alice Springs.

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The distance between Townsville and Alice Springs is 1432 km by air, while the road distance is 2083 km. Traveling by plane is the fastest option, taking approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes. Taking a train from Townsville to Alice Springs would be longer, with the exact duration depending on the train schedule. There is also the option to combine bus and train travel, but the duration for this route is not specified. Traveling by car from Alice Springs to Townsville would take around 20 hours and 54 minutes.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Townsville to Alice Springs is to drive, as it is the cheapest option with costs ranging from $260 to $380. However, it is not the most time-efficient, as it takes approximately 20 hours and 54 minutes. If time-efficiency is a priority, then flying is the best option to reach Alice Springs from Townsville, taking approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes with costs ranging from $330 to $800.

The price range for a train journey between Townsville and Alice Springs is between $700 and $2361. Alternatively, taking a bus between Alice Springs and Townsville can cost anywhere from $320 to $1177.

To travel from Townsville to Alice Springs without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The distance between the two cities is approximately 2082 km, and it takes roughly 20 hours and 54 minutes by car. The prices for a car rental range from $260 to $380, depending on the rental agency and vehicle type.

To travel from Townsville to Alice Springs without a car, you have a few options. The quickest way is to fly, which takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes and costs around $330-$800. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes about 3 days and 11 hours and costs $320-$1200. Another option is to take a train via Sydney, which takes about 3 days and 16 hours and costs $700-$2400.

There is no direct link between Townsville and Alice Springs. However, there are options for travel between the two cities. You can take a train, but it requires multiple transfers and takes approximately 3 days and 16 hours. Another option is to take a bus, which also requires transfers and takes around 3 days and 11 hours.

The flight between Townsville and Alice Springs typically takes around 6 hours and 55 minutes, including one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available, so passengers will have to make a connecting flight. The cost of the flight can vary, with prices ranging from $333 to $790 depending on the airline and the time of booking.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Alice Springs. With over 23 hotels to choose from, there is something for every budget and preference. Prices start at just $17, making it easy to find affordable options.