Is there a train to Young?

No, there is no direct passenger rail service to Young; the nearest station is Cootamundra.

Can I drive a standard car?

Yes, the entire route is sealed, but a 4WD is recommended for comfort.

Are there flights to Young?

No, Young does not have a commercial airport; Canberra is the closest major hub.

How long is the drive?

It is approximately 2,600 kilometers and takes about 28 hours of pure driving time.

Is the Stuart Highway safe?

It is safe, but requires vigilance regarding wildlife and heavy vehicle traffic.

Alice Springs

Young

Flight Driving

Alice Springs to Young

Updated: 27 May 2026

The journey from Alice Springs to Young spans approximately 2,600 kilometers across the Australian interior. Most travelers fly from Alice Springs Airport to Canberra Airport, followed by a 2-hour drive via the A25. Driving the full distance requires navigating the Stuart Highway to Port Augusta, then connecting to the Newell Highway. This route crosses the arid Red Centre into the fertile slopes of New South Wales. Expect significant changes in climate and terrain as you move from desert scrub to agricultural plains.

Total Distance: 2,600 km driving distance; 2,050 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight from Alice Springs to Canberra followed by a 2-hour drive takes approximately 6 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest for groups of three or more, costing roughly $500 in fuel.

Compare Alice Springs to Young Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours	28 hours
Avg Price	$600 - $900	$500 - $700 in fuel
Operator	Qantas	Private Vehicle
Route	Alice Springs Airport to Canberra Airport, then rental car to Young.	Stuart Highway (A87) to Port Augusta, then A32 and Newell Highway (A39).
Tip	Book your rental car in advance at Canberra Airport as local options in Young are limited.	Carry at least 20 liters of extra water and ensure your spare tire is in perfect condition.

Travel Tips

Fuel Stops
Refuel at every major town on the Stuart Highway, such as Coober Pedy, to avoid running dry.
Wildlife Caution
Avoid driving at dawn or dusk due to high kangaroo activity on the Newell Highway.
Accommodation
Book motels in advance when passing through regional hubs like Port Augusta or Hay.
Connectivity
Download offline maps as mobile reception is non-existent for long stretches of the outback.
Vehicle Check
Perform a full mechanical inspection before leaving Alice Springs, focusing on cooling and tires.

Safety Tips

Fatigue Management
Stop every two hours for a 15-minute break to prevent driver fatigue on long stretches.
Emergency Supplies
Carry a satellite phone or PLB if traveling solo through remote sections of the Stuart Highway.
Road Trains
Give road trains plenty of space and only overtake on long, clear straights.
Weather Alerts
Check the Bureau of Meteorology for flood warnings, especially when crossing the Darling River basin.