Is there a direct flight to Alice Springs?

No, you must connect through a major hub like Perth.

How long is the drive?

It is approximately 30 hours of pure driving time, excluding stops.

What is the best time to visit?

Winter is ideal for comfortable weather.

Are there trains to Alice Springs?

Yes, the Ghan train runs from Adelaide or Darwin to Alice Springs.

Yes, but it requires careful planning for fuel and water supplies.

Exmouth

Alice Springs

Flight Driving

Exmouth to Alice Springs

Updated: 27 May 2026

Traveling from Exmouth to Alice Springs is a significant outback journey. You can fly from Learmonth to Perth, then connect to Alice Springs (ASP). Driving is a massive undertaking across remote desert roads, requiring extensive preparation. Alice Springs is the heart of the Red Centre. This route takes you from the coast to the arid interior of Australia.

Total Distance: 2,500 km driving distance; 1,800 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying via Perth is the fastest, taking roughly 8 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Flying is generally cheaper than the fuel and accommodation costs of a 30-hour drive.

Compare Exmouth to Alice Springs Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	8 hours	30 hours
Avg Price	$700 - $1,400	$600 (fuel)
Operator	Qantas	Personal Vehicle
Route	Learmonth to Perth, then Perth to Alice Springs.	North West Coastal Hwy to Great Northern Hwy, then across to the Stuart Hwy.
Tip	Alice Springs Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city center.	Ensure your vehicle is serviced for long-distance desert driving.

Travel Tips

Booking Flights
Use multi-city booking tools to secure the best rates for the two-leg flight.
Driving Breaks
If driving, stop every 2 hours to prevent fatigue on the long outback stretches.
Weather Prep
Alice Springs can be very hot in summer; pack light clothing.
Car Rental
Rent a car in Alice Springs to explore the surrounding desert.
Fuel Stops
Use the FuelMap app to locate petrol stations in remote areas.

Safety Tips

Road Trains
Give wide berth to road trains on the Stuart Highway; do not overtake unless safe.
Fatigue
Follow the 'stop, revive, survive' rule on long-distance drives.
Communication
Telstra provides the best coverage in remote WA and NT.
Emergency Kit
Carry a first-aid kit and extra water in your vehicle at all times.