It is 1,500 km from Howard Springs.

What is the best way to travel?

Flying is the fastest; driving is the most scenic.

Yes, the Stuart Highway is fully sealed.

What is the best time to visit?

The winter months from June to August.

Are there road trains?

Yes, be very careful when overtaking them.

Howard Springs

Alice Springs

Flight Driving

Howard Springs to Alice Springs

Updated: 26 May 2026

The journey from Howard Springs to Alice Springs is a massive 1,500 km trek through the heart of the Australian outback. Driving takes approximately 16-18 hours of pure driving time, usually split over two days. Alternatively, you can fly from Darwin to Alice Springs. This route takes you through the iconic landscapes of the Northern Territory.

Total Distance: 1,500 km driving distance; 1,250 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Darwin to Alice Springs takes 2 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is cheaper for groups, but flying is faster.

Compare Howard Springs to Alice Springs Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours	18 hours
Avg Price	300-600 AUD	250-400 AUD fuel cost
Operator	Qantas/Airnorth	Private Vehicle
Route	Darwin International Airport to Alice Springs Airport	Stuart Highway
Tip	Book flights well in advance for better pricing.	Plan for an overnight stop in Katherine or Tennant Creek.

Travel Tips

Fuel
Refuel at every opportunity in the outback.
Road Safety
Be extremely cautious of road trains and wildlife.
Water
Carry at least 10 liters of water in your vehicle.
Planning
Check road conditions before starting your journey.
Connectivity
Expect limited mobile coverage outside of towns.

Safety Tips

Fatigue
Take frequent breaks; do not drive for more than 4 hours at a time.
Wildlife
Never drive at night in the outback.
Emergency
Carry a satellite phone or PLB.
Vehicle
Ensure your vehicle is serviced before the trip.