Launceston Airport (LST)
Airport without any bus connections
Launceston Airport is around 15km south of Launceston’s city centre. It is Tasmania’s second-busiest airport and the gateway to northern Tasmania for many travellers. However, it lacks public transport connections making it a pointless place to fly into unless you’re picking up a rental car.
Visitor facilities
The terminal includes cafes where you can find snacks, light meals and refreshments. Shops include a newsagency and shops selling Tasmanian souvenirs. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the airport terminal.
Qantas business class travellers and travellers with Sapphire and Emerald status on a Oneworld airline, including gold and platinum Qantas frequent flyers, get access to the Qantas Club lounge when travelling on Jetstar or Qantas. Virgin Australia does not have a lounge at Launceston Airport.
Transport connections
Launceston Airport is a good option if you’re picking up a rental car or if you have the cash to splash on a taxi or Uber. However, poor access to public transport is this airport’s big weakness.
A shuttle bus service used to serve the airport but this ceased operation in April 2024 and, for now, the closest bus stop is a 35-minute walk away.
Tassielink bus services 792, 794 and 796 stop in Breadalbane, 2.5km north of the airport. It’s around a 35-minute walk to the bus stop and bus timings are fairly erratic with services every 20 minutes at some times of the day and three-hour gaps between services at other times of the day.
It’s really pathetic that a relatively major airport has such poor public transport connections. Especially considering that everyone on your plane is taking public transport and around half the people on your flight won’t have a car parked at the airport and will need a way to get into the city centre.
The airport is best avoided unless you’re planning on picking up a rental car and you’re better off flying into Hobart, or even Burnie, if you’re planning on travelling around Tasmania by bus.
201 Evandale Road, Western Junction TAS 7212
Walk 35 minutes to Breadalbane, then bus 792, 794, 796
Website launcestonairport.com.au
