Canberra Airport
Airport · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
About Canberra Airport
Capital Territory's gateway — gateway to Canberra, Floriade, Lake Burley Griffin and the Snowy Mountains. Single integrated terminal, mostly domestic.
Getting There
By bus
ACTION bus 11A runs direct to Canberra CBD. 25 minutes, $5 one-way with MyWay card. Cheapest option for solo travellers.
By car
Pialligo Avenue connects directly to CBD (8 km, 12 minutes). Drop-off zones at the integrated terminal.
By taxi & rideshare
Taxi to CBD: $30–$40, 15 minutes. Uber, DiDi available — pickup zone outside arrivals.
Hire car for Snowy Mountains
Most major hire companies at the terminal. Snowy Mountains 2.5 hours south via Monaro Highway — winter chains may be required Jul–Sep.
Transfers
Parking
Visitor Tips
- •Single terminal handles all flights — short walks, easy connections
- •ACTION bus 11A direct to CBD ($5, 25 min) avoids the $40 taxi
- •Best landed early morning for clear views of Lake Burley Griffin and the Brindabellas
- •Snowy Mountains 2.5-hour drive south — most ski-bound travellers hire a car here
- •Winter mornings can mean fog delays — check status if connecting
Airport Layout
Runway configuration and terminal area for Canberra Airport.
Runways
2 runways • longest 3,283m • total 4,962m • Wide-body capable (e.g. Boeing 777, Boeing 787)
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Headings | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17/35 | 3,283 m | 45 m | Asphalt | 180° / 360° | Yes |
| 12/30 | 1,679 m | 30 m | Asphalt | 130° / 310° | Yes |
Security & screening at Australian airports
Recommended arrival times
- Domestic flights: arrive 60 minutes before departure
- International flights: arrive 2–3 hours before departure (longer for first-time international travellers)
What you can carry on
- Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs): containers up to 100ml for international flights, all in a single transparent 1L resealable bag. Domestic flights have no LAG restrictions on most airlines.
- Lithium batteries (in personal devices): allowed in carry-on only. Spare batteries up to 100Wh permitted in carry-on; batteries over 160Wh prohibited.
- Sharp items including scissors with blades over 6cm, knives, and tools must be packed in checked baggage.
Prohibited items
- Firearms (require declaration and approval)
- Explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases
- Pepper spray, mace, tear gas
- Self-defence weapons including knuckle dusters
Full list: ABF prohibited items
International arrivals — biosecurity
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plant material, animal products, soil, wooden items, and outdoor equipment on your Incoming Passenger Card. Fines start at AUD $626 and undeclared prohibited items can result in penalties up to $660,000 or visa cancellation. When in doubt, declare it.
Useful links
- Smart Traveller (DFAT) — travel advisories
- Australian Border Force — customs and biosecurity
- Aviation Security (Department of Infrastructure)
Nearby Attractions
Quick Facts
Stay connected on arrival — Airalo eSIM
Skip airport SIM kiosks — install Airalo before you fly and activate the moment you land.
Scan to install on your phone
Quick Stats
- Class
- major regional
- Runways
- 2
- Longest runway
- 3,283 m
- Max aircraft
- Wide-body capable
- Elevation
- 575 m
- Annual passengers
- 2.4M(2022)
At a Glance
Airport Codes
- IATA
- CBR
- ICAO
- YSCB
Location
- City
- Canberra
- State
- Australian Capital Territory
- Timezone
- Sydney
Plan Your Visit
- Best Time
- Spring (Sep-Nov) for Floriade and parliamentary activity. Autumn (Mar-May) for foliage. Winter (Jun-Aug) for Snowy Mountains skiing access.
Good to Know
Airlines
Car Hire
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(5)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
Dump Points(1)
EPIC (Exhibition Park Campground)
$? · 9.5km