About Townsville Airport
Townsville airport — North QLD reef, Magnetic Island and outback Queensland gateway.
Getting There
By car
Stuart Highway connects to Townsville CBD (8 km, 10 minutes). Drop-off zone at terminal.
By taxi & rideshare
Taxi to CBD: $25–$35, 10 minutes. Uber available.
Magnetic Island ferry
Magnetic Island ferry departs from Townsville port — 15 minutes by taxi from airport to ferry terminal, 20 minute ferry crossing. Pre-book ferry online for guaranteed seat.
Hire car for outback touring
Most major hire companies at the terminal. Charters Towers 90 minutes west, Outback Queensland routes via Stuart Highway.
Transfers
Parking
Airport Layout
Runway configuration and terminal area for Townsville Airport.
Runways
2 runways • longest 2,438m • total 3,538m • Narrow-body capable (e.g. Boeing 737, Airbus A320)
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Headings | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/19 | 2,438 m | 45 m | Asphalt | 24° / 204° | Yes |
| 07/25 | 1,100 m | 30 m | Asphalt | 74° / 254° | 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
- 2,438 m
- Max aircraft
- Narrow-body capable
- Elevation
- 5 m
- Annual passengers
- 1.5M(2022)
At a Glance
Airport Codes
- IATA
- TSV
- ICAO
- YBTL
Location
- City
- Townsville
- State
- Queensland
- Timezone
- Brisbane
Plan Your Visit
- Best Time
- May-Oct for dry weather and stinger-free swimming.
Good to Know
Airlines
Car Hire
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(2)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
Dump Points(4)
Woodlands Holiday Village
Free · 2.1km
Bohles Little Acre Dump Point
Free · 5.4km
Ross Dam
Free · 17.6km
Bluewater Park
Free · 23.9km