Canberra Airport

Canberra Airport is not merely an air gateway to the capital of Australia, but a modern and multifunctional complex with the ambitious goal of becoming the best small airport in the world. Located just a few minutes' drive from the city centre, it welcomes travellers with a stylish terminal and an impressive collection of artworks. As the country's eighth busiest airport, it serves not only the capital but also nearby cities, playing a key role in the region's transport system.

One of the main features of the airport is its modern design and commitment to art. The spacious terminal, opened after a major reconstruction in 2013, is adorned with sculptures and art objects by renowned masters, creating a unique atmosphere. For the convenience of passengers, there is free Wi-Fi, comfortable waiting areas, including airline business lounges, and various cafes. Furthermore, the four-star Vibe Hotel is located within the airport grounds, and the adjacent business parks offer large shopping centres, restaurants, and recreational zones, making Canberra Airport much more than just a transit point.

• Official Website: www.canberraairport.com.au
• Information Desk Phone: +61 2 6275 2222
• Address: Terminal Circuit, Canberra ACT 2609, Australia
• Email: For prompt communication, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: You can follow the latest news and updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Baggage Information: If your query concerns baggage checked in for a flight, you should contact your airline directly. To trace items lost within the terminal, please use the special section (Lost Property) on the airport website.
• Customer Support Contacts: For general inquiries and assistance, you may contact the main information desk number.

Getting to Canberra Airport from the city centre and other districts of the capital of Australia is possible via several convenient methods. The airport is located just 8 kilometres from the Central Business District, so the journey will not take much time, regardless of the transport chosen.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way is to use public transport. The Rapid 3 (R3) bus route by ACTION directly connects the airport with the city centre (City Interchange). Buses run regularly throughout the day, including weekends. The trip from the centre of Canberra to the terminal takes approximately 20-25 minutes. This is an excellent choice for travellers without a large amount of luggage.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
For maximum convenience, you can use taxi services or ride-hailing apps popular in Australia, such as Uber. A car journey from the city centre will take about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of such a trip is usually between 40–55 Australian Dollars. This is a good option for those travelling with family, heavy luggage, or who simply value comfort and speed.

Car Rental and Private Transport
If you plan to travel by your own or a rented vehicle, Canberra Airport provides convenient parking zones. You can choose between short-term or long-term parking. To save money, it is recommended to book a parking space online in advance on the airport's official website. Additionally, counters for leading international and local car rental companies are located in the terminal, allowing you to easily pick up a car immediately upon arrival or return it before departure.

Canberra Airport (CBR) features a simple and logical structure, making it very convenient for travellers. Essentially, it is one large modern terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This layout saves passengers from the need to move between different buildings and simplifies navigation.

Although the terminal is a single building, it is functionally divided into two main zones (or concourses), connected by a spacious central atrium. This helps to efficiently manage passenger flows:

• Western Concourse: Primarily used for flights by Qantas and its partners, including QantasLink.
• Southern Concourse: Serves flights by Virgin Australia and other carriers, including regional and international ones.

This clear division is very practical: upon entering the airport, you will immediately see signs directing you to the appropriate check-in counters.

The airport layout is intuitive. Zones are clearly separated by floors: the Ground Floor is the arrival and check-in area. Here you will find check-in counters, baggage claim belts, and exits to parking, taxis, and buses. Level 2 is entirely dedicated to departures. After check-in, passengers go upstairs, pass through security screening in their respective concourse (Western or Southern), and enter the general "airside" zone with shops, cafes, and boarding gates. You can move freely between the two concourses via the central part of the terminal.

Thanks to its compactness and efficient organisation, completing all pre-flight formalities at Canberra Airport usually does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 60–90 minutes before departure. For international flights, it is better to allow about 2–3 hours. During peak hours, small queues may form at security, but procedures generally proceed quickly.

Navigating the terminal is very easy: simply follow the clear signage. Departure and arrival zones are clearly demarcated, and the choice of concourse depends on your airline. It is one of the most logical and convenient airports in Australia, where getting lost is almost impossible.

The history of Canberra Airport (CBR) is closely intertwined with the history of the capital of Australia itself. Its journey began in the 1920s, when a runway was created on the Duntroon pasture for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Officially, the first civil flights began operating here in 1926, making it one of the oldest airports in the country. Initially a modest airfield, its strategic location in the capital predetermined its future growth.

Over the decades, the airport developed in parallel with the military airbase known as RAAF Base Fairbairn. A significant leap in civil aviation development occurred after World War II. In 1962, a new passenger terminal was built to cope with the growing flow of passengers arriving in the capital. However, by the end of the 20th century, it became obvious that the infrastructure was outdated and required radical modernisation.

The most massive stage in the airport's history began after its privatisation in 1998. The new owners launched an ambitious complete reconstruction project. In 2013, a modern terminal was opened, designed with future needs and passenger comfort in mind. This transformed Canberra Airport into one of the most advanced in Australia. A major milestone was the launch of the first regular international flights in 2016, which linked the capital directly with Singapore and Wellington, strengthening Canberra's status on the world stage.

An interesting fact: Canberra Airport is one of the few major airports in Australia that is fully owned by private investors and is not restricted by a curfew, allowing it to operate 24/7. Its transformation from a simple airfield into a modern international complex is a vivid example of how infrastructure can facilitate the development of an entire region.

Canberra Airport offers passengers a full range of services, making the wait for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. It is a modern and well-thought-out terminal where every traveller will find everything they need.

For those wishing to have a snack or do some shopping, the airport features numerous cafes, dining venues, and restaurants offering both Australian and international cuisine. In the shops, you can purchase souvenirs, press, travel goods, and much more. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to always stay connected.

Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of lounges, such as the Qantas Club and Virgin Australia Lounge. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, work, or enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages. ATMs and currency exchange points are installed in the terminal for financial matters.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. Escort services are provided, and there are ramps, special lifts, and accessible restrooms. Families with children will appreciate the presence of parents' rooms, where they can take care of their little ones in a quiet environment. If necessary, first aid is available at the airport.

For business travellers, business centres and conference rooms are available, equipped with everything necessary for meetings and negotiations. If you have an early departure or late arrival, you can stay at one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, for example, at the Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport, making trips even more convenient.

At Canberra Airport, you will find a decent selection of establishments where you can have a snack or a full meal. It is important to note that cafes and restaurants are conveniently distributed both in the general area before security (landside) and in the departure zone after it (airside), allowing you to plan your time according to your needs.

If you are seeing someone off or have plenty of time before check-in, several coffee shops are at your service in the general area, such as Hudson's Coffee. Here you can leisurely drink coffee and have a sandwich. For those who have already passed security and are rushing to board, there are also outlets in the departure zone where you can quickly grab drinks and light snacks to go.

For a more substantial meal, head to the main departure lounge after passing screening. This is where the popular Capital Brewing Co. Bar is located. This establishment from a famous local brewery is an excellent opportunity to discover the local beverages of Canberra and order hearty bistro-style dishes, such as burgers or steaks. It is an ideal place to relax while waiting for a flight.

Most establishments offer menus for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, which are usually easy to find. Please note that prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in the city. The opening hours of cafes and restaurants are tied to the flight schedule, so they are open from early morning until the departure of the last flights.

Planning a trip through Canberra Airport can be simple and convenient if you know a few key points. To ensure your journey begins without stress, make use of our tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within Australia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allow 2-3 hours. The fastest way to save time is online check-in, which most airlines open 24-48 hours before departure. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to security.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage. Standard security rules apply at Canberra Airport. All liquids, aerosols, and gels in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Laptops and other large electronics are usually required to be removed from bags for separate scanning. Ensure there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage, such as knives or other sharp objects. Remember that rules for domestic and international flights may differ slightly.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If comfort is important to you, choose your seat when purchasing your ticket. Window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement. For passengers with transfers, Canberra Airport is quite convenient due to its compact size. However, always check if you need to collect and re-check your baggage, and leave enough time between flights.

Customs Control. This is one of the most important stages for those arriving in Australia. The country has extremely strict bio-security rules. You are obliged to declare all food products, plant materials (including wooden souvenirs), and animal products. Even if you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, it is better to list it on the declaration card. Large fines apply for concealing information. Be honest and prepare all necessary items for possible inspection.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book parking and airport transfers online in advance. Inside the terminal, there are drinking water fountains, so you can bring an empty bottle and fill it after passing security. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative first to find out about your rights to meals or accommodation. The airport has free Wi-Fi, cafes, and shops to help pass the waiting time.