NT · Northern Territory
Darwintaxi & cab fares · 2026
Darwin taxi fares are set by the NT Department of Logistics and Infrastructure. NT tariffs include a remote-area surcharge that applies automatically once a trip crosses a defined zone boundary — relevant for anything heading past Palmerston or out toward Howard Springs.
In Darwin, "cab" and "taxi" refer to the same regulated vehicle — same NT Department of Logistics and Infrastructure meter, same maximum tariff. The calculator below applies the 2026 schedule for sedan, maxi (5+ passengers) and wheelchair-accessible trips, and detects Uber-comparison scenarios automatically.
Popular Darwin routes
Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Darwin International Airport (DRW) sits about 13 km from the CBD. A small Airport Access Fee is added at the rank. In the wet season (November to April) demand spikes around cruise arrivals at East Arm and at Stokes Hill Wharf — rank waits can run 30 minutes or longer on those days.
How much is a taxi from Darwin International Airport to Darwin CBD?
A metered Darwin taxi from Darwin International Airport to the Darwin CBD is typically A$28 – A$48 on the day rate (typical A$35), running on the regulated Northern Territory meter set by NT Department of Logistics and Infrastructure. The night, late-night and public-holiday tariffs add to that figure; tolls and airport access fees are passed through on top.
Where to find a Darwin taxi rank
- 01Mitchell Street — main CBD rank, opposite the Mitchell Street mall
- 02Darwin Bus Interchange — secondary CBD rank
- 03Cullen Bay — for sunset cruises and waterfront restaurants
- 04Casuarina Square — the suburban anchor rank
- 05Mindil Beach Market — extra ranks open on Thursday/Sunday market nights (dry season)
What's different in NT
Public holidays — including Territory Day on 1 July — attract a peak surcharge. Once a trip leaves the Darwin Urban zone, the remote-area distance surcharge kicks in for the section beyond the boundary.
Darwin taxi fares · frequently asked
How much is a taxi from Darwin Airport to the CBD?
A Darwin Airport to Darwin CBD taxi is typically A$30–A$45 on the regulated NT meter, plus the small Airport Access Fee added at the rank. The trip is around 13 km.
How much is a Darwin taxi to Palmerston?
A Darwin CBD to Palmerston taxi is typically A$45–A$60 on the day rate. Once the trip crosses the Darwin Urban zone boundary, the NT remote-area distance surcharge kicks in for the section beyond.
Does the NT add a public-holiday taxi surcharge?
Yes — Northern Territory public holidays (including Territory Day on 1 July and Picnic Day in August) attract a regulated peak rate that applies for the full 24 hours, on top of the standard meter.
Are Darwin taxi fares different in the wet season?
The regulated meter does not change seasonally, but demand spikes around cruise arrivals at East Arm and at Stokes Hill Wharf in the dry season, often pushing the rank wait beyond 30 minutes. Fares themselves stay at the published meter.