Australia

How to get from Darwin to Broome

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

⏱
FASTEST
1h 30min
💶
From
80€
📍
Distance
1107 km
Powered by 12Go system

There are 2 way(s) to get from Darwin to Broome

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Darwin
📍For bus departures, Greyhound Australia operates from the Darwin Coach Terminal, located on Stuart Highway near the city centre. This is a basic but functional terminal with waiting areas and ticket counters. For flights, you'll depart from Darwin International Airport (DRW).
🚇To reach Darwin Coach Terminal from the city centre, you can walk if you're nearby, or take a local bus. Taxis and ride-shares are also readily available, costing approximately €10-€15 for a short ride. For Darwin Airport, taxis and shuttle services are your best bet, costing around €20-€30.
⏰Greyhound Australia typically operates one daily service from Darwin to Broome, usually departing in the late afternoon or early evening. Flight schedules are more frequent with multiple departures per day from different airlines.
💸 Transport from 80€ per person
⚡ Fastest: 1h 30min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia
📶 Stay connected the moment you land

Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.

Yesim · eSIM partner

Practical tips

💡
Check Flight vs. Bus Prices Instantly

For long Australian distances, always compare flight and bus prices. You'll often find that a flight costs nearly the same as an overnight bus, saving you many hours and a night on the road. Don't assume the bus is always cheaper.

💡
Book Flights Ahead for Best Deals

Domestic flights with carriers like Jetstar or Virgin Australia can be incredibly cheap if booked in advance. Waiting until the last minute usually means higher fares. Plan your long-distance hops a few weeks out for the best savings.

💡
Islands Require Ferry or Plane

Remember, you can't bus to islands like Fraser Island (K'gari), Magnetic Island, Rottnest, or Tasmania. These destinations require a ferry or a domestic flight. Always factor in these additional transport legs when planning your itinerary.

💡
Overnight Bus Comfort vs. Cost

An overnight bus saves on accommodation but can be very tiring. Consider if the small saving is worth a night of uncomfortable sleep, especially on very long routes like 17+ hours. Sometimes, a cheap flight is a better investment in your energy.

💡
Hop-on Hop-off Passes: Do They Fit?

While hop-on hop-off passes offer flexibility, calculate if they truly match your itinerary. For very long, single-direction trips like Darwin to Broome, a one-off ticket (bus or flight) might be more cost-effective than an expensive pass that doesn't cover your specific route well.

🛣️ The journey experience

Navigating Australia's vast distances can be tricky, especially when you're an independent traveler on a budget. You're constantly weighing up the best transport options, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the country. For the Darwin to Broome route, you're looking at a significant journey across the Top End, and getting it right means saving both time and money. Let's break down your choices to ensure a smooth trip.

From Darwin to Broome, your primary options are flying or taking the coach. A flight offers a quick solution, typically around 2 hours, for approximately €80. This is a massive time-saver compared to the overland journey. If you opt for the coach, expect a long ride of about 17 hours, also costing around €80. Greyhound Australia is the main operator for this route, providing a budget-friendly but time-consuming option.

The key takeaway for this particular stretch is that while the coach can be a budget backbone for shorter East Coast hops, for a distance like Darwin to Broome, a flight is almost always the smarter choice. The cost is comparable, but you gain back a full day of travel time. Don't commit to a grueling overnight bus when a cheap flight offers a similar price and drastically reduces travel fatigue. Always cross-reference prices and durations; it often pays to fly for long distances in Australia, even on a backpacker budget.

Frequently asked questions — Darwin → Broome

✨ Why visit Broome?

  • ✓ Witness the 'Staircase to the Moon' phenomenon over Roebuck Bay (March to October)
  • ✓ Ride camels along Cable Beach at sunset for an iconic Broome experience
  • ✓ Explore dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point during low tide
  • ✓ Discover Broome's pearling history at a local pearl farm or museum
  • ✓ Visit Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park for close encounters with wildlife
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 5 nights — Ample time to explore natural wonders, history, and relax by the beach.

☀️ When to visit Broome?

TROPICAL SEMI-ARID

May to October — Dry season with clear skies, warm days, and cooler nights, perfect for outdoor activities.

Jan 😞
Feb 😞
Mar 😐
Apr 😐
May 😊
Jun 😊
Jul 😊
Aug 😊
Sep 😊
Oct 😊
Nov 😐
Dec 😞
📍
In Broome — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Broome
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Broome?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🌅
Sunset Camel Ride, Cable Beach
Experience the iconic sunset camel ride along the pristine sands of Cable Beach. This quintessential Broome experience offers breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon. Book in advance, especially during peak season, as spots fill up quickly. Expect to pay around 60-80€.
💎
Pearling History Museum & Tour
Delve into Broome's rich pearling heritage at a local museum or on a dedicated tour. Learn about the perilous history, traditional techniques, and modern pearl farming. Many tours include a visit to a working pearl farm. Look for tours starting from 25-40€, offering deep insights.
🌊
Explore Gantheaume Point
Visit Gantheaume Point, famous for its striking red cliffs and preserved dinosaur footprints visible at low tide. This is a great spot for photography and exploring tidal pools. Check tide times beforehand; the footprints are only accessible during very low tides. Access is free.
🚶
Stroll Broome Historical Museum
Wander through the Broome Historical Museum, housed in various historic buildings. It offers fascinating exhibits on the town's diverse past, from pearling to indigenous culture and wartime events. Allow 1-2 hours for a thorough visit. Entry typically costs around 10-15€.
🍜
Taste Local Flavors Chinatown
Immerse yourself in Broome's multicultural heritage by exploring Chinatown. This area is rich with pearling history, vibrant shops, and diverse eateries offering local and Asian-inspired cuisine. Don't miss sampling some fresh seafood or Asian fusion dishes. Meals can range from 15-30€ per person.
🍹
Enjoy Sunsets at a Beach Bar
Relax at one of Broome's beachside bars or restaurants, offering spectacular views of the Indian Ocean sunset. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration. Many places offer happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers. A cocktail typically costs 12-18€.
🚗
Drive Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park offers an up-close encounter with saltwater crocodiles and other native Australian animals. It's a family-friendly attraction with feeding shows. Check show times before arriving. Entry is around 25-35€.
🎨
Discover Broome's Art Galleries
Explore Broome's vibrant art scene by visiting its local galleries. You'll find a range of Indigenous art, pearling-inspired creations, and works from local artists capturing the Kimberley landscape. It's a great way to discover unique souvenirs. Many galleries offer free entry and open hours.

⏱️ How long to visit Broome?

3 to 7 days

For an independent francophone traveler, 3 to 5 days is ideal to fully experience Broome. This allows you to explore Cable Beach, dinosaur footprints, Gantheaume Point, and enjoy a 'Staircase to the Moon' if dates align. Stay longer if you plan day trips to the Dampier Peninsula or Horizontal Falls.

Related searches

flight Darwin Broome bus Darwin Broome how to get from Darwin to Broome ticket price Darwin to Broome travel time Darwin to Broome travel to Australia

Other trips from Darwin

Book now