Canberra airport (CBR)

Canberra Airport (CBR), opened in 1924, is the main gateway to Australia’s capital city. It serves the Australian Capital Territory, the city of Queanbeyan, and various regions of southern New South Wales. It operates frequent domestic flights to major urban centres across the country, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, as well as a direct international route to Nadi (Fiji).

Official Website: canberraairport.com.au

Telephone: +61 2 6275 2222

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Terminals

The airport has a single, modern passenger terminal divided into two main wings (Western Concourse and Southern Concourse), handling both domestic and international traffic. The building remains open from 5:00 am until 30 minutes after the arrival or departure of the last scheduled flight of the day.

Annual Traffic (2025): 2.8 million passengers.

Information Points

The Visitor Information Centre is located on the arrivals level, situated between the two baggage claim halls. It offers tour booking services, last-minute accommodation, maps and tourist advice during peak flight arrival times. Opening hours are:

• Monday to Friday: 7:00 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
• Saturdays: 7:45 am to 11:45 am and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
• Sundays: 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

 Location

The airport is located in the Majura district, 8 km (5 miles) north-east of Canberra city centre.

Accommodation near Canberra airport (CBR)

For passengers seeking comfort and proximity, Canberra Airport offers a premium on-site accommodation option, as well as a range of alternatives in the surrounding residential and commercial areas such as Kingston and Queanbeyan, which are just a few minutes away.

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Airport Accommodation

The Vibe Hotel Canberra is located just 50 metres from the passenger terminal. It is the most convenient option for travellers with early morning flights, as it allows access to the check-in area on foot in just a couple of minutes, and also offers modern rooms with views of the runway or Lake Burley Griffin.

Nearby Hotels

• Country Plaza Motel: A practical and budget-friendly option offering shuttle services on request, ideal for those seeking a simple and functional stay.
• Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra: This chain hotel offers a higher standard of comfort and professional services, and is highly regarded by business travellers for its reliability and proximity.
• Abode Kingston: Offers modern studios and self-contained apartments with kitchen facilities, providing greater independence for longer stays or family trips.
• AAC Apartments - Griffin: Provides spacious, residential-style accommodation, ideal for group travellers wishing to stay close to the Kingston dining precinct.
• Oxley Court Serviced Apartments: Known for its large, fully equipped apartments that ensure a comfortable transition between the airport and the city, set in a quiet environment.

Parking services at Canberra airport (CBR)

The airport offers a range of parking options located within a short distance of the terminal, designed for both short and long stays. All areas operate daily from 4:00 am until 30 minutes after the arrival of the last scheduled flight.

Indoor Parking

The Green (north side) and Blue (south side) areas consist of multi-storey covered car parks offering direct access to the terminal arrivals and departures levels via enclosed walkways. They feature an intelligent guidance system using LED lights to indicate available spaces in real time.

Outdoor Parking

The Yellow and Red areas are located just a few minutes’ walk from the main building. These zones are ideal for those seeking more affordable options for longer stays.

Structural benefit: The Red car park offers the first 10 minutes free of charge, facilitating quick drop-off of passengers and luggage.

Passenger Pick-up (Express Pick-up)

For quick passenger collection, it is recommended to use the Express Pick-up area located on the ground floor of the Green car park. This area includes a climate-controlled waiting room situated just 20 metres from the arrivals area, allowing drivers to wait comfortably until passengers are ready to meet.

Payment methods: Payment can be made by credit or debit card at ATMs located throughout the terminal and at parking entrances, or directly using contactless technology at exit barriers.

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Facilities for passengers with special needs

Canberra Airport is committed to universal accessibility, offering modern infrastructure and services designed to ensure all passengers can move through the terminal safely and comfortably. Travellers requiring special assistance are advised to contact their airline at least 48 hours prior to their flight to arrange the necessary services during boarding, disembarkation and within the aircraft.

Infrastructure and Mobility

The terminal is equipped with access ramps, lifts and escalators connecting all levels. Toilets are adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, and tactile flooring is installed to assist passengers with visual impairments. In addition, boarding bridges feature integrated lifts to allow wheelchair users direct access to the aircraft.

Parking: All airport car parks include designated and clearly signposted spaces for vehicles transporting passengers with disabilities, located close to terminal access points.

Hidden Disabilities

The airport participates in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. Passengers with non-visible disabilities (such as autism, hearing loss or chronic conditions) can request a free sunflower lanyard at the Customer Service Desk on Level 2. This identifier allows airport staff to discreetly recognise that the passenger may require extra time, support or clearer communication while moving through the terminal.

Service Animals and Pets

Certified assistance dogs are welcome inside the terminal. For their comfort, the airport provides a designated relief area for service animals located outside, at the southern end of the arrivals level, near the taxi rank.

As for regular pets, they must remain in their carriers at all times, and their transport must be arranged in advance with the airline or via air cargo services, as free movement through the terminal is not permitted.

Hearing Assistance and Communication

The terminal is fitted with induction loop systems in key areas to improve hearing for passengers using hearing aids or cochlear implants. Flight information screens and televisions in waiting areas also provide subtitles, and public telephones with text relay (TTY) technology are available for passengers with speech or hearing impairments.