Here is everything you need to know about Canberra Airport, the international airport situated in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Canberra Airport (CBR) is located just 8km from the city centre and has direct flights to all Australian state capitals and other regional centres and international destinations.
Getting to and from Canberra Airport
- Train. The airport is not connected to the rail station and travellers need to take a bus to get to the Canberra train station.
- Bus. Rapid 3 offers transfers from the airport to various locations.
- Taxi. There are taxi ranks located centrally on the ground floor of the terminal building that are fully covered to make waiting convenient for travellers.
- Private vehicles. There are multiple parking options for travellers bringing their own vehicles or picking up loved ones.
- Hire cars. Car rental services are located around the arrivals area of the terminal building with a wide range of vehicles to meet any travellers needs.
Parking options
- Indoor parking. There is a multi-level indoor car park with direct access to the departure and arrival areas.
- Outdoor parking. Two outdoor car parks offer a great value for long stay parking needs and are located just a few minutes from the terminal.
- Free 10-minute pick-up. Canberra Airport offers a free car park for those dropping off passengers. However, staying beyond 10 minutes will incur normal outdoor parking fees.
- Express passenger pick-up. Located on the ground floor of the indoor car park and 20m away from the arrival area.
Facilities at the terminals
- Currency exchange. There are convenient Travelex self-serve foreign currency ATMs located in the terminals.
- Shopping. There are various shops around the terminal for last minute needs, things travellers forgot to bring, and many other items.
- Duty free. Aside from the regular shops, the CBR Duty Free store provides a premium selection of alcohol, perfumes, travel essentials, toys, and technology.
- Dining. Restaurants and cafes in the airport include Baker’s Cut, Airport Taproom, Noodles XO, Go Convenience, and the International Departure Bar & Cafe.
- Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi hotspots are located at the airport.
Public art and sculptures
Canberra Airport is home to various art and sculptures that add to the character of the terminal and the surrounding area.
- Flight by Keizo Ushio.
- Four Cubes by Haruyuki Uchida
- Journeys by Phil Price
- Unfurling by Andrew Rogers
- Perception and Reality by Andrew Rogers
- Introspection by Ante Dabro
- Roos by Jeff Thomson
- Willinga Plume by Virginia King
Departure Procedures
- Check in. The check-in counter for domestic and international flights is at level 2 of the airport terminal.
- Security clearance. Both international and domestic travellers need to undergo standard security screening. Additionally, international travellers must pass through international security screening as well.
- Gates and lounges. After clearing security, domestic travellers can wait at the departure gates with various retail shops and cafes nearby. International travellers can enjoy duty-free shopping or wait in the International Departures Lounge.
Arrival Procedures
- Travellers need to complete an incoming passenger card to clear the Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) checkpoints.
- They must then present their passport and visa (if applicable), along with any documents for children if travelling with any.
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
Visitors to the country can claim a refund on goods and services tax (GST) and wine equilisation tax (WET) that they have paid on certain good during their stay. It is open to all overseas travellers and Australian residents. There are certain conditions to claim the refund:
- Spend $300 or more (including GST)
- Goods must be purchased no more than 60 days before departing Australia
- Goods must be paid by the traveller themself
- They must have an original tax invoice for the goods
- wear or carry the goods on board as hand luggage (unless they are liquids, gels or aerosols or oversized or bulky goods which must be checked-in) and present them along with your tax invoice, passport and boarding pass to a Tourist Refund Scheme desk prior to departing.
Hotel accommodations
- Vibe Hotel. Located just 50m from Canberra Airport, the 4.5-star hotel has 191 rooms, suites and serviced apartments.
- East Hotel. One of the hotels that offer the best value around Canberra Airport.
- A by Adina. This hotel is a 7-minute car ride or 20-30 minutes by bus away from the airport. They offer affordable rates and quality amenities suitable for any traveller.
Many other hotels are also located just a few minutes ride away from the airport and close to the city centre.
