Launceston Airport coach transfers for northern Tasmania
Launceston Airport is on Evandale Main Road, about 15 km south of the city. Buses use a Commercial Lane with a number-plate gate, and the permit depends on how many seats the vehicle has.
Commercial Lane permits
The Commercial Lane is the lane nearest the terminal. Each vehicle using it needs its own current permit, sold through a pay-as-you-go system that reads number plates. There are three bus sizes: up to 9 seats, 10 to 16 seats, and 17 or more. The bus operator must be accredited with Transport Services Tasmania.
The partner operator handles the permit. What matters for you is the headcount, because it sets the vehicle size.
One minute out front
Launceston publishes no coach staging area. Out front, a vehicle gets sixty seconds, with the driver beside it. Gather the group inside with their bags, then go out together.
Where the driver meets you
- Commercial vehicles, including buses, pick up and drop off in the Commercial Lane, the lane closest to the terminal, entered through a boom gate that reads the vehicle's licence plate.
Where coaches wait
- The airport does not publish a coach staging area; vehicles may stop at the front of the terminal for a maximum of 1 minute and must be attended.
Drive to the CBD
- about 15 km by road to Launceston Town Hall, about 15-20 min in light traffic
City and gorge
The city is 15 to 20 minutes away, and the airport is about 3 km from the Midland Highway junction. Tasmania has no toll roads. Cataract Gorge has 12 oversized-vehicle bays in the First Basin car park, and the gates lock at 10 pm. On busy days, walking from the city across Kings Bridge takes about a quarter of an hour and avoids the car park.
Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and the ferry
Cradle Mountain is about 2 to 2.5 hours away. Private vehicles cannot drive past the Visitor Centre while the park shuttle runs, and tour operators have three first-come spaces at Dove Lake. At busy times groups park at the Gateway and ride the shuttle. Every visitor needs a parks pass. Freycinet is about 2.5 hours. Both are long days, and Heavy Vehicle National Law work and rest hours apply in Tasmania.
Devonport, for the Spirit of Tasmania, is about 1.25 hours. The ferry is changing ships and terminals in late 2026, so check sailing times. Parking at the terminal is limited; arrange the pick-up in advance.
Questions
Can a minibus use the Commercial Lane?
Yes, with the right permit. The small and medium bus categories cover vehicles of up to 16 seats.
Should we fly into Hobart instead?
Hobart is about 200 km, 2.5 to 3 hours via the Midland Highway. Some groups fly into one city and out of the other.
When is the lavender out at Bridestowe?
December and January. The estate is about 50 km north-east of the city, around 45 minutes.
Cities
Vehicles
- Full-size coach — 45-57 seats
- Midi coach — 25-35 seats
- Minibus — 13-24 seats
- Executive Sprinter van — 10-11 seats
- Executive car (sedan or SUV) — 1-3 seats
- Wheelchair-accessible minibus — Varies by layout; wheelchair positions replace seats seats
Plan a Launceston Airport coach
Share the flight, numbers and itinerary. A partner operator with a Commercial Lane permit quotes.
Request a quote or call +61485016608