Launceston Airport Parking

Flying out from Launceston Airport (LST) soon? Maybe you’re meeting mates in Melbourne, your sweetheart in Sydney, or your favourite auntie in Adelaide? Whether you’re flying solo, as a couple or with the extended family in tow, stick with us for the latest info on LST parking spaces that suit you to a tee – as well as useful info on facilities, amenities, food and drink that makes spending time before you board your plane as pleasant as possible.

And if you’re travelling in from further afield, you might want to take some time to see the sights in Tasmania’s second-largest city. Known for its lush parks, gorgeous gardens and inspirational art galleries, this is a metropolis where natural beauty blends effortlessly with rich culture and delicious cuisine.

Great things to do in Launceston include visiting the Cataract Gorge (a lovely park with scenic Tamar River views), soaking up exhibits on Tasmanian history and culture at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and taking a relaxing stroll in the blissful Royal Park – there are plenty of comfy lawns perfect for picnics too!

If you’ve got a designated driver, visit the Tasmanian Distillery to taste the whisky, or go wine tasting in the Tamar Valley, while you can absorb all that alcohol in any number of excellent eateries serving everything from farm-fresh local fare to international fusion food. Meanwhile, motorheads love the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania (with its 100 cars, bikes and plethora of memorabilia) and Launceston city centre is a great place to shop ‘til you drop. Last but not least, treat yourself to a night out in this friendly city – from traditional pubs to dance clubs, letting your hair down is mandatory.

Find the best deals at Launceston Airport

It’s tempting to dive into a good old internet search engine session when you’re looking for parking deals at Launceston Airport.

But as good as Google, Bing and others are getting, you should look before you leap. Unless you’re an experienced searcher, the disadvantages are that search engines don’t always list the cheapest results at the top, some parking locations might be further away from the airport than you realise, and you might not get consistently good customer service from all parking providers.

Well, we do this stuff for a living. So we’ve collated and sifted the best LST parking for you – now all you need to do is consider what does and doesn’t suit your needs (and those of any travel companions).

Compare parking at Launceston Airport

Launceston Airport’s four car parks have a combined total of more than 1200 parking bays – all open 24/7 and just a brief stroll from the terminal.

And when you consider LST’s storied history, it’s near perfect parking provision is just the tip of a terrific iceberg. The second-busiest air hub in Tasmania (after Hobart) started life way back on 1931 and it’s been loyally serving the state ever since.

Australian National Airways launched the first air service to Launceston from Melbourne in 1929 and after the Controller of Civil Aviation officially cut the tape to open LST’s doors a couple of years later, services soon extended to other parts of Australia. The first terminal was constructed in 1956 and this was replaced by a spanking new number in 2009 – with continued growth in recent years, current carriers include Tiger Airways, Qantas and Virgin Australia.

A huge contributor to the local economy, Launceston employs over 500 workers and brings in truckloads of tourist dollars each year.

What parking is there at Launceston Airport?

Pro tip: sometimes it’s worth taking a look at Launceston Airport parking deals on comparison sites – some have on- and offsite deals that you won’t find anywhere else. For example, Looking4Parking sometimes offers discounted deals on Saver parking and other types. Just search in the same way you would on any other comparison site (by entering your dates and details) – you might find a bargain.

However, if you don’t manage to find am LST parking deal through a reputable partner site, checking the official airport site for onsite parking is always a reliable option and you don’t have to go through a middleman.

Launceston might not be the world’s biggest airport, but it still boasts a respectable four car parks and they really have thought of something for just about every type of traveller.

You can choose from the following:

• Saver parking (as you might guess from the name) is the cheapest parking option at LST. Just a brief stroll from the terminal, it’s open 24/7 and charges are set at a daily or weekly rate. If you want no-hassle, no-frills parking that’s perfectly secure and allows you to save your cash for something a lot more exciting, this is a top option.
• Short-term parking at Launceston Airport is right in front of the terminal, so it’s definitely the most convenient option. Open 24/7, charges are on a daily/weekly basis and while this is a handy car park, please note it’s not the cheapest option – especially if you’re staying for more than a handful of days.
• Long-term parking is the smartest option when you’re flying away for a slightly longer holiday or business trip. Again, it’s really close to the terminal (a quick walk away) so you can stroll there in a few minutes.
• Undercover parking is the most expensive option at LST. However, it’s definitely the most convenient as it’s directly in front of the terminal and moreover, it’s covered, so you don’t need to stress about your car getting exposed to the elements (or you and your luggage getting soaked in a rain shower). This parking is charged on a daily/weekly basis – if you’re willing to shell out a little extra for the ultimate convenience, it’s a good fit for you.
• Disabled parking bays are available in every LST car park, and they’re located in the best possible locations for easy access to the terminal.

You can use cash or credit cards in all car parks and pre-booking isn’t necessary.

Getting to Launceston Airport

When you’re driving in from Launceston city centre to the airport, drive south on Midland Highway and you’ll see the airport on your left after approximately 15km. Then simply turn left into the airport access road and follow the signage until you reach the terminal.

For GPS, the airport address is Launceston Airport, 201 Evandale Road, Western Junction TAS 7212.

Facilities at Launceston Airport

As you probably expect by now, facilities at LST are pretty sweet indeed. You’ll find a newsstand to grab those glossy magazines, bestsellers and classic books you’ve always wanted to read but never got round to. There’s a gift shop stacked with Tasmanian souvenirs, a pharmacy for your first aid gear, ointments, pills, potions and sunblock, and a comfy lounge where Qantas Club members can chill out in a little luxury. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the airport complex, plenty of ATMs to draw cash and a handy bike port if you’re arriving on two wheels.

If your belly’s rumbling, there are a few decent food and drink options too. These include Boag’s Bar & Kitchen, where you can sample sumptuous Aussie cuisine and kick back with a beer, Amelia Coffee Co. for when you need that pre-flight caffeine fix, and Banjo’s Bakery, where the pies, cakes and pastries always strike the right chord.

Finally, if you’re arriving early and want to stay overnight before your flight, there are a number of good hotels in the vicinity. These include The Sebel Launceston, which has a pool, gym and restaurant, Quality Hotel Colonial Launceston, which is a short drive from LST and very comfy, and Country Club Tasmania, which even has its own golf course. If none of these suit, other options include the Village Family Motor Inn, which is a family-focused establishment with restaurant, pool, and playground, and the Abel Tasman Airport Motor Inn – a popular choice with travellers which has a decent restaurant, pool and gym.

As you can see, Launceston Airport is small but very well designed and organised. It might not have the high-end boutiques that pack huge international airports or the choice of posh bars and restaurants. But for many travellers, this is more than made up for by the friendly attitude of its staff and the effort they put into what’s really important – getting you from A to B in the safest and most supportive way possible.