Cost to Drive from Darwin to Alice Springs
1,493 km via the Stuart Hwy · about 15 h 15 min driving · range spans 6–11 L/100 km at Darwin's weekly average U91 (AIP publishes no Alice Springs figure)
Fuel: Darwin U91 avg, week ending 18 October 2026 · distance computed once from open routing- At Darwin's average the one-way trip in a typical car costs $297.41, $2.63 more than a week earlier ($294.78 at 246.8 c/L in the week ending 11 October 2026).
- That is $90.66 more than in the week ending 12 July 2026, when Darwin U91 averaged 173.1 c/L and the same drive cost $206.75.
- At 1,493 km this is the 3rd longest of the 21 corridors RegoWise prices, so at any single price it ranks 3rd dearest to drive.
The Stuart Highway runs the length of the Northern Territory between Darwin and Alice Springs, a long haul through remote outback country. Towns and roadhouses are spread far apart, so fuel planning is essential: fill up whenever you reach a reliable stop rather than pushing on to the next one. Carry water, watch for wildlife and stock on the road, and treat this as a multi-day drive rather than a single push.
Darwin → Alice Springs fuel cost
Default price: Darwin average U91, week ending 18 October 2026. Fuel only — tolls, wear and rest stops not included.
The breakdown at typical consumption
| Car | L/100 km | Fuel used | Darwin average (249.0 c/L) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One way | Return | |||
| Economical small car / hybrid | 6.0 | 89.6 L | $223.05 | $446.11 |
| Typical car | 8.0 | 119.4 L | $297.41 | $594.81 |
| Large SUV / ute | 11.0 | 164.2 L | $408.93 | $817.87 |
| One way, 6–11 L/100 km | $223–$409 | |||
| AIP's weekly report covers the 8 capital cities only. Alice Springs is costed at Darwin's average, the figure for that state's capital, not a local price. | ||||
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to drive from Darwin to Alice Springs?
- Between $223 and $409 in fuel one way at Darwin's weekly average U91 (AIP publishes no Alice Springs figure) for the week ending 18 October 2026 (249.0 c/L), depending on your car's consumption (6–11 L/100 km). A typical 8 L/100 km car uses about $297.41.
- How far is Darwin to Alice Springs by road?
- 1,493 km via the Stuart Hwy, around 15 h 15 min of driving without long stops.
Related trips
- Australian Institute of Petroleum — weekly petrol prices report, week ending 18 October 2026verified
- OSRM open routing (road distance, computed at build)cross-checked
Fuel cost only — tolls, food and accommodation not included. Distance is the practical sealed-road driving route; drive time excludes long breaks. Prices along remote corridors run above city averages. AIP weekly averages for the week ending 18 October 2026.