MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Lord Howe Island

How to Get to Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island Australia Travel Guide

Air Travel to Lord Howe Island

Airport & Airline

Lord Howe Island Airport (LHI) is the sole airport, a small regional facility handling limited daily flights. QantasLink is the main carrier, often the only one, with scheduled flights.

Routes & Connections

  • Flights typically originate from Sydney Airport (SYD) and Brisbane Airport (BNE).
  • No direct international flights. All international travelers connect from a major Australian city.
  • Plan international arrival city to align with domestic flight connections to LHI.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Flights operate year-round, with increased frequency during peak demand. Prices for LHI flights are generally high due to limited capacity.

Booking & Facilities

  • Booking 6-12 months ahead we strongly suggest.
  • Last-minute availability is rare and comes at a premium.
  • LHI Airport is small, with basic facilities like a waiting area and check-in counter.

Flight Destinations

Direct flights from Sydney (SYD) and Brisbane (BNE).

Price Fluctuation

Prices are high due to limited capacity and demand.

Transfers

Transfers from the airport to accommodation are almost always pre-arranged and often included.

Affiliate Resources for Flights

Flight Deal Services

  • Dollar Flight Club: Find great flight deals.
  • Skyscanner: Compare flight prices and routes.
  • Skyscanner: Good for flexible dates and destinations.
  • Booking early with QantasLink is good for obtaining spots.

Car Rentals Off-Island

  • DiscoverCars.com: For car rental on mainland Australia.
  • Tourist car rental is not permitted on Lord Howe Island itself.
  • This policy maintains the island's tranquil atmosphere.
  • Only a limited number of vehicles operate on the island, mainly for residents.

Land Transportation

Accessibility

Lord Howe Island is an isolated island, accessible only by air. No bridges connect it back to the mainland.

Public Ferry

State-run ferry services for vehicles do not exist. Therefore, planning any land-based journey to this island is not necessary.

Travel Mode

Your entire journey to and from the island hinges on air travel.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ship Information

No regular public ferry service for Lord Howe Island exists. Occasional freight ships bring supplies but do not carry passengers.

Cruise Ship Arrivals

  • Some small expedition cruise ships include Lord Howe Island as a port of call.
  • These ships anchor offshore, tendering passengers ashore in smaller boats.
  • This is not a regular mode of public transport; it involves specific cruise itineraries.

River Transport & Immigration

River transportation is not applicable. Lord Howe Island is an oceanic island, not connected to every river systems.

Immigration Procedures

  • Immigration procedures are not applicable at LHI for sea arrivals.
  • Cruise ship passengers clear Australian immigration at their first Australian port, usually a mainland city.
  • Do not plan to arrive by public ferry. Air travel is your only practical option.

Departure Information

No specific "exit fees" apply for Lord Howe Island. Standard Australian departure taxes are typically included in your original airline ticket price.

Departure Procedures

  • Arrive at LHI Airport 60-90 minutes before your scheduled departure.
  • Strict baggage weight limits apply due to small aircraft (Bombardier Q200/Q300).
  • Check QantasLink for current limits (often 14kg to 23kg checked, plus small carry-on).

Airport Facilities & Baggage

LHI Airport offers a basic waiting area. No extensive shops, restaurants, or lounges are present. Plan to bring any snacks or drinks you need for your wait.

Baggage Tips

  • Excess baggage fees are high, or your extra bags may be delayed.
  • An option is to ship non-essential items in case you have accumulated too much.
  • Adhere strictly to airline baggage weight limits.

Important Departure Reminder

  • Book your QantasLink flights to Lord Howe Island as soon as a accommodation is confirmed.
  • Flights sell out quickly due to limited capacity.
  • Space on the small aircraft limits.
  • Land transportation is not applicable for reaching Lord Howe Island directly.
  • Public sea or river transportation is not a regular way for visitors to arrive.
  • Only practical option for getting there is by air.

On-Island Transport Options

Public Transportation

Lord Howe Island has no conventional public transportation. Do not expect the tube systems, public buses, or trams. The island’s infrastructure and environmental policy prioritize minimal vehicle usage.

Information

  • No public bus, metro, or tram system operates here.
  • No public transit routes exist.
  • Ticketing systems and fare options are not applicable.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Lord Howe Island does not operate with a traditional taxi service or ride-sharing apps. The island's transport system is distinct and limited.

Private Operators & Safety

  • No public taxis can be hailed on the street.
  • A few independent operators offer limited paid transport, usually set up via lodgings or pre-booking.
  • Transportation on Lord Howe Island is extremely safe due to the small community and very low vehicle traffic.

Bicycle Rentals

Bicycles are the most popular and recommended mode of transport. Rentals are available from guesthouses and a dedicated shop (AUD 25-40/day).

Car & Scooter Rentals

Tourist car, motorcycle, and scooter rentals are not permitted on Lord Howe Island to reduce your environmental footprint.

Walking & Cycling

The entire island is exceptionally pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, with numerous walking tracks and roads.

Driving Laws & Safety

Road Use & Regulations

The speed limit island-wide is 25 km/h (15 mph). Visitors are generally not permitted to drive. Roads are shared with the few island vehicles.

Cycling Safety

  • Helmets are mandatory by Australian law for all cyclists.
  • Cycling is generally very safe due to low speed limits and minimal traffic.
  • Road conditions are generally well-maintained and sealed, though they can be narrow.

Walking & Self-Guided Exploration

The isle's small size allows visitors to navigate mainly by bicycle or on foot. These methods provide the most efficient and enjoyable ways to discover.

Walking Paths & Tours

  • Numerous walking tracks and roads provide safe passage for walking.
  • Guided walks are available, specifically the Mount Gower trek, led by local operators.
  • Many well-marked trails are good for independent exploration. Obtain maps from your accommodation or the Visitor Centre.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses/Hop-On-Hop-Off

None available. The island's small size and environmental policies do not support large-scale bus tours.

Boat Taxis/Water Transport

Boat tours for snorkeling, diving, or scenic voyages are by local companies for specific activities, not general point-to-point travel.

Accessibility Services

Limited. Lord Howe Island can be tough for those with significant mobility impairments due to reliance on walking and cycling.

Transportation Advice

Embrace walking and cycling as your main types of transport. This is the best way to experience the island's tranquility and beauty.