Travel Budget for Alice Springs Visit Alice Springs on a Budget or Travel in Style

Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
Pacific / Australia / Northern Territory /
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Alice Springs is a charming town known for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Alice Springs and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty.

How much does it cost to travel to Alice Springs?

A typical traveler spends $113 (AU$173) per day on a trip to Alice Springs. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Alice Springs based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $42 (AU$64) on meals
  • $20 (AU$31) on local transportation
  • $101 (AU$154) on hotels

A one-week trip to Alice Springs for two people costs, on average, $1,585 (AU$2,422). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $113
    AU$173
  • One Week Per person
    $792
    AU$1,211
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,585
    AU$2,422
  • One Month Per person
    $3,396
    AU$5,190
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,585
    AU$2,422
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,169
    AU$4,844
  • One Month For a couple
    $6,791
    AU$10,380
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Alice Springs cost?

A one week trip to Alice Springs usually costs around $792 (AU$1,211) for one person and $1,585 (AU$2,422) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Alice Springs on average costs around $1,585 (AU$2,422) for one person and $3,169 (AU$4,844) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Alice Springs will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Alice Springs on average costs around $3,396 (AU$5,190) for one person and $6,791 (AU$10,380) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Alice Springs expensive to visit?

In Alice Springs, budget travelers spend $47 (AU$72) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $112 (AU$173) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $251 (AU$387) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Alice Springs.

Alice Springs is a terrific town that captivates many with its charm, appealing to a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Alice Springs has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Alice Springs is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Fraser Island.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Alice Springs Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Alice Springs?

The average Alice Springs trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Alice Springs travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Alice Springs cost?

Alice Springs on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$21
(AU$32) 		$50
(AU$77) 		$116
(AU$177)
Local Transportation1 $9
(AU$13) 		$20
(AU$31) 		$40
(AU$61)
Food2 $17
(AU$27) 		$42
(AU$64) 		$90
(AU$137)
Entertainment1 $6
(AU$9.30) 		$14
(AU$22) 		$28
(AU$43)
Alcohol2 $3-10
(AU$5-16) 		$9-26
(AU$13-39) 		$21-62
(AU$32-95)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Alice Springs, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $47 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Alice Springs, such as Alice's Secret Travellers Inn. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Alice Springs. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $112 per person, per day.

In Alice Springs, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Desert Palms Alice Springs is a great choice for families, and DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Alice Springs.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $251. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the town, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm Day Trip from Alice Springs - offered by Viator.



Accommodation Budget in Alice Springs

Alice Springs offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $, but during peak summer season, they can average $. Prices range from $ to $, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Alice Springs for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $101 (AU$154). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $50 (AU$77) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $50
    AU$77
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $101
    AU$154

Hotels in Alice Springs

Looking for a hotel in Alice Springs? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Alice Springs include:

  • Ooraminna Station Homestead starting at $152
  • Kathys Place Bed and Breakfast starting at $54
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a great destination for families, and you'll want to find an apartment or larger accommodation when traveling with kids.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.

Though Alice Springs is a popular tourist spot, its small size means hotels can sell out fast. To avoid any issues during summer, make your reservations well in advance.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Alice Springs

Unfortunately, Alice Springs does not provide a solid public transit network. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Alice Springs is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $20 (AU$31) per person, per day, on local transportation in Alice Springs. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Alice Springs is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $20
    AU$31

You can reach Alice Springs by plane, train, bus, or private car. Obviously the easiest way to travel to Alice Springs is by plane. There are flights in to Alice Springs from many major cities, but do note that Uluru actually has its own airport. If you're making a quick trip simply to see the rock, do not bother passing through Alice Springs.

Train tickets are actually more expensive than flights. The Ghan is the private tourist train that makes the trip from Adelaide and is quite an enjoyable experience, although not cheap. It does continue on to Darwin.

If you're planning to drive, you can expect a 17 hour trip from Darwin and an 18 hour trip from Adelaide. Coming from Adelaide, the Stuart Highway is in good condition and will pass through several towns including Coober Pedy.

Transportation Tips

Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) Coach Transfer for $171 details
  • Uluru to Alice Springs or Alice to Uluru 1-Way Luxe Transfer for $168 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Alice Springs
How much does it cost to go to Alice Springs? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Alice Springs
The price of renting a car in Alice Springs will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Alice Springs

The food in Alice Springs is decent, though people don't specifically come here for the food. However, there are a few hidden gems in the town worth checking out. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Alice Springs can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Alice Springs is $42 (AU$64) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $42
    AU$64

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Alice Springs is around $41 (AU$64) per person, with previous travelers spending from $17 to $89. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Alice Springs are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $12
  • Lunch: $6 to $17
  • Dinner: $12 to $29
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

As a growing tourist destination, Alice Springs offers a decent supply of restaurants and cafes. There are a few good sit down restaurants including a Thai restaurant and an excellent grill, Red Ochre Grill, which uses many indigenous ingredients. Other options include a steakhouse, Indian food, pizza, and pasta. If you just want to grab a drink, head to Town and Country, which is a pub that has a great atmosphere and some light meals.

There are also several fast food options available. McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, and Red Rooster are the main chains available, and several other less popular options as well. You can also pick up some food at Ling's Supermarket. They have Asian food such as noodles, rice, kim chi, and several frozen meals.

Food & Dining Tips

If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

Making a picnic is a fantastic way to save money and enjoy the views. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up fresh goodies, and find a charming park or scenic area to eat your meal.

Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Alice Springs, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Ayers Rock Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner for $246 details
  • From Day Trip to Uluru with BBQ Dinner for $242 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Alice Springs

It's easy to see why people visit Alice Springs, given its hiking, family-friendly activities, romance, and budget-friendly accommodations.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Alice Springs typically cost an average of $14 (AU$22) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $14
    AU$22

In addition to having Uluru, the surrounding landscape around Alice Springs is quite fascinating. It is made up of gorges and desert features that are striking in color, particularly at sunrise and sunset. There are also Aboriginal communities that have a fascinating and very informative history that they are eager to share. Visitors should also consider heading to Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon in addition to the famed Uluru.

Other places worth visiting include the Alice Springs Desert Park, the Reptile Centre, and the Olive Pink Botanical Garden.

Historic sights in the area include the Adelaide House, the Old Timer's Museum, the Residency, the National Pioneer Womens Hall of Fame, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, and the Alice Springs Cemetery.



There are a decent number of adventure activities that you can enjoy in and around Alice Springs. Balloon Rides are popular at sunrise. Bicycle or motorcycle tours are also available. Pyndan Camel Tracks is a unique one hour or half day camel tour of the area.

If you're itching to get in a round of golf, there's also a golf course in the area, complete with a clubhouse which offers drinks and snacks.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
Hiking in Alice SpringsThe hiking paths in the vicinity of Alice Springs are superb. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

A nice way to explore destinations in Alice Springs is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Historical Alice Tour for $123 details
  • East MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group for $134 details
  • West MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Tour -Small Group for $168 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Alice Springs

In Alice Springs, you can find some nightlife options, but it isn't as lively as in other more popular tourist spots. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $17 (AU$26) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Alice Springs per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $17
    AU$26
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.

Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.


What did other people spend on Alcohol in Alice Springs?

Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Alice Springs, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.


  • Glass of Wine in Alice Springs
    AU$7.00


Travel cost data last updated: Aug 12, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Alice Springs

  • In peak season during summer, expect to see higher prices and an influx of visitors in the town. To save some cash and avoid the crowds, think about visiting during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • In Alice Springs, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider renting a car or scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • If you're hoping to find a hostel in Alice Springs, you might be disappointed. Instead of dorms, consider searching for affordable hotels or apartment rentals.
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Traveling in Alice Springs
Alice Springs Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Alice Springs is in the middle of Central Australia and is most famous as a base for exploring the famous rock, Uluru. Alice Springs itself has grown dramatically from what was once a small outpost. The tourist boom began in the early 1980s and the population is now somewhere around 28,000. The city now has all of the necessary facilities to cater to the influx of tourists who swing through to see Uluru. The town is 1500km from Darwin, which is the closest major city. Adelaide is just as far to the south. It's remote location means that costs can be higher than they are elsewhere in Australia. Expect to pay more for anything from fruits and vegetables to clothing and souvenirs. When making a reservation for a hotel, do note that the rating scale differs from elsewhere in Australia or in most western countries. The ratings come from the amenities available and have little to do with the actual room quality.

Alice Springs has a desert climate with highly variable weather from year to year. In particular, yearly rainfall can differ dramatically from one year to the next. Summer temperatures in Alice Springs can reach into the mid 40s Celsius with winter temperatures dropping to 6 degrees Celsius. There are about 12 freezing nights a year.



Neighborhoods & Around

Alice Springs is very near the center of the continent. It's about 1200 kilometers from the nearest ocean and 1500 kilometers from the nearest cities of Darwin and Adelaide. It's also the midway point for the Adelaide-Darwin Railway. The McDonnell Ranges are to the south. The roads in the area are quite flat and usually go around, instead of over the hills, in part to respect the sacred sites of the local Indigenous people.

Related:

Looking for a party? Find a hostel in Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, or along the Gold Coast.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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