A new airport express bus service connecting Launceston Airport to the CBD will be introduced if the Liberal Government is returned to office, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced.
The 12-month trial, modelled on the SkyBus service operating in Hobart since 2018, promises to deliver daily connections between the terminal and key city locations. The aim is to offer residents, tourists, and business travellers a more predictable and affordable way to get to and from the airport.
The move comes on the back of rising passenger volumes through Launceston Airport, with 159,032 people passing through the terminal in January alone. That marks a steady rebound in airport traffic, as Tasmania’s tourism and regional business travel continue to recover and expand. On an annual basis, Launceston Airport handled over 1.36 million passengers in the 2022–23 financial year, according to Airservices Australia, positioning it as the second busiest airport in the state behind Hobart.
Premier Rockliff said the SkyBus trial is part of the Liberals’ broader transport vision. “We’ve worked closely with Launceston Airport to improve facilities and connectivity. This partnership is delivering real outcomes for families, local businesses, and visitors,” he said.
He framed the SkyBus expansion as both practical and overdue. “We introduced SkyBus in Hobart, and now we’re ready to do the same in the north. It’s time Launceston had this level of service too.”
The service is expected to run seven days a week and will be integrated with other modes of transport. Consultation will take place with SkyBus, Launceston Airport, and local stakeholders to finalise route maps and pick-up points.
The funding will come from the “Transport Services” envelope of the upcoming 2025–26 state Budget. The government has not yet confirmed exact fare pricing or start dates but indicated implementation would begin as early as possible if re-elected.
The announcement taps into a broader pre-election push by the Liberal Party to pitch stability and delivery over disruption. Rockliff’s messaging centred on choice: “This election comes down to a strong Liberal team with a real plan, or another merry-go-round.”
While the commitment has drawn support from tourism operators and airport stakeholders, the finer details remain subject to planning consultations. Current airport ground transport options in Launceston include taxis, ride-share services, and private shuttles, but no dedicated airport-city express bus.
SkyBus, owned by Kinetic Group, has become a common fixture in capital city airports including Melbourne and Hobart. In Hobart, the service operates 24 times a day and charges $19.50 for a one-way adult ticket. It’s yet to be confirmed whether Launceston fares will match those rates or be adapted for the northern market.
The move is likely to be welcomed by the growing number of interstate visitors choosing Launceston as a hub for exploring the Tamar Valley and Northern Midlands. But its success may hinge on how well the timetable integrates with flight arrivals and whether the pricing is competitive with existing taxi and ride-share options.
According to data from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics, Launceston Airport handled 1,362,574 passenger movements in FY23, compared to 2.7 million through Hobart. Those numbers are expected to keep climbing as Tasmania positions itself as a more accessible tourism and business destination post-COVID.
The SkyBus initiative, if it takes off, could make Launceston a little less reliant on car travel—and a little more connected to the future it’s trying to build.
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🚌@TasLiberal pledge Launceston Airport SkyBus trial if re-elected. ✈️Modeled on #Hobart's service, aims to serve 1.36M annual passengers. 🗳️Part of pre-election transport promises, details pending consultation. #TheIndianSun @jeremyrockliff
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