How To Get Around Cairns
Cairns is the major tourist hub of Tropical North Queensland thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest, and its accessibility from other major Australian cities. Travellers who fly into Cairns will be greeted by warm, tropical weather and a wealth of adventures awaiting them!
But how do you get around Cairns? There is so much to see and do in this vibrant city, and luckily all the attractions and natural wonders are easy to reach from the city centre. Whether your main goal is saving money, seeing as much as possible, or just having fun and going with the flow, here is a guide to getting around Cairns so you can plan your trip with ease.
How To Get Around Cairns
It's very easy to get around Cairns using bicycles, public transport, taxis, rental cars, and tour shuttles. You can also easily explore Cairns on foot, as it is a relatively small and safe city. Walking is a free and fun way to sightsee in Cairns, so try to make that your preferred mode of transport. But if you do need other ways to get around Cairns, here are some of your best options!
Bicycle Hire
Riding a bicycle is a fun and enjoyable way to get around Cairns. Whether cruising along the sunny Esplanade or riding alongside the Marina, you can sightsee and get a workout in if you hire a bike in Cairns. Pumps 'n' Pedals, Cairns Electric Bikes, and Mini Car Rentals are just a few of the companies that offer bicycle hire in Cairns.
Public Transport
Bus is the most common form of public transport in Cairns. For those looking to save money or reduce their carbon footprint, you can take public buses to hotspots around the Cairns city centre. Translink Cairns has a website and app where you can find public bus routes throughout the city and check timetables.
You can also take public transport between Cairns and other nearby towns or cities, such as Palm Cove or Port Douglas. If you're hoping to travel even longer distances with public transport, Cairns is connected to other Australian cities by rail and bus in addition to planes. For land travel, the Spirit of Queensland train system and Greyhound bus system both make it super easy to get from Cairns to elsewhere in Australia!
Taxis and Rideshare
Like most major cities around the world, Cairns has taxis and rideshare apps such as Uber. These make it super easy to get around the city! Cairns Taxis is the main taxi service where you can order a car by phone or by using their app.
Taxis are generally the most expensive way to get around Cairns. But they are the most convenient, especially if you need a last-minute ride. And because Cairns is a small city, your rides may be short and therefore not too pricey!
Car Hire
Though you don't necessarily need a car in Cairns, having one gives you extended flexibility and freedom for exploring. The Cairns city centre is easy to drive around, and a car gives you access to all the waterfalls, swimming holes, hiking trails, beaches, and rainforest attractions outside the city.
You can rent a car in downtown Cairns easily, whether you want a vehicle for the day or for the duration of your stay. If you have a group of friends or you're travelling as a family, hiring a car for everyone can actually be cheaper than taking public transport since you're all splitting the cost!
Guided Tours
Another easy way to see the sights around Cairns is by booking guided tours. Great Barrier Reef and island tours usually offer hotel pick-up for an extra cost, or you can just walk to the marina if you're staying in the city centre. Land-based tours to the Daintree Rainforest or Atherton Tablelands often include hotel pickup and drop-off.
Once you're on the tour, transport is included and your expert guide will take you to the best destinations! This is a fun and hassle-free way to explore the diverse landscapes around Cairns without worrying about any logistics yourself.
Here are some of the most popular Great Barrier Reef day tours from Cairns!
Getting To And From Cairns Airport
Whether you're arriving or departing from Cairns Airport, it's super easy to organise transport. The easiest option is just getting a taxi or an Uber. Cairns Airport is really close to the city centre and it's only a 10-15 minute drive to the airport from most destinations in town. Because the drive is so short, it's not even that expensive to get a taxi!
If you're hiring a car in Cairns, you can also organise for your car to be picked up and dropped off right at the airport. Or if you prefer public transport, there are coach buses and public buses that head to the airport every day.
Read our full guide to getting to and from the Cairns Airport for more info!
Getting Around On Day Trips From Cairns
For day trips around Cairns, your best options are guided tours or hiring a car. Though you can take the bus to some popular locations around Cairns, a bus might not run to that specific waterfall or hiking trail that you want to visit. Guided tours head to most of the hotspots around Cairns, which is the perfect option for solo travellers or backpackers who want a social environment. Renting a car is great for families and adventurers who prefer a bit of privacy or want to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Either way, it's very easy and straightforward to explore the best sights and attractions in and around Cairns!
