How To Get To Cairns Airport
You can get to Cairns Airport by car or bus from the city centre. It's a very easy journey which is convenient for travellers in Cairns! Once you're ready to leave Cairns, here is your guide to reaching the airport from your accommodation in the city.
How to get to the airport from Cairns
Cairns airport is located on Airport Ave, Cairns City and only a short 12-minute car ride from Cairns City. The best way to get to Cairns Airport from the train station is by bus, car or taxi. You can organise taxi services through the app or through your hotel concierge. If you've rented a car in Cairns, you can often organise to return your rental car at the airport which is super convenient.
Cairns Airport operates both international and domestic flights, so this stunning tropical paradise is easily reachable from all corners of the world!
Where do you fly into Cairns?
If you’re travelling to Cairns by plane, you will be landing at Cairns Airport, operating both international and domestic airlines, including smaller flights to regional locations. Flying to Cairns is the most efficient ways to get to Tropical North Queensland.
Cairns Airport is located just north of Cairns City and within driving distance of Port Douglas and Palm Cove. Most domestic flights are under 4 hours and are incoming from Perth, Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. International flights to Cairns arrive from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tokyo, Bali and Singapore! Airlines arriving to Cairns from domestic locations include Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Skytrans, Alliance Air and Air North. International airlines arriving in Cairns are Air New Zealand and Singapore Air.
Once you land at Cairns Airport, you're already right near the heart of the city. So you shouldn’t be worried about a long transfer to your accommodation.
How to get a taxi from Cairns Airport
The most commonly used Cairns passenger transport service is Cairns Taxi. Call and book your Cairns Taxi on (07) 4048 8333. Book in advance to guarantee the service and ensure you don’t miss a flight. Uber app is available in Cairns but can be unreliable, especially at peak times. Our top tip for hiring a taxi from Cairns City to the Cairns airport is to leave early and anticipate traffic, especially during those peak hours in the week.
Check out some of our most popular Cairns tours!
How much is a taxi from Cairns Airport to Cairns city?
The cost of a taxi from Cairns Airport to the city centre can range from $25/$30 off-peak. Prices may be more expensive during peak rush hour times and during school holidays or weekends. Prices are also around the same if you're going from the city to Cairns Airport. Cairn Taxi is a 24/7 service and is licensed by the government. The taxi rank at the airport is located on the left side as you exit, so just follow the signs and hail one down!
Is there a shuttle bus to Cairns Airport?
There are a few coach or shuttle bus services you can take to the Cairns Airport from Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Cairns City.
Exemplar Coaches
- Phone: (07) 4213 3333
Exemplar Coach pickup points just outside the arrival hall of both international and domestic arrivals
The coaches travel to and from Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas.
All Bus services must be pre-arranged.
Con-X-ion
- Phone: 1300 857 105
When you arrive and head to the Con-X-ion counter in the Airport, Con-X-ion has a regular bus service between Cairns Airport and Cairns City.
You can choose your pickup and drop-off points
Coral Sea Coaches
- Phone: 0417 642 943
Coral Sea Coaches run a shuttle bus service between Cairns Airport to Cairns City, and its surrounding beaches; Clifton Beach, Holloways Beach, Kewarra Beach, Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Smithfield, Trinity Beach, White Rock, Woree and Yorkeys Knob.
You must book in advance.
