Arriving in Cairns & Transport

Cairns by Air

Cairns airport is only just 10 minutes from of the city and about 25 minutes from Palm Cove and the Northern Beaches. Taxis can be easily hired at the airport and at times you will have to queue.

Cairns by Bus

Buses arrive at Trinity Wharf, conveniently located within walking distance of the centre of the city. If you are intending to stay at a backpacker's hostel, you will find a row of minibuses waiting for you.

Cairns by Car

Overseas travelers often don't realise the vastness of Australia. By road, Cairns is approximately 1750km from Brisbane, 2800km from Darwin, 2850 from Sydney and 3200km from Melbourne.

Cairns by Train

The Cairns railway station is located in the heart of the town next to the “Cairns Central” shopping centre. Actually, the shopping centre is on the site of the old station, while the station is newly built to the west of its original location. Trains run from Brisbane Cairns four times a week, taking approximately 32 hours over the journey.

Cairns Transport

Cairns Bus Services

Local bus services are provided by Sunbus, who operate from Lake Street Transit Centre in City Place. The buses run frequently and until quite late. On Friday and Saturday nights, the main routes north and south run all night. Three types of 24-hour tickets are offered that vary in cost depending on the route you are taking. The complete service area, is from Palm Cove to the north and Gordonvale to the south. A 24-hour ticket means exactly that.

You can call 07 4057 7411 for further information. For Sun Bus fares click here.

Medium distance bus services operate to Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation , Cooktown, Normanton, Karumba and
Mission Beach .

Car Rental

Thrifty, Budget, Hertz and Avis car rental companies are located at the arrival hall in both domestic and international terminals

Cairns Taxis

Taxis can be called on 131 008. Taxi ranks are all around the city from Cairns Airport. For Taxi prices click here.

Shuttle Bus

The City Airporter runs a shuttle to the city and main hotels. Meet and greet desks are in all the terminals