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Airport Transportation

Cairns Airport

Also known as: Cairns International Airport, CNS Airport.

CNS · YBCS · Cairns

Airport facts

Name
Cairns Airport
IATA code
CNS
ICAO code
YBCS
City
Cairns
Country
Australia
Address
Airport Avenue, Aeroglen QLD 4870, Australia
Coordinates
-16.8858, 145.7553
Time zone
Australia/Brisbane
Terminals
Two terminals about 200 m apart: T1 International and T2 Domestic

About Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport (CNS) is the airport for Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Australia, and the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Palm Cove and Port Douglas. It stands in the suburb of Aeroglen, about 7 km (4 miles) north of the Cairns city center, off Sheridan Street and the Captain Cook Highway.

Most flights are domestic. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar link Cairns with Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and Jetstar and QantasLink add flights to other Australian cities and towns. Smaller airlines such as Rex Airlines, Skytrans and Hinterland Aviation serve Cape York, the Torres Strait and outback Queensland. International flights go to Singapore, Port Moresby, Nadi, Denpasar, Tokyo and Osaka, with seasonal service to Auckland. The airport handled about 4.9 million passengers in 2025.

There are two terminals, about 200 m apart: T1 for international flights and T2 for domestic and regional flights, linked by a short signposted walk.

From the airport, most travelers head into central Cairns and the Esplanade, where boats leave for the reef and the islands, or north along the Captain Cook Highway to the Northern Beaches, Palm Cove and Port Douglas, about an hour's drive away.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

North Queensland Airports, under a 99-year lease from the Queensland Government

Passengers per year

About 4.9 million in 2025, of them about 666,000 international

Runway

One, 15/33, 3,156 m

Terminals

Two: T1 International and T2 Domestic

Arrival tips for Cairns Airport

On an international flight you arrive at T1. Have your passport and completed Incoming Passenger Card ready for passport control; eligible ePassport holders aged 16 and over can use SmartGate. Every visitor except New Zealand citizens needs a visa or travel authority, such as an ETA or eVisitor, arranged before flying. Keep your phone switched off until you have cleared customs.

After collecting your bags, you pass customs and biosecurity, where officers and detector dogs check for food, plant and animal products. If you are unsure whether to declare something, tick yes on the card. Baggage carts are free in the T1 baggage claim, and a currency exchange is in the baggage claim area.

Domestic and regional flights arrive at T2, where you collect your bags and walk straight out to the arrivals area. At both terminals, taxi stands, the ride-share pickup and the Exemplar shuttle desks are signposted, and hire car counters are in the arrivals area. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.

Queensland stays on Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10) all year.

Ground transportation

A taxi or pre-booked car is the simplest way into Cairns; for Palm Cove and Port Douglas, most travelers book a shuttle or a private transfer.

  • Taxi from Cairns airport

    Cairns Taxis, the region's regulated taxi service, serves sheltered ranks at the front of both terminals, monitored around the clock. Taxis cannot be pre-booked from the terminals, and the ride to the city center takes about 10 minutes.

  • Ride share

    Ride-share pickup is signposted outside International Arrivals at the eastern end of T1 and outside Domestic Arrivals at the northern end of T2.

  • Exemplar airport shuttle

    Exemplar Coaches and Limousines runs shared shuttles from its desks in the T1 and T2 arrivals halls to the Cairns CBD, Palm Cove and Port Douglas. It stops at several hotels, so it takes longer than a car.

  • Route 100 bus

    The Queensland Government has announced a public bus, route 100, between the airport and the Cairns Lagoon via the city bus station, due to start by the end of 2026. Check that it is running before you travel.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you at arrivals and goes door to door, useful for families, groups, late arrivals and trips to Palm Cove or Port Douglas.

  • Car hire

    Hire car counters are in the public arrivals area, a good option for exploring the Atherton Tablelands or the Daintree at your own pace.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Walking

    T1 and T2 are about 200 m apart. Follow the directional signs between the buildings; the walk takes about 5 minutes.

  2. Taxi or car

    Each terminal has its own taxi stand and pickup zone at the front of the building, useful if you have heavy luggage.

Terminals

T1 International

The international terminal, used by flights to and from Asia, New Zealand and the Pacific, with border control, customs and biosecurity on arrival.

T2 Domestic

The domestic terminal, used by flights within Australia, including regional flights to Cape York, the Torres Strait and outback Queensland. The Qantas Club lounge is here.

Airlines and destinations

Jetstar flies both domestic and international routes, so check on your booking whether your flight uses T1 or T2.

Air New Zealand T1 International

Auckland (seasonal)

Air Niugini T1 International

Port Moresby

Airnorth

Alice Springs, Darwin, Gove

Alliance Airlines

Townsville, Weipa

Fiji Airways T1 International

Nadi

Hinterland Aviation

Coen, Cooktown, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Pormpuraaw

Jetstar

Adelaide, Brisbane, Denpasar, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Osaka Kansai, Perth, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Tokyo Narita

Qantas T2 Domestic

Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

QantasLink T2 Domestic

Ayers Rock, Brisbane, Darwin, Horn Island, Mackay, Townsville, Weipa

Rex Airlines

Burketown, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Mount Isa, Normanton, Townsville

Singapore Airlines T1 International

Singapore

Skytrans

Aurukun, Bamaga, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Moranbah, Pormpuraaw, Proserpine

Virgin Australia T2 Domestic

Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

Facilities

  • Currency exchange

    A Travelex currency exchange is in the T1 International baggage claim area.

  • ATMs

    ATMs are in the terminals, including one in the arrivals area that accepts most international cards. Some dispense only 50-dollar notes.

  • Duty-free on arrival

    International arrivals can shop at the Aelia Duty Free store before leaving T1.

  • Car rental counters

    Rental car companies have counters in the public arrivals area.

  • Luggage storage

    A baggage storage room for larger items is run through the Car Park Service Kiosk, open 6am to 6pm daily, subject to availability.

  • Baggage carts

    Baggage carts are free in the T1 International baggage claim; in T2 Domestic arrivals and departures they are coin-operated and take cash only.

  • Group porterage

    TLC Airport Luggage Services offers porterage for groups, booked in advance.

  • Airport Ambassadors

    Ambassadors walk the terminals to help with directions, transport and destination information, and Chinese Liaison Officers help with translation.

  • Tourist Refund Scheme

    The Australian Border Force runs a Tourist Refund Scheme desk in T1 International departures for GST refunds on eligible purchases.

  • Lost property

    Cairns Airport runs a lost property service for items left in the terminals.

Airport lounges

  • Qantas Club, T2 Domestic

    On Level 1 of the T2 departures area, for Qantas Club members and eligible Qantas passengers under the airline's lounge access rules.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Book wheelchair and boarding assistance with your airline in advance; some airlines also help with baggage collection when it is arranged ahead.

  • Reduced mobility

    Each terminal has curbside drop-off and pickup areas for vehicles with a disability parking permit, and accessible parking bays sit closest to the terminal entrances. Some check-in counters are lowered for wheelchair users.

  • Hidden disabilities

    Cairns Airport takes part in the Sunflower lanyard program. Lanyards are free; request one online at least 14 days before travel so it can be posted to you. The lanyard does not include an escort, which you arrange with your airline.

  • Planning resources

    Visual guides and written social stories cover the domestic departure and arrival journeys, and the airport publishes a Disability Access Facilitation Plan.

Parking

All parking lots give the first 10 minutes free for picking up or dropping off.

T1 International Covered

Directly opposite T1, covered and cyclone-rated.

T1 International Uncovered

Directly outside T1.

T2 Domestic Covered

The closest parking lot to T2 arrivals, a 1 to 2 minute walk, covered and cyclone-rated, with the Car Park Service Kiosk.

T2 Domestic Uncovered

Directly outside T2.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Cairns airport from the city center?

Cairns Airport is in Aeroglen, about 7 km (4 miles) north of the Cairns city center, off Sheridan Street and the Captain Cook Highway. The drive to the center and the Esplanade usually takes about 10 minutes. Taxis, ride-share cars, the Exemplar shuttle and pre-booked transfers leave from outside both terminals.

How do I get from Cairns airport to Port Douglas?

Port Douglas is about 66 km north of Cairns Airport, roughly an hour's drive along the Captain Cook Highway. Exemplar Coaches runs a shared shuttle from its desks in the T1 and T2 arrivals halls, which stops at several hotels and takes longer. A private transfer or a hire car takes you straight there.

How far is Palm Cove from Cairns airport?

Palm Cove is about 25 km north of Cairns Airport, around 25 minutes by car along the Captain Cook Highway past the Northern Beaches. The Exemplar shuttle serves Palm Cove from both terminals, and taxis, ride-share cars and pre-booked transfers go door to door to the resorts on Williams Esplanade.

How many terminals does Cairns airport have?

Cairns Airport has two terminals about 200 m apart. T1 handles international flights and T2 handles domestic and regional flights within Australia. You can walk between them in about 5 minutes by following the signs. Jetstar flies both domestic and international routes, so check your booking for the right terminal.

Is Cairns airport the same as Cairns International Airport?

Yes. The airport's official name is Cairns Airport, code CNS, but many travelers and booking sites call it Cairns International Airport because it has an international terminal, T1. It is the only commercial airport for Cairns, so any flight to Cairns lands here, at T1 or T2.

Is there a bus from Cairns airport to the city?

The Queensland Government has announced route 100, a public bus every 30 minutes between the airport and the Cairns Lagoon via the city bus station, due to start by the end of 2026. Until it runs, the Exemplar shuttle, taxis, ride-share cars and pre-booked transfers are the ways into the city.

Where is the taxi stand at Cairns airport?

Each terminal has a sheltered taxi stand at the front of the building, signposted from arrivals, with a free intercom to the booking center. Cairns Taxis is the region's regulated taxi service, with sedans, maxi taxis and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Taxis cannot be pre-booked from the terminals, and fares are metered.

Where do Uber and ride-share cars pick up at Cairns airport?

Ride-share pickup is outside International Arrivals at the eastern end of T1 and outside Domestic Arrivals at the northern end of T2. Look for the Ride Booking and Ride Share signs as you leave the terminal. Drop-off for departures is outside the check-in area of each terminal.

Which airlines fly to Cairns?

Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar fly to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and Jetstar and QantasLink serve other Australian cities. Rex Airlines, Skytrans, Hinterland Aviation, Airnorth and Alliance Airlines fly regional routes. Singapore Airlines, Air Niugini, Fiji Airways and Jetstar fly internationally, and Air New Zealand flies seasonally to Auckland.

What do I need to enter Australia at Cairns airport?

Every visitor except New Zealand citizens needs a visa or travel authority, such as an ETA or an eVisitor, before flying. On arrival at T1 you hand in an Incoming Passenger Card and declare any food, plant or animal products for biosecurity. Eligible ePassport holders aged 16 and over can use SmartGate at passport control.

Is there a lounge at Cairns airport?

Yes. The Qantas Club lounge is on Level 1 of the T2 Domestic departures area, open to Qantas Club members and eligible Qantas passengers under the airline's lounge rules. The airport lists no other lounge, so check with your airline for access on international flights from T1.

Where can I park at Cairns airport?

Cairns Airport has four parking lots: T1 International Covered and Uncovered, and T2 Domestic Covered and Uncovered, all beside the terminals. The covered parking lots are cyclone-rated, and every parking lot gives the first 10 minutes free for pick-ups and drop-offs. A free Standby Zone lets drivers wait up to 30 minutes.

What time zone is Cairns in?

Cairns uses Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10) all year, because Queensland does not use daylight saving. From October to April, Cairns is one hour behind Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, so check the local arrival and departure times on your ticket, especially on connecting flights.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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