The ultimate guide for getting around Cairns and beyond

Visiting Cairns for the first time means stepping into one of Australia’s most adventure-packed regions. While the city itself is compact and simple to get around, many of Tropical North Queensland’s standout experiences, from the Great Barrier Reef to ancient rainforests and cascading waterfalls, lie beyond the city centre. Knowing the best ways to reach Cairns’ top attractions can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. 

With a mix of public transport, car hire, and organised tours available, getting around Cairns and travelling to nearby activities and attractions is easy. Whether you’re chasing bucket-list adventures or discovering lesser-known spots like hidden waterfalls or heading on a Northern Beaches day trip, this guide breaks down the transport options that make it easy to explore Cairns and the surrounding region.

Arriving in Cairns

Cairns Airport (CNS) has two terminals: Terminal 1 (International) and Terminal 2 (Domestic). Virgin Australia domestic passengers arriving from Australian cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane will arrive at Terminal 2, while international flights land at Terminal 1.

Transport options from Cairns Airport 

Cairns Airport is located about 6km north of the city centre, making it quick to reach CBD accommodation. It’s roughly 25km away from Palm Cove and 65km to Port Douglas, with several transport options to start your adventure in Tropical North Queensland.

• Airport shuttles: Multiple shuttle and coach companies offer door-to-door transfers to hotels and resorts in Cairns and nearby destinations. Prices generally start from around $15-$23 per adult for a one-way trip from Cairns Airport to Cairns City. Many services can be booked online or directly at the airport. If you’re travelling with kids or lots of luggage, check whether the shuttle provides booster seats or extra storage space.
• Taxis and rideshare: Taxis are available outside both terminals of Cairns Airport, with a typical ride to Cairns CBD taking 10–15 minutes and costing roughly $25–$35, depending on traffic. Rideshare services like Uber also operate from designated pick-up zones at the terminals, with fares varying based on demand and surge pricing. 
• Car hire: Renting a car at Cairns Airport is a convenient option for exploring and getting around Cairns and the surrounding region at your own pace, including the Great Barrier Reef,  Daintree Rainforest, and Northern Beaches. Major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, and Europcar are conveniently located at the airport, and booking ahead often secures better rates - and you can even earn Velocity Points on your car hire.
• Public transport: There is currently no public transport from Cairns Airport to the city or surrounding areas. However, plans for a future service are in the pipeline.

Getting around Cairns City

Cairns city centre is compact, flat, and walkable, with most cafés, shops, and the lively Esplanade within easy reach. For longer distances, or if your accommodation is outside the CBD, bikes, taxis, rideshare, and accessible transport make getting around simple and convenient.

Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to explore Cairns city.

Public transport in Cairns

Buses are a practical and cheap option for getting around Cairns, especially if you’re staying outside the city centre. Cairns’ local bus network is operated by Sunbus and is part of the TransLink system, connecting the CBD with nearby areas.

• Coverage: Key routes reach suburbs like Smithfield, Yorkeys Knob, and Palm Cove, as well as shopping areas like Cairns Central.
• Frequency: Buses run about every 15–30 minutes on popular routes and are less frequent in quieter areas and evenings (off-peak).
• Cost: Bus fares are very affordable, costing from 50 cents for a single trip to $5 for a weekly pass. Cash is typically the only option on most buses, so it’s best to carry coins and small notes.

Note: Buses are useful for basic city travel and nearby suburbs but are less frequent outside peak times.

Taxis and rideshare 

Taxis and rideshare services are widely available throughout Cairns City, operating 24/7. Taxis in Cairns are metered, with flagfalls ranging from $2.90 to $6.30, plus around $2.26 per kilometre. Short trips around the city typically cost between $10 and $25. 

You can hail taxis on the street, book by phone, or use one of the taxi ranks around the CBD and waterfront. 

Rideshare services like Uber also operates in Cairns, offering on-demand rides at fares similar to taxis, making it a convenient optiont. 

Walking 

Walking is one of the easiest ways to explore central Cairns. The flat, pedestrian-friendly streets put most key sights, cafés, and attractions within a 5–15 minute walk. Walking is ideal for exploring the waterfront, lagoon, and CBD, but less practical if you’re staying further out or travelling late at night.

Cycling and scooters

Cycling is a fun way to get around Cairns, especially along the well-maintained bike paths around the Esplanade and waterfront. These flat, scenic paths make it easy to explore the lagoon, cafés, and city attractions at your own pace. 

For short trips around the CBD, Beam’s app-based purple e-scooters are a convenient option. Available across central Cairns and nearby neighbourhoods like Cairns North and Edge Hill, these scooters can be rented through the Beam app on iOS or Android. Riders pay a small unlock fee (around $1) plus a per-minute charge (about $0.65/min).

Accessible transport options

Cairns offers accessible travel options for visitors with mobility needs, including:

• Low-floor buses on key routes
• Wheelchair-accessible taxis
• Smooth footpaths in the CBD and along the Esplanade

Most major attractions are accessible, but check venues for full details.

Do you need to hire a car in Cairns?

It depends.

If you’re planning on staying mostly within the CBD and nearby areas, then, no, you likely won’t need to hire a car. Cairns city is walkable, and you can use bikes, e-scooters, taxis/Uber, or the Sunbus network to reach most local cafés, shops, and the Esplanade.

For those planning to venture and explore beyond the city centre, then yes, hiring a car is highly recommended. Cairns’ public transport network is limited, buses run infrequently, and only a few routes reach suburbs like Palm Cove or Smithfield. Tourist hotspots such as the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas, Atherton Tablelands, and Mossman Gorge aren’t served by public transport. While taxis and rideshare are options, fares for longer trips can add up quickly - for example, a taxi from Cairns to Port Douglas can cost $120–$150 one way.

Hiring a car in Cairns gives you:

• Flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace
• The opportunity for scenic drives – the coastal and inland routes are stunning
• A cost-effective option to explore

Car hire options

You can hire a car either from Cairns Airport when you arrive, or from a city location. Major providers include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, SIXT, and Thrifty, catering to everything from compact cars to family SUVs and 4WDs. 

Prices start from around $56 per day for a standard car with unlimited kilometres, while 4WDs and larger vehicles can cost $250 or more per day, but be sure to check providers and rates for more up-to-date quotes. Most rentals include unlimited mileage, so you won’t need to worry about distance limits on road trips across Far North Queensland. 

Whether you’re in Cairns for a few days or longer, hiring a car is often the easiest way of getting around Cairns and exploring both the city and the surrounding region.

Using guided tours to get around

Guided tours are one of the easiest ways to explore Cairns’ surrounding regions and top attractions without a car. Not only can you travel to some of the regions natural wonders, but tours also take care of transport, logistics, and planning, while knowledgeable guides provide local insights, history, and highlights.

Great Barrier Reef tours

For reef adventures, popular operators include Down Under Cruise and Dive, Passions of Paradise, Sunlover Reef Cruises, and Great Adventure.

Half‑day trips typically start around $179–$199 per adult, while full‑day experiences that include island stops, snorkelling, lunch, or scenic flights can range from about $265 up to $395+ per adult depending on the itinerary and extras. 

Most tours include hotel pick-ups and drop-offs within Cairns, making getting around Cairns convenient for visitors without a car.

Rainforest and hinterland tours

Rainforest tours to the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, and the Kuranda region are some of Cairns’ most popular surrounding attractions. Companies such as Daintree Discovery Tours, Cairns Discovery Tours, and local eco‑operators offer full‑day experiences with scenic coastal drives, visits to Mossman Gorge, rainforest boardwalks, Daintree River cruises, wildlife encounters, and sometimes lunch.

Day tours typically cost about $239–$260 per adult, with children paying less. Many tours also stop at the Northern Beaches, including Palm Cove and Clifton Beach, so you can explore more of Far North Queensland without driving.

Combo reef & rainforest packages

Packages that combine reef and rainforest in one extended experience are ideal for travellers who want to visit more in fewer days. Options like a 2‑day Reef & Rainforest Tour from operators such as Cairns Discovery Tours run around $455 per adult, with children and family pricing available, and include pickup and drop-off in Cairns or nearby accommodation.

Guided tours make getting around Cairns and the surrounding region simple, with transport, expert commentary, and planning taken care of. They’re perfect for anyone wanting a structured day to focus on exploring natural highlights, with many tours offering accessible options for those with mobility needs. Using a tour also saves time and helps ensure you don’t miss key destinations when getting around Cairns.

Getting to popular attractions from Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to Far North Queensland’s natural highlights, from the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests to waterfalls and coastal towns. Travel times and convenience vary depending on your destination and whether you choose guided tours, self-drive, or public transport. For first-time visitors or those on short stays, guided tours are often the easiest way to reach the region’s top attractions without worrying about logistics.

Here are your options for getting to some of Cairns' most popular areas and attractions.

Great Barrier Reef 

The Great Barrier Reef lies about 30 minutes to two hours by boat from Cairns, depending on whether you visit the outer or inner reef. 

Guided reef tours depart daily from the Cairns Marina, offering half or full-day trips with snorkelling, diving, island stops, and sometimes scenic flights. Prices typically start at $179–$199 per adult for half-day trips and $265–$395+ for full-day experiences, depending on itinerary and inclusions. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season (June–August and school holidays). 

For travellers who prefer to explore independently, ferry services run from Cairns to Fitzroy Island and Green Island, with return tickets around $55–$70 per adult - book online to earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points. Ferry travel allows flexibility, but keep in mind that snorkelling gear or other reef activities may incur additional costs.

Kuranda 

Kuranda, a charming village nestled in the rainforest about 28km northwest of Cairns, is roughly a 40-minute drive from the city. 

There are several ways to reach Kuranda, depending on how independently you’d like to travel and how much of the journey you want to experience as part of the adventure.

Guided tours are the easiest option for most visitors, usually offering hotel pick-up, return transport, and free time to explore the markets, local galleries, Koala Gardens, or short rainforest walks. Full-day packages often combine time in Kuranda village with iconic transport experiences such as the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Kuranda Scenic Railway, starting at around $200 per adult. More comprehensive experiences, such as those including lunch, tastings, and guided visits to Barron Falls or Cattana Wetlands, can range closer to $290–$299 per adult. 

As an example, the Barron Falls & Kuranda Scenic Rail from Cairns Full Day Tour  includes lunch, coffee and liqueur tasting, locally made ice cream, a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, an Aboriginal-guided visit to Barron Falls, and a walk through the Cattana Wetlands, and is priced at $299 per adult.

Booking guided tours or attractions in advance is strongly recommended during peak season (June to August and school holidays), especially if you want to include Skyrail or Scenic Railway rides. Morning visits are ideal to enjoy the markets and rainforest paths before the crowds arrive.

Self-driving to Kuranda is also a popular option. The scenic drive along the Kennedy Highway winds through rainforest, with scenic lookouts at Stoney Creek Falls and Barron Gorge National Park. Parking in Kuranda is available but can be busy during peak season. Driving allows visitors to explore at their own pace and combine stops at attractions like Kuranda Koala Gardens, Butterfly Sanctuary, or Rainforestation Nature Park. 

For those wanting a scenic journey to Kuranda, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway offer two of the most memorable ways of getting around Cairns’ rainforest areas.

The Skyrail departs from Smithfield and glides above the rainforest canopy, stopping at Red Peak and Barron Falls for short walks and lookout views. The Scenic Railway departs from Cairns Central Station, winding through tunnels, waterfalls and lush rainforest before arriving in Kuranda. Combined Skyrail and Scenic Railway tickets typically start from around $140 per adult and $71 per child, making it an accessible option for families. Morning departures are usually less crowded, and during the wet season (November–April), viewing platforms may be slippery or visibility reduced.

Northern Beaches & Port Douglas

The Northern Beaches, including Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, and Clifton Beach, are about 20-40 minutes by car from Cairns CBD. Port Douglas is about 70 km north, taking roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car.

Public transport options exist but are limited; Sunbus services cover some areas like Palm Cove, but buses are infrequent and do not reach many tourist attractions.

For most visitors, guided tours or self-driving are the most practical ways to explore these destinations.

Full-day packages that combine the Kuranda Skyrail with time in Port Douglas village range from $255 to $430 per adult. Popular operators include Billy Tea Safaris and Go Wild Day Tours, both of which offer convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, making guided tours one of the easiest ways of getting around Cairns’ surrounding attractions.

Self-driving offers flexibility and is perfect for families, small groups, or first-time visitors who want to combine beach time with rainforest or wildlife experiences. It also allows stops at scenic lookouts, beaches and cafés. 

Waterfalls & Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands, 80–100 km west of Cairns, feature waterfalls, crater lakes, and scenic highlands. Driving from Cairns CBD typically takes 1.5–2 hours, with highlights including Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, Lake Eacham, Lake Barrine, and the Curtain Fig Tree.

Public transport options from Cairns are scarce, so guided tours or self-drive are the preferred options for getting to these top attractions. 

Guided tours often include main waterfalls, rainforest walks, wildlife spotting, and lunch, starting around $150–$180 per adult.

Self-driving gives full flexibility, allowing you to visit the Tablelands at your own pace, stop for photos at scenic viewpoints, or extend your day to include coffee stops and scenic lookouts. Most vehicles can use the sealed roads, but note that during the wet season (November–April), some minor roads can become slippery, so always check conditions beforehand. 

Tours are often the easiest solution for visitors on a short schedule, but self-driving provides unmatched freedom when getting around Cairns and the surrounding highlands.

Flights to Cairns

Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Cairns from major Australian cities, including:

• Melbourne to Cairns
• Sydney to Cairns
• Hobart to Cairns
• Perth to Cairns