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Getting to Cairns - Transport by Air, Train, Road & Boat

Getting to Cairns

Cairns By Air

Cairns Airport is the main gateway to Tropical North Queensland. It boasts international, domestic and general aviation terminals. It is serviced by major international, national and state air carriers. There are many direct flights for international travellers: New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Guam and Papua New Guinea as well as Singapore via Darwin. Cairns Airport is Australia's fifth busiest in terms of international passengers.

Cairns Airport offers both domestic and international flights. Airfield operations are 24 hours, and terminal operations including shops, cafes at both pre and post immigration points are open in accordance with flight schedules.

The website has live details on the current departures and arrivals at both the domestic and international terminals, updated every three minutes. If you're arriving in Cairns by plane then you might need an airport transfer to get you to your accommodation.

Cairns By Train

Spirit of Queensland

Spirit of QueenslandTrain Route MapMore Info

Queensland Rail's brand new Tilt Train fleet was launched in October 2013 and focuses on relaxation, comfort and modern facilities. Connecting visitors to major tourist destinations from South East to Central Queensland, the new Spirit of Queensland train boasts an Australian first, the revolutionary RailBed - seats that convert to a lie-flat bad.

As Australia's fastest train, this service operates in each direction between Brisbane and Cairns and is outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities and catering. Providing a smooth and comfortable ride, the Spirit of Queensland is perfect for day trips and a wonderful choice to explore any of the amazing spots along the Capricorn and Coral Coasts including Fraser Island, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton and more. 

Find out more about the Spirit of Queensland.


Cairns By Boat

ferry from CairnsCairns is well serviced with marinas for boating enthusiasts. A rising number of overseas cruise ships call at the Cairns Seaport regularly. It is Australia's busiest cruise port with over 200 international and domestic cruise ship visits a year and provides a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and a 213 berth Marina accommodating a variety of cruising vessels, superyachts and reef vessels. Cairns Seaport offers extensive and experienced ship building and repair services offering some of the most experienced, quality assured luxury repair facilities for superyachts in the southern hemisphere.

Cairns By Road

Road to CairnsThe distance to Cairns by the most practicable direct route is:

  • 1700 km from Brisbane
  • 2700 km from Sydney
  • 2800 km from Darwin
  • 3100 km from Melbourne

You could hire a car from another city and depending on whether the facilities are available you can drop it off to the same provider when you arrive in Cairns. Otherwise, get an airport transfer from the nearest airport to where you are staying.

Cairns By Coach

Coach travel is an efficient and pleasurable way to see the countryside. Major coach companies operate luxury, air conditioned vehicles with express services between major Australian cities and Cairns.