Getting Around
Maps
Once visitors have arrived in Cairns, getting around consists of a combination of public and private transport depending which suits your needs.
From Cairns International Airport, visitors can choose to take a city transport bus or a taxi (cab). It is only about 10-15 minutes from the airport to the city centre and should cost approximately $13-15.
Bicycles
Cairns is a relatively flat city and many visitors enjoy hiring bicycles for the duration of their visit to get around the city and close by attractions like the Cairns Botanic Gardens, the Esplanade, and Shopping Centres. Bicycles can be hired from hire companies which are located throughout the CBD area .
Taxis
Taxis are relatively expensive for long journeys outside of Cairns city centre, but for short jaunts in the city itself taxis can be ideal. The major taxi rank is located on Lake St in the centre of Cairns city. Taxis can also be picked up from most hotels or called to order on 131 008. Taxis tend not to pick people up in the street unless dropping off another passenger.
Car hire
Many visitors choose to hire a car or 4WD vehicle, particularly if they plan to stay for an extended period and/or visit other towns in the region. There are a number of international car hire companies in the city as well as cheaper options with older cars available.
RACQ road condition reports 1300 130 595
Local public buses
Public buses – the blue Sun bus – travel around the city of Cairns and to all suburbs including the northern beaches and Palm Cove. There are also public buses to the smaller towns including Kuranda and Port Douglas, the Atherton Tablelands, Mission Beach and Cooktown.
|
Taxi |
131 008 |
|
Sunbus (city bus) |
4057 7411 |
|
Australia Coach (airport bus) |
4048 8355 |
|
Sun Palm Express (Cairns to Port Douglas/Daintree) |
4099 4992 |
|
Whitecar Coaches (Cairns to Tablelands) |
4050 0599 |
|
Country Road Coaches (Cairns to Cooktown) |
4050 0599 |
|
Greyhound-Pioneer (interstate) |
132 030 |
|
McCafferty’s (interstate) |
131 499 |
|
Premier Motor Service (interstate) |
133 410 |
|
Queensland Rail (trains) |
4036 9250 |