Cairns Transportation | Getting Between the Airport and City Centre
Compared to other major cities in Australia, public transportation in Cairns is relatively limited, meaning you won't use it as frequently. However, apart from renting a car or catching a taxi/rideshare, you can still easily travel between Cairns Airport and the CBD using airport shuttle buses and local public buses.
Today, I'll introduce the transportation options between Cairns Airport and downtown Cairns, including the Excellence Coaches shuttle bus, Airport Connect, and local public buses. I hope this helps you plan your upcoming trip smoothly!
（Downtown Cairns is compact and easily walkable, allowing you to reach many major attractions on foot.）
1. Excellence Coaches Shuttle Bus
First up is the dedicated airport shuttle service between Cairns Airport and the city center, operated by Excellence Coaches. It offers direct transfers between these two points (routes to Port Douglas are also available). They have service desks right inside both terminals at Cairns Airport, making it the most straightforward and stress-free public transport option.
◎ Fares: AUD $35 one-way; AUD $40 return (discounts available for multiple passengers; check the fare table)
◎ Timetable: Coordinated with daily flight arrival times, buses typically depart roughly 25 minutes after flights land
◎ Booking: Bookable online, by phone (0411 229 306), or directly at the airport service counter
◎ Official Website: Excellence Coaches
（Excellence Coaches can flexibly drop passengers off at downtown Cairns hotels, bus stops, the train station, or even the Reef Fleet Terminal upon request.）
2. Local Public Bus
While the Excellence Coaches shuttle mentioned above is very convenient, it is not the cheapest option. If you are traveling on a tight budget, public buses are your alternative. However, there is a catch: Cairns Airport does not have an on-site public bus stop. The nearest public bus stop is on Sheridan Street, about 3 kilometers away (see exact location here). Walking there takes around 40 minutes, which is quite inconvenient and generally not recommended with heavy luggage.
If you don't mind walking to the Sheridan Street bus stop, the rest is straightforward. You can catch any regular public bus operated by Sunbus connecting Sheridan Street with downtown Cairns. Route numbers 110, 111, 113, 120, and 121 all run this corridor. Fares start from AUD $2.40, increasing depending on zone distance.
◎ Route Map: Click here to view
◎ Frequency: Approximately every 20–30 minutes
◎ Official Website: Cairns Sunbus
（Please note: Brisbane's Go Card cannot be used on Cairns local buses; passengers must pay the driver in cash upon boarding.）
In comparison: a return journey using the Excellence Coaches shuttle bus costs AUD $40 per person. Taking the local public bus between the airport area and the city costs around 3 zones (about AUD $3.40 one-way). The price difference is around AUD $33, but the latter requires walking 40 minutes and carrying your bags, making it far more cumbersome. Choose the option that best fits your travel style and budget!
This wraps up our guide to public transport and transfers between Cairns Airport and the CBD. It's ideal for travelers who prefer not to rent a car or take a cab and want to get around via bus. Hopefully, this makes your Cairns trip planning much smoother!