Overview
Cairns Airport is a major gateway to two of Queensland's most famous icons: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. More than five million Cairns Airport arrivals pass through the airport each year. The international airport is only seven kilometres from the Cairns CBD, allowing travellers to get from the terminal to their Cairns Airport hotel in no time.
Cairns Airport has won several awards in recent years, including 'Major Airport of the Year' at the 2018 Australian Airports Association National Airport Industry Awards.
Start planning your trip to Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, and the beaches and rainforests of Tropical North Queensland. Webjet has you covered with great deals on flights, hotels and rental cars.
Transport/Parking
Car Hire
There are six rental car options at Cairns Airport: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot and Thrifty. Car hire at Cairns Airport is available from T1 International and T2 Domestic. Head to the Cairns Airport arrivals hall in each terminal to find the rental car kiosks.
Parking at Cairns Airport
T1 Budget: This is the Cairns Airport parking option for travellers catching a flight from the International Terminal. It’s located just outside the terminal and is only a one- to three-minute walk to the entrance. The first 10 minutes in the car park are free – perfect for drop-offs and pick-ups. Drive-up rates for a longer stay cost $69 AUD for three days and $134 AUD for a week.
T2 Covered: Keep your car sheltered from the rain and sun of Tropical North Queensland by booking into this covered Cairns Airport parking lot. It’s a one- to two-minute walk from the T2 Domestic entrance. Drive-up rates for the T2 Covered car park are $93 AUD for three days and $213 AUD for a week.
T2 Uncovered: Budget travellers can make the most of this affordable and convenient car park. It’s located right outside Cairns Airport departures at T2 Domestic, and the first 10 minutes are free for drop-offs and pick-ups. Drive-up rates for the T2 Uncovered car park are $69 AUD for three days and $146 AUD for a week.
Both cash and card payments are accepted for each of the Cairns Airport parking spaces. You can also reserve a spot online to save up to 40% off the drive-up rates.
Shuttle and Public Transport
Excellence Coaches offers a door-to-door shuttle service between Cairns Airport arrivals and accommodation in the surrounding area. You can book a shuttle to hotels and addresses in Cairns CBD, Port Douglas and the Northern Beaches. Reservations can be made online or at the shuttle bus desk, which is located in the arrivals areas of both T1 and T2. Fares vary based on your destination and whether you prefer a shared or private shuttle. A single adult fare to Cairns CBD starts from $15 AUD. Once you’ve made your booking, head to the pick-up point just outside the terminal exit to meet your shuttle.
Airport Features
+4 more Hotels near Cairns Airport
Lilybank Guest House
Located at 75 Kamerunga Rd, Stratford
Cairns Beach Resort
Located at 129-135 Oleander St, Holloways Beach
Summer House Backpackers Cairns
Located at 341 Lake St, Cairns City
Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Located at 295 Sheridan St, Cairns City
Oasis Inn Cairns
Located at 276 Sheridan St, Cairns City
+4 more Shopping & Dining
Rattle N' Hum
Enjoy a hearty meal at this laid-back bistro in T2. Menu favourites include stone oven-cooked pizza, burgers, and classic chicken parma. Rattle N' Hum also has a selection of beers on tap to accompany your meal.
The Pier Bar
The Pier Bar is the place to go for a wide range of drinks before your flight from T2. Choose from local and craft beers, bespoke cocktails, and wines. The food menu focuses on fresh local seafood.
Hudsons Coffee
Get your caffeine fix at Hudsons Coffee, which has locations in both T1 and T2. Choose from a range of coffee and tea drinks, grab-and-go sandwiches and bakery treats.
The Cairns Store
Browse pieces from local artisans and pick up a few souvenirs before catching your flight from T2. The Cairns Store has a variety of clothing, toys, souvenirs and unique hand-crafted items.
World of Chocolate
Satisfy your sweet tooth while waiting for your flight from T2 by visiting the World of Chocolate. Purchase local and imported gourmet chocolates or choose from pastries and ice creams at the in-store refreshments bar.Flight Specials
Airfare Specials
Flights From Cairns Airport To
Flights To Cairns Airport From
Terminals
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T1 International: Qantas, Jetstar, Silkair, Air New Zealand, Hainan Airlines, and Air Niugini all operate international flights from T1 of Cairns Airport. Travellers can fly with direct international flights to Port Moresby, Bali, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Shenzhen and Auckland. T1 is easily accessible with shuttle stops located directly outside the entrance and exit. Features of T1 include the Cairns Reef Lounge and a selection of shopping and dining options.
- T2 Domestic: Seven airlines service T2 Domestic at Cairns Airport: Air North, Alliance Airlines, Jetstar, Qantas, Regional Express, Skytrans and Virgin Australia. Direct flights are available to many popular Australian destinations, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth and Uluru. There are also a range of regional destinations to spots like Toowoomba, Mt Isa and Mornington Island. Shuttle bus drop-off and pick-up zones are located just outside T2, and features of the terminal include Qantas Club and a selection of shopping and dining offerings.
T1 and T2 are located in separate buildings that are connected by a covered walkway. It takes about five to seven minutes to walk between terminals.
Airport Lounge
The Cairns Reef Lounge
Cairns Reef Lounge is located at T1 Cairns Airport departures. The lounge is found just beyond Cairns Airport Duty Free, and is open to anyone flying internationally for an entry fee of $55 AUD. Cairns Reef Lounge operates during the following hours: Monday 5am to 1pm, Tuesday 6:30am to 1pm, Wednesday and Sunday 7am to 3pm, Thursday 7:30am to 3pm, Friday 7:30am to 1pm, and Saturday 5am to 3pm.
Features of the Cairns Reef Lounge include coffee and tea, light snacks, alcohol served after 10am, shower facilities, unlimited WiFi, luggage storage, and a kids space.
Qantas Club
Qantas Club has a designated lounge in T2 of Cairns Airport departures. It’s located on Level 1, just past security and up the escalator. The lounge opens an hour before the first Qantas flight until the final Qantas departure of the day. Travellers on Qantas and Jetstar flights are eligible to use the Qantas Club lounge with Platinum One, Platinum, or Gold Frequent Flyer memberships, a Qantas Club Annual Guest Card, or a Qantas Club membership.
Entry to Qantas Club includes access to barista coffee, food, bar service after midday, shower facilities, WiFi, a family zone, and a selection of magazines and newspapers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Cairns Airport from the city?
Cairns Airport is located 7 kilometres or a 10-minute drive from the Cairns CBD.
How to get from Cairns Airport to the city?
Car hire, taxi and shuttle services are available at Cairns Airport. Excellence Coaches offer a door-to-door service, including to addresses in the CBD, Port Douglas and the Northern Beaches.
Is Cairns Airport international?
Cairns Airport services both domestic and international flights, as well as being one of Australia’s leading airports for regional flights.
How many airports are there in Cairns?
Cairns has one airport offering domestic and international travel.
Which airlines fly to Cairns?
A variety of airlines operate flights to and from Cairns Airport, including Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines and more.
How many terminals does Cairns Airport have?
There are two terminals at Cairns Airport: the International Terminal (T1) and Domestic Terminal (T2).