Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Travel Restrictions Between Brisbane And Cairns

Travelling domestically has changed due to the evolving situation with COVID-19. Before you take off on a flight from Brisbane to Cairns, it's important to understand if there are any potential restrictions, airline regulations or additional quarantine requirements set by the Government on travel. To find more information regarding domestic travel restrictions, visit our COVID-19 Travel Hub.

Airport Information Between Brisbane (BNE) And Cairns (CNS)

Departing Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Brisbane Airport welcomes tens of thousands of visitors to Queensland each year. It is Australia's third busiest airport and is the country's largest in terms of land area. The airport is located on the Moreton Bay waterfront and is only about 15 kilometres northeast of Brisbane's CBD – a 25-minute drive without traffic.

Parking:
There are several Brisbane Airport parking options to meet the needs and budgets of all travellers. Whichever car park you choose, consider reserving your spot in advance for cheaper rates.

ParkShort: This Brisbane Airport parking option is available at both the Domestic and International Terminals, and it’s ideal for drop-offs and pick-ups. Spaces cost $5 AUD per hour for a maximum of four hours. Each lot is a two- to five-minute walk to the terminals.

ParkLong: ParkLong offers easy access to both terminals. Most spots are under cover and are four to eight minutes’ from the terminals on foot. Drive-up rates cost $97 AUD for three days and $156 AUD for a week.

AIRPARK: AIRPARK is a budget-friendly option for travellers flying out of the Domestic Terminal. The open-air car park is connected to the terminal by a free 24/7 shuttle service. Drive-up Brisbane Airport parking rates are $61 AUD for three days and $101 AUD for a week.

Guaranteed Space:This undercover carpark is a five- to seven-minute walk from the Domestic Terminal. Guaranteed Space parks can only be booked online – rates are $70 AUD for three days and $99 AUD for a week.

ParkPremium: ParkPremium has undercover spaces outside the Domestic Terminal. Drive-up rates are $129 AUD for three days and $209 AUD for a week. The Domestic Terminal is only a two- to five-minute walk from the car park along the skywalk.

Public Transport:
Travel between central Brisbane and the airport in just 20 minutes by catching the Airtrain. The airport has a stop on Level 3 of the International Terminal and is accessible by crossing the skywalk from the Domestic Terminal. Stops within central Brisbane include Fortitude Valley, Brisbane Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane. The Airtrain departs from both the city and Brisbane Airport arrivals every 15 minutes during peak times and every half hour off-peak. You can even catch the Airtrain between the airport and Varsity Lakes in the Gold Coast. Single-ride tickets to and from the CBD cost $19.50 AUD.

Arriving at Cairns Airport (CNS)

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.

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:
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.

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.

Public Transport and How to Get Around

Cairns offers a public bus network called Sunbus, which you can use to get around when you have Brisbane to Cairns return flights. There are 16 Sunbus routes that travel throughout the Cairns CBD, suburbs, and northern beaches. Buses depart regularly throughout the day, making them a reliable transport option when you book flights Brisbane to Cairns. Public transport is also available from Cairns Airport (CNS). The Airport Connect bus travels between the airport and the CBD for $6 AUD one-way and $8 AUD return.

In order to give yourself unlimited freedom to explore the Cairns area, you may want to consider renting a car after your Brisbane to Cairns flights. Car hire is available at Cairns Airport (CNS) from the major rental car companies. You can reserve a hire car through Webjet for as low as $42 AUD per day.

What To Do In Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef

The main draw for visitors who book cheap flights to Cairns from Brisbane is the city’s easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. When you book flights Brisbane to Cairns, there are a variety of ways you can experience the Reef. You could book onto a snorkel or scuba diving tour of the Reef, take a ride on a glass-bottom boat, take a helicopter flight, or go on an overnight sailing tour and wake up in the heart of the Reef. No matter which way you choose to experience the Great Barrier Reef after your Brisbane to Cairns flights, it’s sure to be an unforgettable memory.

Port Douglas

About an hours’ drive north of Cairns is the much-loved resort town of Port Douglas. When you have cheap flights Brisbane to Cairns, Port Douglas will offer a much quieter experience than Cairns. The town has excellent beaches, mountain views, close proximity to the Daintree, and some great cafes and restaurants. Some Port Douglas landmarks to visit after your flights Brisbane to Cairns include Four Mile Beach, the Wildlife Habitat, and the Flagstaff Hill Lookout.

The Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge

Another natural landmark to visit when you book tickets to Cairns from Brisbane is the Daintree Rainforest. Known as the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, the Daintree is made up of lush greenery and winding streams where you can spot some wild crocodiles in their natural habitat. Within the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge is an iconic site teeming with Aboriginal history and stories. Aboriginal guides offer Dreamtime walks in which visitors with Brisbane to Cairns flights can learn more about the importance of the Daintree and Mossman Gorge. The area also offers scenic hikes and crocodile-free swimming holes.

Palm Cove Beach

Travellers with cheap flights Brisbane to Cairns have the option of visiting many different beaches. Palm Cove Beach is located in the northern suburbs of Cairns and is a favourite among locals. The beach offers gorgeous views of the Pacific and nearby mountains and is lined with tropical palm trees. Palm Cove Beach has a relaxing atmosphere to it and is a great beach to spend time at after your flights Brisbane to Cairns.