Cairns Airport (CNS) Guide to Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport (IATA code: CNS) serves the city of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. The Cairns Airport, formerly managed by the Cairns Port Authority, was sold by the Queensland government to a private consortium. Cairns International Airport is situated 7 kilometers north of the city center.

Several helicopter companies are based out of the airport, with direct flights to at least 10 international and 35 domestic destinations. Several foreign destinations in the Asia-Pacific region offer links to the rest of the world, and flights are provided to all major Australian cities, tourist sites, and remote villages in Far North Queensland.

Transfer Services at Cairns Airport

Rental cars, taxis, buses, and shuttles are all accessible from Cairns Airport in Australia.

The terminal's arrivals hall is where you'll find vehicle rental agencies. There are taxi stands outside the terminal. The airport is served by Sunbus regularly; from there, passengers can transfer to buses going to various points within the city.

Transfers between Cairns Airport and local hotels and other lodgings are provided by several shuttle operators. These can be reserved on the airport's website or at self-service kiosks before passengers receive their luggage.

The public parking lot between the Domestic and International Terminals has spaces for both short- and long-term parking, as well as a covered car park and parking for those with special needs.

Rental Car Services at Cairns Airport

Rental car services at Cairns Airport make it easy for travelers to explore the region. Whether you're looking for a car to get around town or need something bigger and more rugged for off-roading adventures, there's an option that fits your needs at the Arrivals Hall of both T1 and T2.

From economy cars to luxury models, rental companies provide convenience and flexibility when planning trips in this beautiful part of Australia.

The rental car picks up process is relatively straightforward—most companies let customers use their app or website to book their rentals in advance, so they won't have any trouble finding what they need upon arrival.

Plus, many services offer competitive rates so travelers can be sure they are getting great value for money on their trip.

Please see our selection of car rental services.

Taxi Services at Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport is a ten-minute drive from the Cairns Central Business District (CBD). It is easily accessible by taxi. A taxi will only cost you around $30 one way into the CBD. See more information about taxis at Cairns Airport.

Only the Cairns Taxi Service is licensed to transport passengers from door to door within the Cairns taxi zone. It extends from Edmonton's central business district north to Ellis Beach and south to Wrights Creek.

Train Services at Cairns Airport

Getting to the airport by train is not possible. Taking a bus is the most convenient way to get from the airport to the train station. More information about train services near Cairns Airport.

Cairns Central, one of its most prominent shopping centers, is located south of the train station. You can quickly get there by taxi for around $30.

Bus Services at Cairns Airport

You can also reach Exemplar Coaches by phone at (07) 4213 3333 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Reservations can be made at the Exemplar Transfer Desk, located in the Domestic and International Terminals.

Sunbus also provides transportation around Cairns and the surrounding areas. The central station is on Lake Street in City Place. More information about buses to and from Cairns Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport offers a range of shuttle services to help you get around the city quickly and easily. With all major hotels in the area offering dedicated shuttle services, there is no better way to explore Cairns than by taking advantage of these convenient transportation options.

Please visit our hotel page for more information.

Rideshare Services at Cairns Airport

Rideshare services at Cairns Airport have made transportation more accessible and convenient for travelers. You can get to your destination quickly and easily with various services while avoiding traffic jams.

There are dedicated pick-up areas at the T1 (International) and T2 (Domestic) Terminal. Look for the signs indicating the service outside the terminals.

Parking Services at Cairns Airport

The parking lots at Cairns Airport as close to the terminal, with spaces reserved for regular and disabled passengers. Only vehicles with a valid disability parking sticker may park in these spaces.

There are notable drop-off and pick-up locations for passengers with special needs in front of each terminal. The driver may exit the vehicle to accompany the passenger into the check-in area but must return to the car quickly.

Please browse our parking page for detailed information.

Other Services at Cairns Airport

Other passenger services at Cairns Airport include an information booth for travelers needing assistance. Here you can find out about current flight schedules, inquire about ground transportation options, and get helpful advice on local attractions or services.

The airport also offers a range of retail stores where passengers can purchase souvenirs and essential items such as snacks, toiletries, books, or magazines during their journey.

Several restaurants are available to provide refreshments before your flight: with plenty of seating in the comfortable air-conditioned terminal. One can even relax in one of the private lounges throughout the departure area for those traveling long distances.

Disabled Passengers at Cairns Airport

Disabled passengers can now enjoy a more comfortable travel experience by installing new mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters. Cairns Airport has also introduced priority seating areas so that disabled passengers can easily access their designated seats.

Moreover, they have made available dedicated staff members who are always on hand to help those with disabilities in any way possible. They will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided during check-in and boarding.

Wi-Fi at Cairns Airport

Wi-Fi at Cairns Airport is a great way to stay connected as you travel. The airport provides free and paid Wi-Fi access, allowing travelers to keep in touch with family or work during their layover. Passengers can check email, browse the web, or stream content without fear of dropped signals.

Baggage Claim at Cairns Airport

Baggage Claim at Cairns Airport is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to get your bags from the airport. It features a baggage tracking system that allows passengers to track their bags every step of the way, ensuring that they are never lost or misplaced.

Cairns Airport offers helpful customer service representatives who are available to assist anyone in need of assistance.

Information Desk at Cairns Airport

The information desk at Cairns Airport is a great place to start your journey. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They can provide information about the airport, local attractions, transportation options, and more.

Smoking at Cairns Airport

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all terminals and within 10 meters of terminal entrances. In addition, smoking is not permitted on the safe side of the terminal or inside the airside area where passengers board planes. This policy applies to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and other vaping devices.

Cairns Airport takes a no-tolerance approach to those who violate this policy and may impose fines for violations. For this reason, if you need to smoke at the airport, please do so outside the designated areas only – away from entrance doors, footpaths, seating areas, and other public spaces.

Lost and Found Section at Cairns Airport

The airport provides an efficient tracking system for all lost items so that we can reunite them with their rightful owners as soon as possible. If you find an item that does not belong to you, please immediately report it to a staff member or contact us directly via email or telephone.

To ensure that all found items are returned safely and quickly, we strongly advise passengers who have left behind any valuable personal belongings to complete the appropriate form to create a record of ownership.

Restrooms at Cairns Airport

The restrooms at Cairns Airport are spacious and spotlessly clean. They have various facilities to suit all needs, including accessible toilets, baby changing tables, and hand dryers.

There is also plenty of room for wheelchairs if required and plenty of space for families with strollers. All restrooms are equipped with soap, paper towels, and toilet paper so travelers can have a comfortable experience visiting Cairns Airport.

Nursing Mothers Station at Cairns Airport

Nursing Mothers Station at Cairns Airport is an excellent convenience for mothers traveling with their babies or young children. It provides a comfortable area where mothers can feed and/or change their babies. The facility also has chairs and tables so the whole family can sit comfortably together.

ATMs at Cairns Airport

ATMs at Cairns Airport are in the arrivals terminal, near the baggage carousels. They are open 24 hours a day and provide convenient access to cash when traveling. The ATMs accept most major cards, allowing travelers to withdraw local currency quickly and easily. Withdrawal fees may apply depending on your card provider.

Currency Exchange at Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport also offers money exchange services within the arrivals area, which can be used to convert foreign currencies into AUD. This service is available seven days a week during regular operating hours. It provides competitive rates for customers seeking an alternative option to withdrawing funds from an ATM.

Food and Beverages at Cairns Airport

Several bars, cafes, and restaurants offer a wide selection of food worldwide. From traditional Australian fares, such as barbecued steak and chips, to regional dishes, there is something for everyone at Cairns Airport.

Additionally, there are plenty of options for those looking to grab a quick snack on the go, with sandwich shops, snack counters, and even fast-food outlets available throughout the terminal building.

Shopping at Cairns Airport

Shopping at Cairns Airport is an enjoyable experience. From the moment you walk in, you're surrounded by various shops and services. You can find all your favorite brands and unique local products to take home with you.

Cairns Airport has something for everyone: clothes, souvenirs, or gifts for family and friends. With its convenient location right next to the international terminal, traveling passengers can quickly grab any last-minute items they need before their flight out of town.

Pet Relief at Cairns Airport

Pet relief at Cairns Airport is a great way to travel with your pet and feel comfortable knowing that you have somewhere safe and secure for them to stay. The area is designed so that pets can move around freely without feeling cooped up or anxious.

Ticketing Services at Cairns Airport

Ticketing services provide passengers with the convenience of online booking, purchasing, and printing their tickets. This service is available for both domestic and international flights. They offer various services such as flight changes, seat selection, upgrades, and baggage allowance information to make the journey easier for travelers.

History of Cairns, Australia

Tom McDonald, in 1928, began operating Cairns Airport by flying his de Havilland Gipsy Moth from a sand ridge close to the present-day airport. Between high tides was the only time he could land and take off. There was a time when Tom had to take off from beer barrels because of an emergency.

The Australian government purchased the airfield in World War II to use for the RAAF. The primary runway was paved and extended in 1943 to accommodate military planes. The 33d Troop Carrier Squadron of the United States Army Air Forces used the base as a transport hub in 1942.

The primary runway was extended to its current length of 1,730 meters in 1949. Airport improvements were made in the mid-1960s, with the runway lengthened to 2,020 meters and reinforced to accommodate landing jets.

During the 1970s, Trans Australia Airlines and Ansett, Australia's two domestic airlines, offered regularly scheduled trips to most Australian capital cities and Papua New Guinea. The first international airline to fly from Cairns to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea was Air Niugini.

Construction on the airport's current terminal building began in 1982. The runway had to be extended to 2,600 meters, and a brand-new terminal had to be built. In 1984, the International and Domestic Terminals were inaugurated once the initial phase of renovation was completed.

The second phase of revitalization was finished by the decade's conclusion. An estimated $80 million was spent on a brand-new International Terminal and its accompanying aprons and taxiways. Once again, the length of the primary runway was increased, this time to 3,196 meters.

A three-story Airport Administration Centre, totaling 4,000 square meters of office space, was built as part of the third phase of reconstruction, which was finished in 1997.

About Cairns, Australia

Located on the northeast coast of Far North Queensland, Cairns is a city in the Australian state of Queensland. In June of this year, 153,952 people were living in the area. Nearby attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics of Queensland, and the Atherton Tableland.

In 1876, after gold was found in the Hodgkinson River, the city was established and named for Sir William Wellington Cairns. In the late 19th century, Chinese settlers improved agricultural conditions in the Cairns area, contributing to the city's growth and prosperity. It was also a destination for slave ships and indentured servants bound for the sugar cane fields of Innisfail.

The city served as a significant hub for the Allies in the Battle of the Coral Sea during World War II. The city expanded rapidly over the 20th century, becoming an important tourist destination, and is now a significant metropolis in the early 21st century.

Cairns' economy relies heavily on the tourism industry. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's seven natural wonders, and the tropical environment make it a popular tourist destination. After Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, this part of Australia is among the most well-known in the world.

Cairns may not be within easy driving distance of any of Australia's major cities, but that has yet to stop it from drawing many domestic tourists.

Weather in Cairns, Australia

Cairns, both the wet and dry seasons are warm, humid, and partially cloudy. Average annual temperatures range from about 63 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely falling below 56 or rising over 91.

The average high temperature is over 86 degrees Fahrenheit from November until March, making this the hot season. January has an average high temperature of 88 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperatures drop to an average of 64 degrees Fahrenheit in July, the coolest month of the year, then rise to a standard of 77 degrees Fahrenheit by August. The wet season spans about three months, from December to May, with the wettest days occurring around 18 times in February.

During the dry season, precipitation is rare between May through December, with September typically having the fewest wet days. The warmest weather is from about the middle of July to the beginning of November, so that's the best time to go.

Useful Contact Details in Cairns, Australia

In the case of a police or medical emergency in Cairns, Australia, it is essential to call triple zero (000) for immediate assistance. Depending on your situation, the operator will connect you with an appropriate service.

Australia National Emergency Numbers: 000

Having this number saved in your contacts is advisable, so you can easily access it while traveling in Cairns. Additionally, several hospitals throughout the city can provide care and treatment for minor injuries or illnesses, including public and private healthcare options.

Hospital

Cairns 24-hour Medical Center

Address: Corner Florence & Grafton Streets, Cairns QLD 4870

Phone: (07) 4052 1119

Police

Police Stations in Cairns, Australia

Address: 5 Sheridan St, Cairns City, 4870

Phone: (07) 4030 7000

Cairns Airport Contacts

Address: Airport Ave, Cairns City, Queensland 4870, Australia

General Phone: +61 7 4080 6703

Lost and Found Phone: +61 7 4080 6703