About Cairns Airport
Tropical north Queensland's gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Cape York. Two-terminal layout with international (T1) and domestic (T2) 5 min apart.
Getting There
By bus
Sun Palm Transport shuttles run between airport and Cairns CBD hotels. From $15 one-way, multiple daily services — pre-book online.
By car
Captain Cook Highway connects directly to Cairns CBD (8 km, 10 minutes). Drop-off zones at both T1 and T2.
By taxi & rideshare
Taxi to CBD: $25–$30, 10 minutes. Uber, DiDi available — pickup zones at both terminals.
Hire car for Reef and Daintree touring
Most major hire companies operate from both terminals. 4WD essential for Cape York; standard car fine for Daintree day trips and Atherton Tablelands.
Transfers
Parking
Airport Layout
Runway configuration and terminal area for Cairns Airport.
Runways
1 runway • longest 3,197m • Wide-body capable (e.g. Boeing 777, Boeing 787)
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Headings | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15/33 | 3,197 m | 45 m | Asphalt | 156° / 336° | Yes |
Security & screening at Australian airports
Recommended arrival times
- Domestic flights: arrive 60 minutes before departure
- International flights: arrive 2–3 hours before departure (longer for first-time international travellers)
What you can carry on
- Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs): containers up to 100ml for international flights, all in a single transparent 1L resealable bag. Domestic flights have no LAG restrictions on most airlines.
- Lithium batteries (in personal devices): allowed in carry-on only. Spare batteries up to 100Wh permitted in carry-on; batteries over 160Wh prohibited.
- Sharp items including scissors with blades over 6cm, knives, and tools must be packed in checked baggage.
Prohibited items
- Firearms (require declaration and approval)
- Explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases
- Pepper spray, mace, tear gas
- Self-defence weapons including knuckle dusters
Full list: ABF prohibited items
International arrivals — biosecurity
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plant material, animal products, soil, wooden items, and outdoor equipment on your Incoming Passenger Card. Fines start at AUD $626 and undeclared prohibited items can result in penalties up to $660,000 or visa cancellation. When in doubt, declare it.
Useful links
- Smart Traveller (DFAT) — travel advisories
- Australian Border Force — customs and biosecurity
- Aviation Security (Department of Infrastructure)
Specific to Cairns Airport
Cairns is the entry point for the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cape York travel. As a regional international gateway with strong Asian and Pacific traffic, biosecurity here is more thorough than southern airports.
Two-terminal layout, easy transfers
T1 (international — NZ, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bali, Port Moresby, seasonal services) and T2 (domestic — Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Skytrans) are separate buildings linked by a 5-minute covered footpath. No bus needed.
SmartGate at T1
Eligible ePassport holders 16+ from standard countries plus growing China-coverage trials. Cairns processes arrivals quickly compared to capital airports — usually under 30 minutes through immigration even at peak.
Pacific arrivals get extra inspection
Cairns is Australia's primary border for Pacific Islands traffic (PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu). Expect 100% baggage screening on these flights for fruit fly, plant disease, and exotic pests. Plan an extra 30 minutes if arriving from these origins.
Reef and rainforest gear declarations
Bringing diving or snorkelling equipment from overseas? Wet equipment is inspected for marine pests; dry gear is usually cleared on inspection. Hiking boots from rainforest destinations (Borneo, Costa Rica, etc) face mandatory cleaning.
Best landing approach for views
Approaches from the south offer right-side window views of the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, and Cairns Esplanade on a clear day — landing into Cairns is one of Australia's most scenic.
Onward travel
City shuttle: 10 min, $15. Taxi: 10 min, $25. Most reef-tour operators run morning pickups from city hotels (not the airport), so plan an overnight in Cairns first.
Nearby Attractions
Quick Facts
Stay connected on arrival — Airalo eSIM
Skip airport SIM kiosks — install Airalo before you fly and activate the moment you land.
Scan to install on your phone
Quick Stats
- Class
- international
- Runways
- 1
- Longest runway
- 3,197 m
- Max aircraft
- Wide-body capable
- Elevation
- 3 m
- Annual passengers
- 3.8M(2022)
At a Glance
Airport Codes
- IATA
- CNS
- ICAO
- YBCS
Location
- City
- Cairns
- State
- Queensland
- Timezone
- Brisbane
Plan Your Visit
- Best Time
- Dry season (May-Oct) is peak: low rainfall, calmer reef, fewer stingers. Wet season (Nov-Apr) brings monsoons but also lower prices.
Good to Know
Airlines
Car Hire
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(3)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
Dump Points(5)
Cairns Regional Council Depot
Free · 2.9km
Cairns Dump Point
Free · 3km
Cairns Showground Dump Point
Free · 5km
Cairns Mossman Caravan Dump Point
caravan-park · 7.5km
Gordonvale Dump Point
Free · 24.1km