About Cairns Airport
Cairns Airport is the hub for all travellers coming to explore Tropical North Queensland and is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. From Cairns, you can also fly to Tokyo, Bali, Hong Kong and several other international destinations, including New Zealand.
What facilities are at Cairns Airport?
Cairns Airport consists of two terminals: T1 (International Terminal) and T2 (Domestic Terminal). The terminals are connected by a covered walkway, and it only takes a few minutes to walk between the terminals. From parents' rooms and luggage storage, to check-in and airline lounges, Cairns Airport offers travellers a range of facilities and services.
Check-in
Check-in zones are located just beyond the entrance on the Departures side of both the Domestic and International terminals. When it comes to check-in times, please confirm with your airline. These will vary depending on which airline you’re flying with and whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.
Baggage
Because each airline has different requirements regarding baggage weight, size and quantity, what’s relevant to you will depend on what kind of ticket you’ve purchased. It’s always a good idea to check your luggage requirements with your chosen airline, before you head to the airport.
Is there a currency exchange?
Yes, you can exchange currency at Cairns Airport and there are two Travelex stores available - one in each terminal. Prefer to get your foreign currency sorted out in advance? Travel Money Oz can help you get organised before you head to the airport.
What are the other services and facilities?
- Airport Ambassadors
- ATMs
- Baggage trolleys
- Baggage storage
- Car Parking
- Disabled Access
- Disabled Parking
- Foreign Exchange
- Group porterage service
- Parents' Room
- Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
- Free Wi-Fi
Transport and terminal transfers
What’s the best way to get to and from Cairns Airport?
There are plenty of transport options to and from Cairns Airport, and with the airport only located about 7 kilometres from the town centre, it’s an easy journey to make.
Car hire: We can help organise your car hire in advance so it's ready to pick up when you arrive or you can visit the car rental desks at Cairns Airport, located in the Arrivals Hall of both T1 and T2.
Picking up and dropping off: Cairns Airport has convenient pick-up and drop-off zones located directly outside both T1 and T2. There is also an option for 10 minutes of free parking, available in both the T1 and T2 uncovered car parks.
Taxis: Cairns Taxis can take you into the heart of Cairns, as far north as the Ellis Beach coastal area and south to Wrights Creek, Edmonton. Taxi ranks are conveniently located at the front of both T1 and T2.
Rideshare: You can choose to ride to your Cairns accommodation in an Uber. Simply download the app and look for the rideshare pick up areas. For T1 this is in the eastern end of the terminal, just outside International Arrivals, and for T2 this is outside Domestic Arrivals in the northern end of the terminal.
Shuttle Bus: Exemplar Coaches and Limousines look after shuttle trips from Cairns Airport to the CBD, Palm Cove and Port Douglas. You'll find the pick up point at the Exemplar desks, located in the Arrivals areas of both terminals, and bookings can be made either online in advance or on the day (subject to availability). Need a hand organising your airport transfers? Talk to your Travel Expert before you set off!
Chauffeurs and limousines: There are many chauffeur and limousine services in the Cairns region and these must be pre-booked before your arrival at the airport.
Parking: Cairns Airport has three different car parks to choose from.
T1 Car Park - This uncovered car park is located just outside the International Terminal and allows 10 minutes of free parking for friends and family to say goodbye to travellers.
T2 Covered - This car park is perfectly located for those flying out of the Domestic Terminal, which is just a few minutes' walk away. It also provides cyclone-rated shelter for your car while you're travelling.
T2 Uncovered – The best-value option is right outside the Domestic Terminal, also offering the first 10 minutes of parking free as you drop off loved ones.
Travel tip: Book your parking in advance via the Cairns Airport website and you’ll receive a lower rate than if you arrange your parking when you arrive.
How do I transfer between terminals?
Very easily! T1 (International) and T2 (Domestic) are connected by a covered walkway and it only takes about five minutes to walk between the terminals. Just follow the Blue line from T1 Arrivals to T2 Departures, and follow the Green line from T2 Arrivals to T1 Departures.
