Cairns International Airport (CNS)

Overview

The primary airport for Northern Queensland, the recently-expanded Cairns International Airport has a reputation as an efficient gateway for flights from destinations in Asia and the Pacific Ocean islands.

Located 4.3 miles (7km) outside of Cairns, the airport has two passenger terminals handling a combined 3.5 million passengers per year. Many of these are tourists coming to explore the wonders of the Queensland coast, including the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and the 110-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest.

Cairns International is small, and passengers will not find luxury amenities like hair salons and massage parlours, however there are hot showers available. Restaurant and shopping options are also very limited.

Location

The airport is situated five miles (8km) north of Cairns.

Getting to the city

There is an airport shuttle bus service to hotels and the city centre and taxi ranks are located directly outside the arrival halls. Most major hotels operate courtesy bus services to and from the airport.

Time

GMT +10.

Contacts

Tel: +61 (0)7 4080 6703.

Car rental

Avis, Red Spot, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and Thrifty are represented at the airport and can be found in the international arrivals hall or in the central concourse of the domestic terminal.

Transfer between terminals

A covered walkway connects the Domestic and International terminals (about a five minute walk).

Facilities

Shops, restaurants, bars, currency exchange and ATMs, baby-changing facilities, showers and baggage storage are available in domestic and international terminals. Duty-free shops are also available, and mobile phone rental is available in the international terminal. Facilities for the disabled are good.

Parking

Short-term parking, located across from terminal, starts at A$5 for the first hour with a daily limit of A$15. Long-term parking is in a designated area of the Domestic Lot. All parking areas offer 10 minutes free parking.

Departure Tax

None.

Website

www.cairnsairport.com

Airlines

Flights to Cairns International Airport are available on Air New Zealand, Continental, Alliance, Korean Air, Asia pacific, Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia.

Internet

Wifi is available throughout the airport.

Business Lounges

Cairns Airport doesn't have any business lounges, but there are facilities in several nearby hotels, including the Hilton Cairns.

Cairns International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.