Cairns Layover Guide (CNS)

What are you looking for in CNS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Cairns Airport (CNS) is an international airport located in Cairns, Queensland. It’s situated about 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Cairns. The airport officially opened in 1928. Cairns is a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It is known for its tropical climate, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant tourism industry, offering a wide range of outdoor adventures and leisure activities for visitors year-round.

Can you leave Cairns Airport (CNS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
To leave Cairns Airport and clear immigration during a layover you must hold a valid Australian visa (e.g., ETA, eVisitor or Transit (subclass 771)). Only passengers from eligible countries who stay airside under 8 hours can transit visa-free; exiting the terminal or overnight stop always requires a visa. Apply online beforehand easily. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Cairns Esplanade Lagoon A free, man-made swimming lagoon by the waterfront offering panoramic ocean views and picnic spots. Perfect for a refreshing dip and stroll along the scenic boardwalk under tropical skies. Official site (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 minutes) or Sunbus route 100 from airport bus stop (30 minutes))
• Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise Embark on a snorkeling cruise to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Enjoy guided tours, equipment, and refreshments while exploring underwater wonders in one of the world’s iconic habitats. (Time required: 5–6 hours. / Airport to here: Shuttle service from airport (20 minutes) or taxi (20 minutes))
• Kuranda Scenic Railway Ride the heritage Kuranda Scenic Railway through lush rainforest, past waterfalls and deep gorges. Marvel at engineering feats and panoramic vistas before exploring the quaint village markets, wildlife parks, galleries. (Time required: 4–5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi to Cairns Station (20 minutes) or Sunbus route 100 to city then station (30 minutes))
• Daintree Rainforest Day Tour Venture into ancient Daintree Rainforest on a guided day tour. Spot rare cassowaries, cruise the Daintree River for crocodile sightings, and learn about Indigenous culture amidst towering ancient pristine trees. (Time required: 7–8 hours. / Airport to here: Coach tour pickup at airport hotels (approx. 10 minutes))
• Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Tjapukai Cultural Park. Experience interactive dance performances, didgeridoo demonstrations, storytelling, and traditional bush food tasting while learning about the Djabugay people’s ancient rich heritage. Official site (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (25 minutes) or Skyrail from Cairns to Smithfield plus shuttle (45 minutes))
• Cairns Botanic Gardens Stroll through world-class Botanic Gardens showcasing tropical flora. Wander shaded boardwalks among exotic orchids, palms, and rainforest species, and visit the Rainforest Boardwalk for immersive canopy views and educational displays. Official site (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (20 minutes) or Sunbus route 111 via CBD (45 minutes))
• Crystal Cascades Escape to Crystal Cascades, a lush waterfall oasis nestled in rainforest. Swim in refreshing rock pools, explore walking trails, and enjoy serene picnic spots surrounded by verdant greenery and wildlife. Official site (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (30 minutes) or Sunbus route 130 to Redlynch plus short walk (50 minutes))
• Cairns Night Markets Browse bustling Cairns Night Markets for crafts, souvenirs, and food. Sample fresh tropical fruits, seafood snacks, and indigenous art while enjoying live music and vibrant market atmosphere under the stars. Official site (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (15 minutes) or Sunbus route 100 to city then 5-minute walk (35 minutes))

Things to Do in Cairns Airport (CNS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Qantas Club Lounge in T2 Domestic Departures offers premium seating, complimentary refreshments, newspapers, and Wi-Fi for Qantas Club members and eligible frequent flyers. In T1 International, Escape Lounges provides pre-book or walk-in access to seasonal food, drinks, quiet workspaces, private Wi-Fi, and bar service before your flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There’s no on-site hotel at Cairns Airport, but a cluster of city accommodations lies 7–8 km away. Pullman Cairns International and other CBD properties offer 5–15-minute taxi rides or hotel shuttles, spacious rooms, dining, and pool facilities. Bookings are best arranged online for free shuttle or early check-in options. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Cairns Airport has no dedicated nap pods or sleeping rooms. Seating rows are available in both T1 and T2 departure lounges 24/7. Gate benches offer limited recline; earplugs and eye masks recommended. Some travelers use the quietest corners near boarding gates for brief rests away from foot traffic.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals. Simply select “Airport Free Wifi” and follow the prompts for one hour free access in international departures and 30 minutes in domestic. You can reconnect after the period or purchase additional time/data via the on-screen portal if needed.

SIM/eSIM Card: A newsagent past domestic security sells prepaid Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone SIM cards; passport and address proof required for activation. For eSIM, providers like Nomad, Airalo, and Saily offer instant digital profiles compatible with major networks, purchasable online before travel for seamless mobile data connectivity. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Cairns Taxis ranks at both T1 International and T2 Domestic kerbs provide 24/7 service. Fares to the CBD average AUD 45–50, plus luggage and late-night surcharges. Rideshare apps (Uber, Ola) also operate, with designated pickup zones outside each terminal. Journey time is about 15 minutes.

Train: There is no rail link at the airport. To catch train services you must travel 6 km to Cairns Station by taxi, shuttle, or bus. From there Queensland Rail’s Tilt Train and Spirit of Queensland link to Brisbane and other destinations. More info: more info.

Bus: Sunbus Route 130 connects both terminals to Cairns CBD, running approximately every 30 minutes from early morning until late evening. Fares are around AUD 6.50 one-way with Go Card or paper ticket. Stops include Cairns Central Shopping Centre for easy city access. more info.

Shuttle: Con-X-ion operates scheduled shuttle coaches from both arrivals terminals to Cairns CBD, Palm Cove, Port Douglas, and select resorts. Book online in advance; pickups occur at the designated curbside zones. Fares range from AUD 8 for CBD transfers to AUD 40 for longer routes, with luggage assistance included.

Car rentals: Major car hire companies—Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise/National/Alamo, and Sixt—have desks in the Arrivals Halls of T1 and T2. Rental return car parks are on site with clear signage. Operating hours typically 5 am–11 pm; booking online secures best rates and vehicle choice. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Cairns Airport offers T1 Car Park and T2 Covered/Uncovered options adjacent to terminals. The first 10 minutes are free for drop-offs. Pre-book and save up to 40% on drive-up rates; Tap, Park & Go allows credit card entry/exit. APS kiosks and a service kiosk handle payments and enquiries daily.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A Luggage Storage Room in the Car Park Service Kiosk (open 6 am–6 pm daily) stores items up to 2 m in any dimension; payment by card only. Baggage trolleys cost AUD 3 in T2; free in T1. Group porterage services available by TLC Airport Luggage Services with advance booking. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Cairns Airport (CNS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks