City in Queensland, Australia

Getting around Cairns

Updated October 2026Sources

UberBest app

How to get around Cairns

The center is walkable and tours collect from hotels. Hire a car for the Daintree and tablelands; buses are limited.

Ways to get around Cairns

Walkable center

Option	Fare	Good to know
Sunbus	About A$2–5 per trip	Routes to northern beaches; limited late evening
Tour pickups	Included in tours	Reef and Daintree operators collect from town
Rental car or campervan	From about A$60 a day	Needed for Port Douglas, Daintree and the tablelands

Ride-hailing apps in Cairns

A 5 km ride costs about A$14–26 ($9.7–18.1).

App	Notes
Uber	Works in Cairns and the northern beaches
13cabs	Local taxis, bookable by phone or app

Taxis are metered. Few drivers go to remote areas late; book return rides ahead.

Arriving in Cairns

Cairns Airport (CNS)

Uber or taxi to the center A$25–35, 10–15 min; airport shuttle buses also run to hotels.

Driving and onward travel

Scooters: Not typical for visitors. Riding needs the correct licence; helmets compulsory.
Driving: on the left. Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence; carry an IDP or official English translation if it isn't in English.
Onward travel in Australia: Distances are huge, so fly between capitals (Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar). Greyhound coaches run the east coast; long-distance trains are scenic but slow. Rent a car for the outback.

Quick answers

Is there Uber in Cairns?

Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, 13cabs.

What's the best way to get around Cairns?

The center is walkable and tours collect from hotels. Hire a car for the Daintree and tablelands; buses are limited.

How do I get from the airport to Cairns?

Uber or taxi to the center A$25–35, 10–15 min; airport shuttle buses also run to hotels.

Is Cairns walkable?

Walkable center.

More about Cairns

Going to Cairns solo?

SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Cairns meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.

See plans in Cairns

Sources

Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.