Cairns Transportation

If you'd like to see Kuranda but aren't willing to spring for the $40-90 per person that it takes to ride the SkyRail/train, there are buses that go to and from Kuranda about 5 times a day. These buses range anywhere from $4-8 per person, and they depart from downtown Cairns. Two companies I have heard of are John's Kuranda Bus (which I used) and Trans North Bus & Coach Service (see website below). The buses are nothing special, but they are efficient, cheap, and they get you where you need to go.

The bus system in Cairns does not have perfect timing. I've waited anywhere from 10-30 minutes after the scheduled time for a bus to arrive. Usually it's not a big deal, but if you need to be somewhere by a specific time and intend to use the bus, make sure to give yourself a bit of extra leeway just in case they're having a slow day. That being said, they do have good deals (you can get day passes or week passes that work really well if you will be using the bus a lot) and most of the drivers are helpful.

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There is no need to do everthing with a tour, the bus from Cairns to Kuranda for instance, was (april 2010) about A$ 5 each way, quite frequent, leaving Cairns from Lake street Transit Mall (next to Shields street). Kuranda is small enough for walking

I was very impressed with Cairns buses. They are very neat and clean and new....air con is a bit cold ;o) and the price average.

We went for a day to Trinity Beach by bus and has no problem finding the right one - Stand F. Directions are clearly marked and if in doubt, just ask one of the friendly bus drivers.

If coming from overseas, more than likely you will fly into Cairns from another large city as Cairns does not have many international flights. My advise is to have a look at www.flightcentre.com.au to compare prices. Quantas can be expensive and the alternate airlines like Virgin Blue and JetStar often have good specials.

I flew via Quantas as it was the only airline available for a direct flight from Hamilton Island on the Whitsundays. The view of the reef as you come in for a landing is lovely and not to be missed!

We had always heard that Cairns was the most beautiful destination in Australia ever since we landed in 2006 and had always wanted to go there.We had heard about the friendly Queenslanders also.So we were very excited to come to Cairns despite a 1.5 hr delay.We must say we had a wonderful stay there but must warn people of a car rental company called East coast rentals.They were so prompt in all the email correspondence but when we went to pick up our car, we were treated quite shabbily.As soon as we entered their reception area, one woman kept calling my last name and when we responded she quickly pointed us to another cute girl and said she would deal with us.Now the cute girl called Lia who worked with Mini car rentals,said the guys next doors didnt get their fleet of 30 toyota corollas they were expecting and she was just helping her "friend" next doors.We were tired and hungry and just didn't question her honesty.After 2 minutes it sunk in,as to what was happening.They probably had people who had no reservations and were adjusting us and telling us that they were doing us a favour.To cut the long story short we took a Kia rio,came back the nest day to get a corolla sedan and were given a sedan hatch.Reason being we were just "Two of us". Very dodgy.Now the cute girl was nice,but my partner did give the girl at East coast a piece of her mind and she deserved it.She had the audacity to say "Theres nothing i can do,and you havent paid for the car" and my partner told her that this is the worst customer service and she did say a sheepish "I apologise" a bit too late in the day.Now the cute girl tried to diffuse the situation by slight threats of 'do you want the car or not,else I have other people waiting for it'.That sounded like you were in China or middle east.The best part was that the bosses were not around.As people who've travelled all over, we have realized that customer service in Australia sucks but having said that the owners at Trintiy beach club resort,Jenny and Wayne made up for East coasts rude behaviour.They were so nice.So guys try Trinity and be wary of East coast car rentals.Go for the big guys like budget or Thrifty,at least they will do dodgy things with panache.):

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Please be aware that the Daintree River Ferry fees will increase and take effect as of 1st July 2009.
Motor car for private use=$11 one way or $20 return.
Buses 6 to 8 seaters=$12 one way or $23 return.
Passenger,Bicycles and pedestrians=$1 one way or $2 return.
Motor Bikes=$5 one way or $9 return.
Or you can purchase a multi Day Pass (5 return car/ute trips =$40.

All Australian dollars.

Taxi is the way to go if you are needing a ride to your restaurant and home.

We have drink drive laws in Australia and the police do hang out on the roads at anytime day or night.
I can assure you that in Cairns they are there 24/7. It isn't worth driving if you are going to drink, even if you think you will only have one beer!!Why spoil at good night/day out for the price of a couple of beers.
Taxi's are readily available here. The waiting time is excellent, they come pretty well straight away, you may have a wait if there is something big on in Cairns, example, if it's a big race meeting.

There are a number of Taxi ranks in the city area.
OR you can ring them, just make sure you have an address to give the operator, stand in front of a restaurant or pub and give that name to the operator, they don't like picking up from random areas, like a phone box!!!!
If you need one from the restaurnat you have been at, they will ring for you.

If you are going to the airport, book a cab ahead. It would be best if you are outside to meet this cab, remember to book a time that will give you plenty of time to travel to the airport and allow you the hour before bookin that is required for domestic, and also whatever time you need for International.