Cairns Airport to Cairns CBD - anything cheap available?

[exLXCXFF]

Doing a QF DCS trip with overnight in CNS. Just looked it up on Google Maps/Airport website and it looks like there is no public transport at all??? Is that right? Is there no cheap way to get to town other than Uber X (if available)?

 

[Daver6]

Well I didn't know the answer so I thought I'd say what ChatGPT had to say...

what's the cheapest way to get from Cairns aiport to the Cairns CBD



The cheapest way to get from Cairns airport to the Cairns Central Business District (CBD) would be by taking a shuttle bus or taxi. The shuttle bus service is usually the most economical option and costs around AUD 15-20 per person, while a taxi would cost around AUD 20-30. Another option could be to take the Sunbus public transportation service, which has several routes that run from the airport to the Cairns CBD. The fare for the Sunbus is around AUD 4-5 per person.

My own experience arriving at 10pm at night wasn't great. Struggled to get an Uber X and the taxi rank was empty.

 

[Guvner]

Con-X-ion shuttle is about $20 to the CBD.

 

[randompunter]

Sorry no public transport. If HLO and in the daytime, you could walk the two or three km to the main road to get the bus but if you were prepared to do that perhaps just walk the hour or so into the CBD via Lake St/ the Esplanade. There is also an interesting boardwalk off into the mangroves along the airport drive, we have done that walk a couple of times while killing time before a flight.

Otherwise it is either the rip off shuttle buses or taxis/ubers. Taxis don't cost much more to the CBD than the bus but can be a bit scarce, particularly at night or on the weekend.

 

[Austman]

Sorry no public transport. If HLO and in the daytime, you could walk the two or three km to the main road to get the bus but if you were prepared to do that perhaps just walk the hour or so into the CBD via Lake St/ the Esplanade.

I've actually walked it (to/from town). Twice.

I wasn't going to post because it seemed a bit flippant. But I had the time, I wanted the exercise, and the weather was pleasant.

But, like you say, it will take you an hour or so. It's not really really possible with anything more than HLO of course.

 

[clifford]

I've actually walked it (to/from town). Twice.

I wasn't going to post because it seemed a bit flippant. But I had the time, I wanted the exercise, and the weather was pleasant.

But, like you say, it will take you an hour or so. It's not really really possible with anything more than HLO of course.

I set out to walk it once, but unfortunately some kind motorist stopped part way along and offered me a lift to my hotel. So I took him up on his offer.

At other times, I've found that a taxi is often cheaper than uber, but only $20-30 max anyway.

 

[jastel]

There are no buses or trains.

Not too bad 9-5 but after dark...
Shuttle buses...sometimes.
Taxis and ubers...like everywhere pretty scarce as no drivers willing to work for the peanuts they get paid. Customer get upset if price reflects expenses.
Plenty of people walk in/out...about 7km.

Your best bet would be to flag down a stolen car, they are all that is on the road at midnight...everyone else has bunkered down.

 

[Captain Halliday]

There is also an interesting boardwalk off into the mangroves along the airport drive, we have done that walk a couple of times

I wouldn’t recommend this at night. The crocodiles are far more difficult to see when it’s dark.

 

[maia200]

Uber hopefully. Done that a couple of times with no problem and worth the money.

 

[exLXCXFF]

Thanks everyone - supposed to land at 1430 in the afternoon, will bring my Hoka’s and run in, then have a shower and straight into the pub! Pub recommendations welcome.

 

[Scash]

Hemingway's Brewery Cairns Wharf

 

[jastel]

Remember your umbrella too...

 

[Kiwi]

If several flights at once arriving Uber can go through the roof.

Have waited around to clear and got into town $22.

Shuttle best to book.

Was advised not to walk by a local in the wet season. Risk of dengue. So if do would get mosquito repellent.

Gilligans is a busy backpacker bar. Often has theme nights on during the week.

 

[randompunter]

If several flights at once arriving Uber can go through the roof.

Have waited around to clear and got into town $22.

Shuttle best to book.

Was advised not to walk by a local in the wet season. Risk of dengue. So if do would get mosquito repellent.

Gilligans is a busy backpacker bar. Often has theme nights on during the week.

Dengue hasn't been a problem up here in recent years thanks to the Wolbachia mozzie program: Establishment of wMel Wolbachia in Aedes... | Gates Open Research

We nurtured a few batches of Wolbachia mozzies in our back yard back in 2015, good times!

Seems like most reported cases (~1 per day in 2022) are in returned travellers: https://www.who.int/docs/default-so...engue/dengue-20230216.pdf?sfvrsn=fc80101d_127

 

[Gold Member]

I've actually walked it (to/from town). Twice.

I wasn't going to post because it seemed a bit flippant. But I had the time, I wanted the exercise, and the weather was pleasant.

But, like you say, it will take you an hour or so. It's not really really possible with anything more than HLO of course.

Wow, Austman. Flippant isn’t exactly the word I’d use to describe your efforts.

I”ve done the airport trip to DT Cairns several times, and I can honestly say I would never walk from the airport to the hotel or vv.

I’m hereby personally recommending you for a Medal of Honour with a full ticker tape parade

 

[Sprucegoose]

My own experience arriving at 10pm at night wasn't great. Struggled to get an Uber X and the taxi rank was empty.

Yes, it can be hit and miss depending on the supply and demand side ........I usually like to rent cars, but that means I can't have a few sherberts inflight........so you are at the mercy of the market.

The last time I was there Nov 22, I was lucky, but they can change like Melbourne weather.

 

[FishFood]

I caught a bus to the Cairns Botanic Gardens (maybe $1 or $2) then caught an Uber to the airport which was relatively cheap. As a bonus I got to have a quick look at the gardens