Cairns Airport to Port Douglas and Back Again by Shuttle Bus
April 2024
CAPTAIN COOK HIGHWAY OPEN!
The Captain Cook Highway reopened on 20 January 2024 following Cyclone Jasper in December. Transfers have been going smoothly on the newly reopened road. However, passengers should expect there will be some delays due to traffic controls and stop / go signage during road repairs. The journey to Port Douglas takes about 15 mins longer than usual. We are working hard to provide your services and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Your relaxing Port Douglas holiday awaits you.
April 2024 Bus Time Table
Cairns Airport to Port Douglas
- 7:00
- 8:45
- 9:45
- 11:45
- 12:45
- 13:45
- 15:45
- 18:30
Port Douglas to Cairns Airport
- 6:00
- 7:00
- 8:00
- 9:00
- 10:00
- 11:00
- 12:00
- 14:00
- 16:00
- 17:00
About Port Douglas Shuttle Bus
Whether flying domestically in Australia or arriving from overseas, if you are heading to Port Douglas, when you touch down in Cairns Airport you want the final leg of your journey to be as quick as possible.
At Port Douglas Shuttle Bus we aim to provide efficient airport shuttle transfers from Cairns to Port Douglas (and back again) on a fixed timetable for your convenience and peace of mind.
Travelling is often stressful and exhausting and we understand how frustrating it can be when you find yourself waiting around with only a short distance left on your journey. Fortunately, our superior scheduled airport transfers will remove all complication, allowing you to get to your final destination so you can start enjoying your holiday as quickly as possible.
Do buses run from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas?
A common question that people ask when heading to Port Douglas for a holiday is whether there are buses available that can take them directly from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas. The short answer is yes!
We have comfortable, air-conditioned buses leaving Cairns Airport and heading directly to Port Douglas regularly throughout the day. Above and on our booking forms you will find our Cairns Airport Shuttle Bus Timetable for your reference.
Bus timetable from Cairns to Port Douglas
Here we have the Cairns Airport Bus Timetable and Port Douglas Bus Timetable for your convenience. You can use these two timetables to plan your journey accordingly:
How much time should I allow between arriving in Cairns Airport and transferring to Port Douglas via shuttle bus?
Assuming that your flight is not delayed, it should take approximately 20-minutes before all baggage has been removed from the plane and sent out around the baggage carousel. In any case, by the time you have exited the plane, and collected your luggage, you should allow at least 30 to 40-minutes before your timetabled bus to be on the safe side.
For example: if your flight arrives at Cairns (CNS) Airport at 9:00 am, the 9:45 am shuttle bus transfer to Port Douglas should be realistic and comfortably achievable.
How much time should I allow between leaving Port Douglas and my return flight from Cairns Airport?
On your return journey from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport, we would highly recommend that you allow yourself 3 hours before your flight departs. While the journey from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport is fast and direct, you should allow some extra time to account for any potential traffic delays and/or complications when you arrive at the airport.
For example: if your flight is due to leave Cairns Airport at midday (12:00 pm), you should leave Port Douglas on an airport shuttle bus at 9:00 am at the latest.
Questions people often ask
Below are some questions that people often ask about the transfer between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas, including how much the shuttle bus service costs, how long the journey takes, and what other methods of transportation are available.
How much is the Port Douglas shuttle bus from Cairns?
So, how much is it to catch the Port Douglas shuttle bus from Cairns Airport? Here we have some prices for those travelling one way or booking a return ticket.
We have listed prices for 1 to 6-adults, including children. If you have a larger group and want to find out more about pricing, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
Buses run every hour from 7am to 5pm daily. We also have a 6am bus from Port Douglas, and last bus from Cairns Airport is 7pm.
One way:
| Return:
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How long does the transfer from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas take?
After a long day of travelling you’ll be pleased to learn that the final leg of your journey from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas is quick and comfortable. The journey is direct with no stops in between and typically takes around 60 to 70-minutes, however, we like to say 90-minutes just to be on the safe side (to account for any potential traffic events).
In any case, the transfer from Cairns to Port Douglas is pleasant as our shuttle buses are well-maintained, spacious, and of course, air-conditioned for your comfort. Additionally, there are plenty of beautiful sights for you to soak up along the way:
- 20 to 25-mintes through the northern suburbs of Cairns City, past rows of stunning sugar cane fields.
- 30 to 35-minutes along the coast, which is a world-heritage listed drive, with awe-inspiring views of the ocean.
- A further 10-minutes past sugar cane fields as you head into and arrive at Port Douglas.
Are child seats available?
If you are travelling with small children, we have child seats and boosters available on request. However, child seats are not compulsory on Queensland buses with 13 seats or more.
There are three options available:
RFR (Rear Facing Restraint): for new-borns and infants.
FFR (Front Facing Restraint): suitable for infants and children up to 2-years of age.
B (Booster Seat): ideal for children aged 3 to 7-years.
All child seats costs AUD $15.00 each way.
The comfort and safety of your children is of the utmost importance to us.
How do I get from Cairns to Port Douglas without a car?
So, what alternative methods of travel are there between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas?
Unless you have a car rental waiting for you, your transport options are quite limited. Here are your options:
Taxi: typically one of the most expensive options.
Public transport from Cairns City: you will have to make your way from Cairns Airport to Cairns City Centre, making this the most complicated and least attractive option.
Cairns Airport shuttle service: we offer airport transfers via our shuttle bus service and this is arguably one of the cheapest and easiest methods of travel between Cairns (CNS) and Port Douglas.
Our Premium Cairns Airport shuttle services (private transfers): if you want more flexibility on your journey rather than sticking to the Cairns Airport shuttle bus timetable listed above, you can opt for our premium shuttle services. Private transfers are a great alternative for those who would like to enjoy the last leg of the journey in total privacy, without other passengers – which is understandable when you’ve spent however many hours on an airplane.
Is it worth renting a car?
Unless you plan on doing a lot of mileage and personal exploration, it is rarely worth renting a car from Cairns to Port Douglas. The fact is, when you arrive in Port Douglas, public transport on local shuttles around the town is fairly good. That, and when booking various excursions in and around Port Douglas (e.g., a trip to the Daintree Rainforest or diving in the Great Barrier Reef), hotel transfers are generally included as part of the package. Therefore, you likely won’t get a lot of use out of your rental car, making it an expensive and largely unnecessary method of transportation.
Is there a public bus from Port Douglas to Cairns?
Unfortunately, public transport heading out of Port Douglas to Cairns is quite limited. As such, you might find yourself having to wait around for longer than is necessary. Additionally, heading directly from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport without an airport transfer service can get quite complicated as most public transport will take you into the Cairns City Centre.
If you want your return journey from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport to be quick and easy, the best alternative is for you to book a return airport shuttle transfer with us in advance. That way, you will have the option to travel on the hour, every hour from 6am from Port Douglas and 7am from Cairns Airport, until 5pm from Port Douglas, and 5pm from Cairns Airport. New! Additional 7:30pm scheduled bus from Cairns Airport now available for booking.
Refer to our FAQ page for more information
Can’t see the information that you require listed above? If not, please feel free to refer to our comprehensive FAQ page. There you will find everything you need to know regarding our airport shuttle services. Alternatively, if you have a more complicated question and would prefer to speak with us directly, feel free to contact us at your convenience.
Why choose us?
So, why choose us for airport transfers to Port Douglas? Here’s everything you need to know…
Fixed and predictable schedule
We prefer to run scheduled bus transfers to Port Douglas on a strict timetable. Other airport shuttle services often allow 20 to 30-minutes grace to pick up passengers on their bus - which means that you may not have time to use the rest room or get something to eat before you can set off to Port Douglas. We understand that is the last thing you want after a long flight and as such, our buses will leave on schedule according to the timetable.
Friendly, courteous, and professional drivers
All of our drivers are friendly, courteous, and highly professional. You and your family will be treated with the utmost respect and your driver will be on hand to offer any support that you might need.
Well-maintained vehicles
Our buses are well-maintained and serviced regularly for your safety. This is something that we take great pride in.
Clean and comfortable bus
All of our vehicles are clean, comfortable, and spacious. You will be able to kick-back in a cool, air-conditioned bus while you enjoy the final leg of your journey from Cairns to Port Douglas.
Local business
A local shuttle service with drivers that have expansive knowledge of the Cairns, Port Douglas and Far North Queensland.
No hidden charges
Once you book and pay for your transfers their are no additional or unexpected charges. That is the benefit of our fixed schedule timetable between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas.
Child-friendly
Our service is child-friendly, with child seats and boosters available to book on our booking forms.