Cairns Airport Shuttle Transfer to Port Douglas, Palm Cove & City
Return transfers available · Daily departures both ways
Daily from Cairns Airport (CNS) through Cairns City and Palm Cove to Port Douglas — and back again. Your driver meets you in arrivals, luggage is included, and the coach drops you directly at your accommodation door.
View Timetable & BookCairns Airport shuttle transfer to the City, Palm Cove & Port Douglas
The Tropic Wings airport shuttle transfer runs multiple times daily from Cairns Airport (CNS), with stops through Cairns City and Palm Cove and continuing to Port Douglas — approximately 75 minutes via the scenic Captain Cook Highway. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall, one standard suitcase and one carry-on per passenger are included at no extra charge, and the coach drops you directly at your accommodation.
Operating since 1981 and Ecocertified for over 20 years, Tropic Wings is one of the most established shuttle transfer operators in tropical North Queensland. Services run in both directions, so we can get you where you need to go along the coast.
Timetable and fares last updated June 2026.
Pricing
Fares
One way per person · AUD incl. GST · Luggage & airport meet & greet included · Infant under 2 free.
Route
Airport ↔ Cairns City
Day
Mon–Fri 7am–6pm
$26
Child $13
Evening
Mon–Fri 6pm–7am
$28
Child $14
Weekend
Sat–Sun all times
$29
Child $14.50
Public Holiday
All times
$31
Child $15.50
Route
Airport ↔ Palm Cove
Day
Mon–Fri 7am–6pm
$37
Child $18.50
Evening
Mon–Fri 6pm–7am
$40
Child $20
Weekend
Sat–Sun all times
$42
Child $21
Public Holiday
All times
$44
Child $22
Route
Airport ↔ Port Douglas
Day
Mon–Fri 7am–6pm
$66
Child $33
Evening
Mon–Fri 6pm–7am
$70
Child $35
Weekend
Sat–Sun all times
$73
Child $36.50
Public Holiday
All times
$76
Child $38
Child fares apply ages 2–14. Infant under 2 travels free (on lap).
Cairns Airport to Port Douglas — how to get there
Comparing your options for the ~70 km journey via the Captain Cook Highway.
Option
Typical fare
Time
Best for
Tropic Wings airport shuttle transfer
From $66/adult
~75 min
Solo travellers, couples & families wanting the most affordable option
Private transfer (VW ID. Buzz)
From $220 (vehicle)
~70 min
Groups of 3–6 wanting a direct, no-stops service
Taxi / rideshare
$180–$250+
~70 min
Late arrivals when scheduled services have finished
Hire car
$80–$150/day + fuel
~70 min
Extended stays needing a car throughout their trip
Port Douglas to Cairns Airport shuttle transfer
The Tropic Wings airport shuttle transfer runs in both directions — multiple departures daily from Port Douglas back to Cairns Airport, with a Palm Cove stop on selected services. Allow approximately 75 minutes to the airport.
Booking the return? Allow at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure — the Captain Cook Highway is scenic but there are no shortcuts.
Cairns Airport to Palm Cove shuttle transfer
Palm Cove is a scheduled stop on selected Tropic Wings airport shuttle transfer services — approximately 30 minutes from Cairns Airport. If you're staying in Palm Cove, this is the most direct and affordable way in from the airport.
Not all departures stop at Palm Cove — check the timetable above and look for the Palm Cove column. The return runs the same route in reverse.
Good to Know
Shuttle Transfer FAQ
How do I get from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas?
The Tropic Wings airport shuttle transfer runs daily from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Port Douglas — approximately 75 minutes on direct services via the Captain Cook Highway, and about 90 minutes on departures that stop at Palm Cove. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, luggage is included, and the coach drops you at your accommodation door. Adult fares from $66.
How much does the bus from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas cost?
Adult fares start at $66 (weekday daytime), $70 (weekday evenings), $73 (weekends) and $76 (public holidays). Child fares (ages 2–14) are half the adult fare. Infants under 2 travel free on lap.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cairns to Port Douglas?
The Tropic Wings scheduled bus is the most affordable option, with adult fares from $66 one way — significantly less than a private taxi or hire car for the 70 km journey. Groups of 3 or more may find a private transfer comparable in total cost.
How do I get from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport?
Tropic Wings runs the same airport shuttle transfer in both directions. The coach departs Port Douglas multiple times daily, stops at Palm Cove on selected services, and arrives at Cairns Airport in approximately 75 minutes. Allow at least 3 hours before your departure flight.
Does the coach stop at Palm Cove?
Some departures include a Palm Cove stop. Non-stop services take approximately 75 minutes; services with a Palm Cove stop take approximately 90 minutes. Check the timetable above for which departures serve Palm Cove.
Is luggage included?
Yes — one standard suitcase and one carry-on bag per passenger at no extra charge.
Do children travel at a discounted fare?
Yes. Children aged 2–14 travel at a reduced fare. Infants under 2 travel free (on lap).
Travelling as a group?
Upgrade to a Private Transfer
Just your group in a fully electric VW ID. Buzz. No other passengers, no stops — often comparable in price to individual coach fares for groups.