Cairns to Port Douglas Bus: The History of getting to 'Port'

​​Looking to get a Cairns to Port Douglas bus after arriving at Cairns Airport? Here’s how things have changed since the internet came along.
 
Before online booking in the 1990s
Years ago, during the early 1990s and into the 2000s, people would regularly arrive at Cairns Airport without any transport to ‘Port’ organised. In those now distant days before the internet and even in the early days of the internet folks would simply arrive, line up at the Sun Palm desk (now defunct), buy a ticket and get on board. Buses were reasonably frequent and seats were usually available.
 
The internet arrives!
Cairns to Port Douglas bus services took a turn when the internet allowed people to book ahead. Sitting in cold wintery days in Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide folks looking for sun and family holidays would search to see the best deals online and book ahead. CairnsAirportShuttle.net was born!
 
Booking ahead is now essential at any time of year.
During peak season buses are now often full and Cairns Airport is working at peak capacity. Driver shortages, increasing fuel, insurance and labor costs have affected all levels of the industry.

Buses usually run to schedules, and drivers are on quick turnarounds. Wait times on arrival, without a booking, can blow out to several hours if you haven’t secured your tickets online ahead of arrival.

In low season services are generally reduced and more infrequent. This creates a similar shortage to peak times: no ticket means waiting for the next available seat on a bus on reduced service timetables.
 
Avoid buses to ‘Port’ that stop along the highway or make stops in Palm Cove
One useful tip we want to share is to check if your Cairns to Port Douglas bus makes stops along the highway before arriving in Port. This can add 30-60 minutes to the direct trip to Port.
 
Shared shuttle services are most popular
The most popular Cairns to Port Douglas bus services are shared shuttles. These are usually Toyota HiAce 13-seater vehicles. Great for couples and groups of all sizes. Often running with just 4 or 5 couples on board shared shuttles is the answer because with just a few accommodation stops along Port Douglas Road or Macrossan Street you are walking off your bus and direct into holiday time. Enjoy!