Quick answer: A private transfer takes your whole family or group from Cairns Airport to your Port Douglas accommodation in one vehicle, with rear-facing, forward-facing or booster child seats on request at $15 each way, and room for your luggage. Priced per vehicle by size, from $269 one way for up to 5 passengers and $379 for 6 to 13, it is often similar to booking several shuttle seats, with the car to yourselves.
Key facts
- One vehicle for the whole party, door to door, about 60 to 70 minutes direct
- Vehicles: Hyundai iMax or Kia Carnival for 1 to 5, Toyota HiAce for 6 to 13, Commuter for larger groups
- Child seats on request when booking: rear-facing, forward-facing or booster, $15 each way
- Prams and wheelchairs free; oversize items such as golf bags $20 each way; surfboards on private transfers only
- Priced per vehicle, so larger parties get better value
Arriving in Cairns with children, grandparents or a group of friends is not the moment to be splitting across shuttle seats. A private transfer keeps everyone together and gets you to Port Douglas in one comfortable run. You can book a private family transfer and have a driver meet you as you come through arrivals.
Why families and groups choose private
Everyone travels together. One vehicle, one driver, no dividing the group across departures or hoping there are enough seats left on the next service.
Child seats sorted. Add them when you book and the right seats are fitted and ready. These are standard rear-facing (RFR), forward-facing (FFR) and booster seats, not baby capsules, at $15 each way per seat. It is generally not possible to add them after you arrive, so include them at the time of booking. Which seat suits your child is best judged by you; Queensland’s child restraint rules are a useful guide.
Room for the bags. In a private vehicle the whole boot is yours. Prams, strollers and wheelchairs travel free. Oversize items such as golf bags, fishing gear or a bike are $20 each way, and surfboards can only travel on a private transfer, so mention anything oversized when you book.
Priced per vehicle. Because a private transfer is priced for the vehicle rather than per head, larger parties get better value. The cost breakdown has the current figures.
Matching the vehicle to your party
Private transfers run in a Hyundai iMax or Kia Carnival for 1 to 5 passengers, a Toyota HiAce for 6 to 13, and a Toyota Commuter or larger coach for bigger groups. When you book, it helps to tell us:
- the number of adults
- the number and ages of any children, so the correct seats are fitted
- how much and what kind of luggage you are bringing, including anything oversized
- any mobility aids, which travel free
With those details the right vehicle is assigned before your driver meets you.
Straight there, no stops
Your transfer runs direct to Port Douglas, about an hour up the coast, with no detour through Palm Cove and no other passengers to drop off first. For tired children at the end of a long flight, getting straight to the accommodation makes a real difference.
Many families base themselves in Port Douglas for day trips north. If Mossman Gorge is on your list, our Mossman Gorge day trip from Port Douglas covers how to get there once you have arrived.
FAQ
Can you provide child seats?
Yes. Add them when you book. They are rear-facing, forward-facing or booster seats, not baby capsules, at $15 each way per seat. They generally cannot be added after you arrive.
How many people can a private transfer take?
From 1 to 5 in a Hyundai iMax or Kia Carnival, 6 to 13 in a Toyota HiAce, and more in a Commuter or coach. Tell us your numbers when booking and the right vehicle is arranged.
Is a private transfer cheaper than the shuttle for a group?
It can be. Because it is priced per vehicle, once you would have paid for several shuttle seats a private transfer is often comparable, with the whole vehicle to yourselves.
Can you carry prams, golf clubs or surfboards?
Prams and wheelchairs travel free. Oversize items such as golf bags are $20 each way. Surfboards can only travel on a private transfer.
