Cairns Airport Shuttle Transfers - frequently asked questions
All arrival transfers from Cairns to Port Douglas are confirmed when you have booked. There is no need to re-confirm before arrival.
MOST ASKED 1: CONFIRMING RETURN PICK UP TIME FROM PORT DOUGLAS TO CAIRNS AIRPORT.
When you have booked we supply a CAS reference (eg CAS00025, or CAS11526 or CAS2315) shuttle confirmation doc. All shuttle contact details are on this confirmation. For your return transfer to the airport the shuttle will automatically text the mobile on your booking OR email the email address associated with your booking 1 day before return with your exact pick up time. See exact instructions on your confirmation. The usual pick up window is 2.5 to 3 hours before domestic flights depart., and we make additional allowances for international or Tiger Airways flights. To save you multiple check ins please only contact your shuttle 1-2 days before departure (if wanting to be proactive) because small tweaks to times may be made if pick up is confirmed too many days ahead. Please always use your CAS reference when contacting the shuttle. This CAS reference is in every confirmation.
MOST ASKED 2: PICK UP TIME AT AIRPORT
CairnsAirportShuttle.net promotes a service that the usual wait time at Cairns Airport is 20 minutes or less after all bags are cleared from your arrival baggage carousel, and we deliver on this in line with Airline arrivals. We schedule airport pick ups according to airline flight arrival times. In Feb 2018 (and most months of the year) approx 87-90% of airport arrivals into Cairns were on time (eg SYD to CNS, MEL to CNS, BNE to CNS) as reported on time on Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities. Flights are on time if they arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. Every effort is made to have passengers on the way to Port Douglas within 20 minutes of all bags being cleared from your arrival baggage carousel. This means if you arrive at 2.50pm, and are off the plane and at your carousel at 3.00pm, and all bags are collected by all passengers by 3.15pm, you will be on the way to Port Douglas by 3.35pm. In may cases this will be quicker, in some cases there may be a small delay and we ask passengers understanding for airline arrivals beyond our control which impact booked services. We aim to be responsive to you, or your fellow passengers, if you or they are affected by small delays.
For transportation within 24 hours of the first travel time - please use our online book and pay form and we will confirm availability ASAP.
FAQ 1: Average wait time at Cairns Airport for a booked shuttle is 20 minutes or sooner after checked bags have been cleared from your arrival baggage carousel. We do not wait for the bus to 'fill' and are on the way as soon as booked passengers are on board. Your shuttle driver meets you at your flight's baggage carousel with your name on a sign. If you do not see your driver, who may be split between two baggage carousels, please collect your bags and proceed to carousel 4 . Yes - we can also collect you from Cairns Esplanade or CBD accommodation and take you to Port Douglas & vice versa.
FAQ 1(A): Free local shuttle pass. When offered this is valid only on day of arrival, and the next day until midnight. For clarity this is the first two days of your stay in Port Douglas. For example, if arriving at midday Monday the pass is valid for the balance of Monday, and all day Tuesday until midnight. The pass is only valid for the company indicated on your booking confirmation, and only valid for the number of people indicated on your booking confirmation. We hope you like this service, and support the local businesses extending this special for the remainder of your holiday in Port Douglas. Free local shuttle is on our nominated local shuttle between 6am and midnight within Port Douglas township as far as roundabout on Captain Cook Highway near IGA. Regular pick ups/ drop offs every 30 mins or so. This is a complimentary bonus which we periodically offer and is unable to be moved to different days.
FAQ 2: Average departure from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport is 2.5 to 3 hours before your domestic flight. That might vary a bit but we do see most transfers in that window. Sometimes on a shuttle shared with others you might need to go a little earlier or a little later, but we will communicate with you and provide options. We generally add 15 mins for Tiger departure and 30 to 60 mins for International. Between 6.45am - 7.15am we add 15 mins for traffic. If you only have carry on we might try and minimise your wait. DON'T WORRY :) We factor all this in - just tell us your flight departure time and flight number on your shuttle booking form - and we will work it all out and confirm your departure time automatically via text or email to your phone the day before you leave Port Douglas :)
FAQ 3: Very early flight out of Cairns? We recommend leave early. To catch a 6am flight (or earlier) you would need to leave Port Douglas around 3.30am, which is our after hours time. The journey takes 60-70 mins if no problems on Captain Cook Highway (eg landslips on highway, accidents, diversions). Standard hours prices start at 4am, but leaving at 4am would only leave you 50-60 mins at the airport before departure. Virgin closes 45 mins before departure, Jetstar 40mins, Qantas 45 mins, so 3.30am is our latest recommended departure from Port Douglas for 6am flight. After hours departure costs $160 for 1-5 people, as it is a private transfer no other passengers. You can book that together with standard hours arrival on the booking form. EG. 2 adults standard hours arrival $80 + $160 departure = $240.
Our only exception to this procedure is if you are travelling with carry on bags only, and your flight is 6.15am, or later. Then OK to leave at 4am, however we cannot guarantee arrival at airport will not be very tight (as above) however people regularly do choose this option for carry on only.
FAQ 4: All shuttle companies actively monitor flights for both early and late arrivals to ensure they meet you - even the drivers at the airport have special screens to see exactly when flight is at gate.
FAQ 5: Child booster seats and front or rear facing baby seats included at no extra charge, if requested at time of booking.
FAQ 6: Quote requests are usually sent to you by 9am the day following your quote request, however we can often respond within 60 - 120 minutes Monday to Friday 8AM - 5PM. All quotes are valid 24 hours. Payments for quotes will usually receive shuttle confirmation doc within 4 hours of payment. Quotes and payments received after 6PM processed before 9AM the next morning (or sooner if we're still online).
Payments are processed by the CairnsAirportShuttle.net affiliate you are allocated to when using our book and pay forms, OR by CairnsAirportShuttle.net when using our quote then pay system. Either way you receive a CairnsAirportShuttle.net approved booking reference and at all times can contact CairnsAirportShuttle.net direct about your booking, to organise a refund (subject to cancel fees), or to change travel dates. Every booking confirmation also provides direct contact details for your shuttle: please also feel free to contact your shuttle direct.
FAQ 7: It usually takes about 60-70 minutes from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas - depending on traffic and which end of Port Douglas your accommodation is located. The drive is approx. 20-25 minutes through the northern suburbs of Cairns (past sugar cane fields) 30-35 minutes along the coast (a world heritage listed drive) and the last 10 minutes past sugar cane and into Port.
FAQ 8: Usual 'seat in bus' vehicle type is Toyota Hiace, Commuter or Hyundai iMax which are popular with all shuttle companies here. Seats max 13 passenger seats. Fully air conditioned, 100% seat belts, reclining seats and all vans usually equipped with a booster seat and baby seat, although particularly with baby seats please advise on your booking so the driver can ensure seat is available, ready and fitted before collecting you at the airport.
FAQ 9: Split bookings -It is not possible to have people on different planes arriving or departing at different times on the same booking. It is also not possible to deliver group discounts (eg 5 adults return) when that booking needs 3-4 shuttle trips. This is because each booking is tracked with a unique CAS number, and also that split bookings always require additional pick ups and drop offs, and often require a dedicated shuttle for just one passenger. Further, delays at any part of the process can impact on your group, or others travelling with you. For quickest and most direct service we only offer one pick up and drop off on arrival, and one pick up and drop off on departure per booking. The best idea is to use our shuttle booking form and book each group separately OR if you're arriving or departing at similar times - let us know in the OTHER COMMENTS section. We will always group you together when you are all travelling together, and we can split bookings and issue separate confirmation docs eg 2005A, 2005B. We will advise and quote that when we offer a quote.
FAQ 10: Paul and Vish are not drivers - we're a booking service offering passengers a friendly service with local knowledge. Paul has driven the beautiful coastal road to Port Douglas about 200x as a shuttle bus driver and spent loads of time talking to different drivers of the 20 or so companies operating up here. Our service is all about taking the hassle out of the booking process...the multiple options...fare differences and rules - we aim to provide a good price, good information and connect you with the best Cairns to Port Douglas shuttle services so you can focus on anticipating and enjoying your Port Douglas holiday.
FAQ 11: Airport desk? The airport desk ($44-$47 one way walk up fare) have limited seats and schedule after 6.30PM - so for any arrivals after this time it is now crucial that passengers book in advance both for price saving and avoiding long waits. Some passengers arriving at 2.30pm without a prebooked shuttle have waited until 4.30pm bus - that goes via Palm Cove. 8pm arrivals at airport desk may get a 10pm shuttle or none.
FAQ 12: It's common for some international Air NZ departing flights from Cairns to leave from the Cairns domestic terminal. International flights to NZ often go via Sydney or Brisbane - so usual domestic check in time applies. Paul and Vish know from experience going to NZ from Cairns - you go domestic to Brisbane - your luggage usually goes ahead of you having been checked in at Cairns - but you will transit yourselves from the Brisbane domestic airport using the Airtrain (usually with a transit coupon provided) to the International Airport and complete customs there.
FAQ 13: Drop off to, and pick up from Cairns CBD or Esplanade? Our primary service is direct Cairns Airport to Port Douglas to Cairns Airport with no stops. However, we can drop you into Cairns Esplanade/ CBD, and pick you up from Cairns Esplanade/ CBD for additional flat rate $20 to each booking. For drop offs into Cairns we will first quickly drop passengers to the airport at the north end of Cairns (takes 5-10 mins) , and then go into the City. For pick ups from Cairns Esplanade accommodation the reverse happens where we will pick you up, and then collect passengers from the airport as we head North. Pick ups usually take a little longer at 15-20mins, but you are welcome to stay seated in our air conditioned van. Sometimes the shuttle will just be Cairns accommodation drop off (like yourself) and will bypass the airport, or direct from the CBD to Port Douglas if no airport passengers are collected on that leg. As the airport is at the northern end of Cairns all shuttle companies will always drop passengers to the airport before drop offs in Cairns CBD, and vice versa when heading north.
FAQ 14: Getting dropped off in Port Douglas? We drop off your party to one location in Port Douglas, usually your accommodation. Our service does not provide option to wait while passengers collect keys and then transfer on to accommodation. Drop off can be one or the other. Exception due to access are Beachfront Mirage, this is a gated community and we drop you at the gate, and Murphy Street (approx. 53-69 Murphy Street is very difficult for a shuttle + trailer to reverse out of - so we may drop you on the corner of Owen and Murphy - for the short 20-80m walk to your accommodation.)
FAQ 15: Going to Daintree Accommodation, Cape Tribulation, Newell Beach, Sily Oaks, and Mossman
Our standard airport service does not service Cape Tribulation, or anywhere north of Port Douglas. We usually only offer service between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas. For any connections north of Port Douglas that do wish to use our shuttle service to Port Douglas, most welcome! We usually drop off and pick up from your Port Douglas accommodation ,or Wildlife Habitat at the southern end of Port Douglas. Your Daintree accommodation or car hire then takes you further North: Daintree/ Cape Tribulation: CairnsAirportShuttle.net is not aware of any service that operates from Cairns Airport to Daintree, or from Port Douglas to Daintree accommodation. Hiring a rental car in Port Douglas is a common solution; Newell Beach: We can organise 1-5, 6-13, or 14-20 pax private transfer only from Port Douglas to Newell Beach; Silky Oaks: Ask the accommodation about transport options, which may include them picking you up from Port Douglas as above, or car hire; Mossman: There are some shuttles that can take you to Mossman Gorge and Mossman Township, and outside the local shuttle area. Ask your accommodation about whether a shuttle or taxi will best suit your needs.
FAQ 16: Well, it's not an FAQ but might be useful info you are looking for. Bookings from outside Australia can use online banking and if asked by your bank for the swift code - our business name Cairns Port Douglas Shuttle Bendigo Bank account SWIFT/BIC code is BENDAU3B. (Please note that if any additional bank charges are incurred to receive international online banking - we must pass these on. Payments from UK have been OK no extra charges - NZ not sure - Bank gives a definite 'maybe' so we don't know until it lands).
- We transfer direct from Cairns Airport to the door of your accommodation Port Douglas no stops in between.
- Usual wait is 20 minutes or less after all checked bags are collected from your flight's baggage carousel, which has arrived on time. This departure window applies to carry on and checked baggage passengers.
- Our drivers meet you at the arrival baggage carousels with your name on a sign.
- The journey takes 60-70 minutes.
- Usual departure is 2.5 to 3 hours from Port Douglas before your scheduled flight from Cairns. Exact time is confirmed day before departure, by email OR text, to the mobile phone number OR email address on your booking.
- PICK UP PROCEDURE: Drivers meet you at your arrival baggage carousel OR at carousel 4. We provide a instructions and direct contact phone number to your shuttle with every booking.
- T&Cs
- Book now
- Avoid travel on 9 June 2019 - Ironman Road Closure
MOST ASKED 1: CONFIRMING RETURN PICK UP TIME FROM PORT DOUGLAS TO CAIRNS AIRPORT.
When you have booked we supply a CAS reference (eg CAS00025, or CAS11526 or CAS2315) shuttle confirmation doc. All shuttle contact details are on this confirmation. For your return transfer to the airport the shuttle will automatically text the mobile on your booking OR email the email address associated with your booking 1 day before return with your exact pick up time. See exact instructions on your confirmation. The usual pick up window is 2.5 to 3 hours before domestic flights depart., and we make additional allowances for international or Tiger Airways flights. To save you multiple check ins please only contact your shuttle 1-2 days before departure (if wanting to be proactive) because small tweaks to times may be made if pick up is confirmed too many days ahead. Please always use your CAS reference when contacting the shuttle. This CAS reference is in every confirmation.
MOST ASKED 2: PICK UP TIME AT AIRPORT
CairnsAirportShuttle.net promotes a service that the usual wait time at Cairns Airport is 20 minutes or less after all bags are cleared from your arrival baggage carousel, and we deliver on this in line with Airline arrivals. We schedule airport pick ups according to airline flight arrival times. In Feb 2018 (and most months of the year) approx 87-90% of airport arrivals into Cairns were on time (eg SYD to CNS, MEL to CNS, BNE to CNS) as reported on time on Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities. Flights are on time if they arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. Every effort is made to have passengers on the way to Port Douglas within 20 minutes of all bags being cleared from your arrival baggage carousel. This means if you arrive at 2.50pm, and are off the plane and at your carousel at 3.00pm, and all bags are collected by all passengers by 3.15pm, you will be on the way to Port Douglas by 3.35pm. In may cases this will be quicker, in some cases there may be a small delay and we ask passengers understanding for airline arrivals beyond our control which impact booked services. We aim to be responsive to you, or your fellow passengers, if you or they are affected by small delays.
For transportation within 24 hours of the first travel time - please use our online book and pay form and we will confirm availability ASAP.
FAQ 1: Average wait time at Cairns Airport for a booked shuttle is 20 minutes or sooner after checked bags have been cleared from your arrival baggage carousel. We do not wait for the bus to 'fill' and are on the way as soon as booked passengers are on board. Your shuttle driver meets you at your flight's baggage carousel with your name on a sign. If you do not see your driver, who may be split between two baggage carousels, please collect your bags and proceed to carousel 4 . Yes - we can also collect you from Cairns Esplanade or CBD accommodation and take you to Port Douglas & vice versa.
FAQ 1(A): Free local shuttle pass. When offered this is valid only on day of arrival, and the next day until midnight. For clarity this is the first two days of your stay in Port Douglas. For example, if arriving at midday Monday the pass is valid for the balance of Monday, and all day Tuesday until midnight. The pass is only valid for the company indicated on your booking confirmation, and only valid for the number of people indicated on your booking confirmation. We hope you like this service, and support the local businesses extending this special for the remainder of your holiday in Port Douglas. Free local shuttle is on our nominated local shuttle between 6am and midnight within Port Douglas township as far as roundabout on Captain Cook Highway near IGA. Regular pick ups/ drop offs every 30 mins or so. This is a complimentary bonus which we periodically offer and is unable to be moved to different days.
FAQ 2: Average departure from Port Douglas to Cairns Airport is 2.5 to 3 hours before your domestic flight. That might vary a bit but we do see most transfers in that window. Sometimes on a shuttle shared with others you might need to go a little earlier or a little later, but we will communicate with you and provide options. We generally add 15 mins for Tiger departure and 30 to 60 mins for International. Between 6.45am - 7.15am we add 15 mins for traffic. If you only have carry on we might try and minimise your wait. DON'T WORRY :) We factor all this in - just tell us your flight departure time and flight number on your shuttle booking form - and we will work it all out and confirm your departure time automatically via text or email to your phone the day before you leave Port Douglas :)
FAQ 3: Very early flight out of Cairns? We recommend leave early. To catch a 6am flight (or earlier) you would need to leave Port Douglas around 3.30am, which is our after hours time. The journey takes 60-70 mins if no problems on Captain Cook Highway (eg landslips on highway, accidents, diversions). Standard hours prices start at 4am, but leaving at 4am would only leave you 50-60 mins at the airport before departure. Virgin closes 45 mins before departure, Jetstar 40mins, Qantas 45 mins, so 3.30am is our latest recommended departure from Port Douglas for 6am flight. After hours departure costs $160 for 1-5 people, as it is a private transfer no other passengers. You can book that together with standard hours arrival on the booking form. EG. 2 adults standard hours arrival $80 + $160 departure = $240.
Our only exception to this procedure is if you are travelling with carry on bags only, and your flight is 6.15am, or later. Then OK to leave at 4am, however we cannot guarantee arrival at airport will not be very tight (as above) however people regularly do choose this option for carry on only.
FAQ 4: All shuttle companies actively monitor flights for both early and late arrivals to ensure they meet you - even the drivers at the airport have special screens to see exactly when flight is at gate.
FAQ 5: Child booster seats and front or rear facing baby seats included at no extra charge, if requested at time of booking.
FAQ 6: Quote requests are usually sent to you by 9am the day following your quote request, however we can often respond within 60 - 120 minutes Monday to Friday 8AM - 5PM. All quotes are valid 24 hours. Payments for quotes will usually receive shuttle confirmation doc within 4 hours of payment. Quotes and payments received after 6PM processed before 9AM the next morning (or sooner if we're still online).
Payments are processed by the CairnsAirportShuttle.net affiliate you are allocated to when using our book and pay forms, OR by CairnsAirportShuttle.net when using our quote then pay system. Either way you receive a CairnsAirportShuttle.net approved booking reference and at all times can contact CairnsAirportShuttle.net direct about your booking, to organise a refund (subject to cancel fees), or to change travel dates. Every booking confirmation also provides direct contact details for your shuttle: please also feel free to contact your shuttle direct.
FAQ 7: It usually takes about 60-70 minutes from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas - depending on traffic and which end of Port Douglas your accommodation is located. The drive is approx. 20-25 minutes through the northern suburbs of Cairns (past sugar cane fields) 30-35 minutes along the coast (a world heritage listed drive) and the last 10 minutes past sugar cane and into Port.
FAQ 8: Usual 'seat in bus' vehicle type is Toyota Hiace, Commuter or Hyundai iMax which are popular with all shuttle companies here. Seats max 13 passenger seats. Fully air conditioned, 100% seat belts, reclining seats and all vans usually equipped with a booster seat and baby seat, although particularly with baby seats please advise on your booking so the driver can ensure seat is available, ready and fitted before collecting you at the airport.
FAQ 9: Split bookings -It is not possible to have people on different planes arriving or departing at different times on the same booking. It is also not possible to deliver group discounts (eg 5 adults return) when that booking needs 3-4 shuttle trips. This is because each booking is tracked with a unique CAS number, and also that split bookings always require additional pick ups and drop offs, and often require a dedicated shuttle for just one passenger. Further, delays at any part of the process can impact on your group, or others travelling with you. For quickest and most direct service we only offer one pick up and drop off on arrival, and one pick up and drop off on departure per booking. The best idea is to use our shuttle booking form and book each group separately OR if you're arriving or departing at similar times - let us know in the OTHER COMMENTS section. We will always group you together when you are all travelling together, and we can split bookings and issue separate confirmation docs eg 2005A, 2005B. We will advise and quote that when we offer a quote.
FAQ 10: Paul and Vish are not drivers - we're a booking service offering passengers a friendly service with local knowledge. Paul has driven the beautiful coastal road to Port Douglas about 200x as a shuttle bus driver and spent loads of time talking to different drivers of the 20 or so companies operating up here. Our service is all about taking the hassle out of the booking process...the multiple options...fare differences and rules - we aim to provide a good price, good information and connect you with the best Cairns to Port Douglas shuttle services so you can focus on anticipating and enjoying your Port Douglas holiday.
FAQ 11: Airport desk? The airport desk ($44-$47 one way walk up fare) have limited seats and schedule after 6.30PM - so for any arrivals after this time it is now crucial that passengers book in advance both for price saving and avoiding long waits. Some passengers arriving at 2.30pm without a prebooked shuttle have waited until 4.30pm bus - that goes via Palm Cove. 8pm arrivals at airport desk may get a 10pm shuttle or none.
FAQ 12: It's common for some international Air NZ departing flights from Cairns to leave from the Cairns domestic terminal. International flights to NZ often go via Sydney or Brisbane - so usual domestic check in time applies. Paul and Vish know from experience going to NZ from Cairns - you go domestic to Brisbane - your luggage usually goes ahead of you having been checked in at Cairns - but you will transit yourselves from the Brisbane domestic airport using the Airtrain (usually with a transit coupon provided) to the International Airport and complete customs there.
FAQ 13: Drop off to, and pick up from Cairns CBD or Esplanade? Our primary service is direct Cairns Airport to Port Douglas to Cairns Airport with no stops. However, we can drop you into Cairns Esplanade/ CBD, and pick you up from Cairns Esplanade/ CBD for additional flat rate $20 to each booking. For drop offs into Cairns we will first quickly drop passengers to the airport at the north end of Cairns (takes 5-10 mins) , and then go into the City. For pick ups from Cairns Esplanade accommodation the reverse happens where we will pick you up, and then collect passengers from the airport as we head North. Pick ups usually take a little longer at 15-20mins, but you are welcome to stay seated in our air conditioned van. Sometimes the shuttle will just be Cairns accommodation drop off (like yourself) and will bypass the airport, or direct from the CBD to Port Douglas if no airport passengers are collected on that leg. As the airport is at the northern end of Cairns all shuttle companies will always drop passengers to the airport before drop offs in Cairns CBD, and vice versa when heading north.
FAQ 14: Getting dropped off in Port Douglas? We drop off your party to one location in Port Douglas, usually your accommodation. Our service does not provide option to wait while passengers collect keys and then transfer on to accommodation. Drop off can be one or the other. Exception due to access are Beachfront Mirage, this is a gated community and we drop you at the gate, and Murphy Street (approx. 53-69 Murphy Street is very difficult for a shuttle + trailer to reverse out of - so we may drop you on the corner of Owen and Murphy - for the short 20-80m walk to your accommodation.)
FAQ 15: Going to Daintree Accommodation, Cape Tribulation, Newell Beach, Sily Oaks, and Mossman
Our standard airport service does not service Cape Tribulation, or anywhere north of Port Douglas. We usually only offer service between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas. For any connections north of Port Douglas that do wish to use our shuttle service to Port Douglas, most welcome! We usually drop off and pick up from your Port Douglas accommodation ,or Wildlife Habitat at the southern end of Port Douglas. Your Daintree accommodation or car hire then takes you further North: Daintree/ Cape Tribulation: CairnsAirportShuttle.net is not aware of any service that operates from Cairns Airport to Daintree, or from Port Douglas to Daintree accommodation. Hiring a rental car in Port Douglas is a common solution; Newell Beach: We can organise 1-5, 6-13, or 14-20 pax private transfer only from Port Douglas to Newell Beach; Silky Oaks: Ask the accommodation about transport options, which may include them picking you up from Port Douglas as above, or car hire; Mossman: There are some shuttles that can take you to Mossman Gorge and Mossman Township, and outside the local shuttle area. Ask your accommodation about whether a shuttle or taxi will best suit your needs.
FAQ 16: Well, it's not an FAQ but might be useful info you are looking for. Bookings from outside Australia can use online banking and if asked by your bank for the swift code - our business name Cairns Port Douglas Shuttle Bendigo Bank account SWIFT/BIC code is BENDAU3B. (Please note that if any additional bank charges are incurred to receive international online banking - we must pass these on. Payments from UK have been OK no extra charges - NZ not sure - Bank gives a definite 'maybe' so we don't know until it lands).