Cairns Airport and getting to the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns Airport is about 7 km from the city centre and handles domestic and international flights. Examples of international routes are Auckland, Bali, Christchurch and Fiji, with Hong Kong as a seasonal route. A route is not a promise of daily or year-round flights, so check the current timetable.
Cairns reef trips start at the Reef Fleet Terminal in the city. Read the Cairns guide for the departure points, or compare Great Barrier Reef tours ahead of your arrival date.
From Cairns Airport into the city
Taxi and bus compared.
| Option | Cost | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Check the current fare | Ranks outside both terminals. You cannot pre-book from the rank, and the rank is monitored around the clock. |
| Bus route 100 (from 23 November 2026) | A$0.50 per trip | Airport, Lake Street and City station near the Lagoon, every 30 minutes from 04:00 to 22:30. It does not run on Good Friday or Christmas Day. The stop is between the international and the domestic terminal. |
Until route 100 starts, taxis are the way into town. For most arrivals after 23 November 2026, the bus is the cheapest way into town, and a taxi suits late flights and heavy luggage.
Our pick: a Whitehaven day trip with bus pickup
Our take: if you arrive in Airlie Beach, this day cruise includes a bus pickup and return from Airlie Beach, Cannonvale or Jubilee Pocket.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Australian dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Reef tours after you land
Outer reef trips, island cruises and flights from Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach, with live prices and availability.
Other airports for the Whitsundays
Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine (PPP) is the mainland airport for Airlie Beach. The airport shuttle to Airlie Beach takes about 35 minutes, is timed to flights and runs all year. Fares run from A$21 to A$28 one way and from A$40 to A$45 return, so check the current price when you book.
Hamilton Island has its own airport, also called Great Barrier Reef Airport. Direct flights come from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and it connects to the island resorts and scenic flights. See the Whitsundays guide for the next step.
Getting to the southern reef islands
2026/27 return fares, valid into late March 2027.
| Island | Start | Transport | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Elliot Island | Bundaberg or Hervey Bay | Small charter plane | A$540 adult, A$390 child, return |
| Lady Elliot Island | Brisbane Redcliffe or Gold Coast | Small charter plane | A$1,035 adult, A$700 child, return |
| Heron Island | Gladstone | Boat, 2 to 2.5 hours | A$99 adult, A$80 child (3 to 12 years), each way |
Lady Elliot fares include fuel surcharges. Heron Island is about 72 km off Gladstone. The boat leaves at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 12:45 p.m., with no service on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Christmas. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for the crossing. Secured parking costs A$17 a day covered or A$14 open, and booking ahead is recommended. Do not plan on a ferry from Cairns to these islands. For Hervey Bay, see the K'gari guide to Hervey Bay. More in the Lady Elliot and Heron guide.
Ferries on the way
Two crossings that matter for reef and rainforest trips.
Magnetic Island from Townsville
The passenger ferry takes about 20 minutes and runs up to 17 times a day. An adult pays A$23 one way or A$44 return, a child aged 5 to 14 pays A$11.50 or A$22, and a family with up to 3 children pays A$95. Since 1 June 2026 a fuel levy adds A$1 one way, A$2 return and A$4 for a family. Parking at the terminal costs A$10.50 per 24 hours. Arrive at least 20 minutes early.
Magnetic Island →Daintree River ferry
The ferry runs daily from 05:00 to midnight, about 50 km north of Port Douglas. You can buy a ticket online or on site, and buying online up to 24 hours ahead is recommended. Fares change each year on 1 July.
Daintree Rainforest →Visa and entry for Australia
Depends on your passport.
eVisitor (subclass 651)
Free for eligible European passports. It allows multiple visits within 12 months, each up to 3 months.
ETA (subclass 601)
Applied for through the Australian ETA App, with a A$20 app service fee and no extra visa application charge. Eligibility depends on the passport, and instant approval is not guaranteed.
Check which one applies to you before you book flights. Rules can change, so confirm with the Australian government before you travel.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to sleep and when to go.
Getting to the Great Barrier Reef: frequently asked questions
How far is Cairns Airport from the city centre?
About 7 km. Taxis wait outside both terminals, and bus route 100 is planned from 23 November 2026 at A$0.50 per trip.
Which airport do I use for the Whitsundays?
Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine for Airlie Beach, with a shuttle of about 35 minutes. Hamilton Island Airport for the island, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
How do I get to Lady Elliot Island?
By small charter plane from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Brisbane Redcliffe or the Gold Coast. The stay is organized through the resort, and boat access is not practical.
How do I get to Heron Island?
By boat from Gladstone, about 2 to 2.5 hours each way. It does not run on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Christmas, and transfers are booked on top of the accommodation.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Most travelers need an eVisitor (subclass 651, free) or an ETA (subclass 601, A$20 app fee) depending on the passport. Check your eligibility before you travel.
Is great-barrier-reef.org an official website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not connected to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Tourism Australia, any airport, any tour operator or any hotel.