Cairns Airport CNS Airport Traveler Guide

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At CNS Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the designated curbside areas outside each terminal. However, it is important to note that there are strict time limits for curbside parking, and vehicles must not be left unattended at any time. To avoid any issues, it is recommended that drivers use the free cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal, where they can wait for their passengers to arrive before proceeding to the curbside pick-up area.

It is also important to be aware of the parking restrictions in place at the airport. There are several parking options available, including short-term and long-term parking, as well as valet parking services. It is recommended that passengers pre-book their parking to ensure availability and to take advantage of any discounts or promotions that may be available. Additionally, there are designated drop-off zones located near each terminal for those who wish to quickly drop off passengers and their luggage before proceeding to park their vehicle.

Parking Facilities & Options

Cairns Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are several parking lots and garages located within close proximity to both the Domestic and International terminals. The parking facilities are secure and well-lit, providing a safe environment for vehicles.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available. These areas allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and are ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is also available at Cairns Airport. These spots are located in convenient areas near the terminals and are clearly marked for easy identification.

Off-airport parking is a great option for those looking to save money on parking fees. There are several off-airport parking lots located near CNS that offer shuttle service to and from the terminals. These lots are typically less expensive than on-airport parking and can be a great option for travelers on a budget.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination:

• Car Rentals: Cairns Airport provides several car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty. Their counters are located in the arrivals area of both the domestic and international terminals. It is recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Taxis: Taxi services are available at Cairns Airport, with designated taxi ranks located outside the arrivals area of both terminals. Fares are metered and vary depending on your destination. A typical fare to the Cairns city center is approximately AUD 25-30.
• Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services like Uber and Ola are available for pickup at the designated rideshare area outside the domestic terminal. Note that these services are not permitted to pick up passengers from the international terminal. Ride-share services offer a more affordable option compared to traditional taxis.
• Airport Shuttles: Several companies offer shuttle services from Cairns Airport to various locations in Cairns and surrounding areas. Shuttle counters can be found in the arrivals area of both terminals. Fares vary depending on your destination and the shuttle company you choose. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability.
• Public Transportation: The Sunbus operates several routes that serve Cairns Airport. The bus stop is located outside the domestic terminal. Fares vary depending on your destination and the route you take. A typical fare to the Cairns city center is approximately AUD 5-7. Bus schedules and routes can be checked online or at the airport.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be exhausting, but the right accommodation can turn a tiresome journey into a relaxing retreat. The area around the airport boasts a variety of hotels that cater to different tastes and budgets. From lush havens nestled in the heart of Stratford to luxurious villas in Edge Hill, there's something for everyone. Proximity to the airport is a significant factor for many travelers. Luckily, many of these hotels are just a short journey away. Whether you're looking for a tranquil escape with verdant gardens, a unique stay experience with a private pool, or a pet-friendly accommodation option, there's a hotel that fits the bill. These accommodations are not just about comfort and convenience, they also offer easy access to local attractions. So why wait? Start planning your stay now. View all CNS Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

At Cairns Airport, travelers can enjoy a variety of dining and shopping options. In the Domestic Area, there are several restaurants and cafes to choose from, including Hudsons Coffee, Boost Juice, and Hungry Jack's. For those looking for a quick snack or beverage, there are also several newsstands and convenience stores, such as Relay and WHSmith.

In the International Terminal, travelers can find even more dining options, including the popular Bar Roma and Noodle Box. For those looking for souvenirs or gifts, there are several stores to browse, such as Australian Way and NewsLink. And for those in need of some last-minute travel essentials, there is a WHSmith and a Relay convenience store.

For a unique shopping experience, travelers can also visit the Indigenous Art Gallery, located in the International Terminal. Here, they can browse and purchase authentic Aboriginal art and crafts.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Cairns Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi: Cairns Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
• Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the Domestic Area for your convenience.
• Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Cairns Airport features designated children's play areas in both the Domestic and International terminals.
• Special-Needs Services: The airport offers accessible parking, wheelchair assistance, and accessible restrooms for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify the airport in advance if you require any assistance.
• ATM: ATMs are available throughout both terminals, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
• Medical Center: In case of a medical emergency, a medical center is located in the International terminal. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
• Airport Lounges: Cairns Airport features several lounges, including the Reef Lounge and the Qantas Club. These lounges offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and comfortable seating areas to relax before your flight. Access to these lounges may be available through membership programs or for a fee.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay informed about the status of your flight. At the airport, there are several ways to check for flight updates and changes.

One of the easiest ways to check for flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate assignments.

Another convenient way to stay informed about your flight is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Cairns Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: Cairns Airport (CNS) is located in Cairns, Australia, serving as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
• Rank: It is the seventh busiest airport in Australia.
• Passenger Traffic: The airport handles over 5 million passengers annually.
• Terminals: Cairns Airport has two terminals: one for domestic flights and one for international flights. The domestic terminal features 28 check-in counters, while the international terminal has 16 check-in counters.
• Airlines Served: Major airlines include Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. For a comprehensive list of airlines, visit the CNS Airlines Served page.
• Daily Flights: The airport averages 130 daily flights.
• Destinations: Cairns Airport serves 19 domestic destinations and 12 international destinations.
• Top Domestic Destinations: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Townsville, and Darwin.
• Top International Destinations: Tokyo, Auckland, Port Moresby, Hong Kong, and Bali.
• Hub Status: Cairns Airport is a hub for Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia, providing extensive connections throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Airport History

Cairns Airport is an international airport located in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. It serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and is one of the busiest regional airports in Australia.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

• 1928 - The airport was established as a landing ground for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
• 1943 - The airport was used as a military base during World War II.
• 1950 - The first commercial flight took off from CNS.
• 1984 - The airport underwent a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building.
• 2003 - A new runway was built to accommodate larger aircraft.
• 2010 - The airport was renamed Cairns International Airport to reflect its status as an international gateway.
• 2014 - A new domestic terminal was opened to cater to the growing number of domestic passengers.

Today, CNS Airport serves over 5 million passengers annually and continues to play a vital role in connecting the people of Far North Queensland to the rest of the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Cairns Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: CNS
• Airport Website
• Phone: +61 7 4080 6703
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Cairns Airport, Airport Avenue, Cairns QLD 4870, Australia

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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