Cairns Airport

Cairns AirportOpens in a new tab or window (CNS) is an airport in Far North Queensland servicing both international and domestic flights, located 8km (5 miles) from the city centre. 

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Flights

There are two terminals in Cairns.

Terminal 1 - international airport

Qantas flights QF1-QF399 operate from this terminal.

Terminal 2 - domestic airport

Qantas flights QF400 and above operate from this terminal.

Departures

Check-in

Ensure you check in for your flight before you arrive at the airport. Check-in for domestic flights opens 24 hours before departure and closes 30 minutes before departure. 

There are four easy options to complete check-in:  ​

Download your digital boarding pass after checking in online and you’re ready to go.  

Customers who require special assistance, unaccompanied minors or large groups, please make yourself known to our friendly customer service agents who will be able to assist you with the check-in process.

Our domestic airports are cashless. Purchase tickets, additional baggage and other Qantas flight related products online. Excess baggage payments can be made by credit card at our self-serve bag tag kiosks.

Body scanners

Body scanners are now in place in the T1 (international) departure area and passengers or others seeking access into the departure area are selected on a 'random continuous’ basis to undergo this process.

Seat selection

Complimentary seat selection is available online for all domestic flights from the moment you book your flight. If you haven’t selected a seat before you complete your online check-in, you will be assigned a seat. You can change your seat online up to 30 minutes before your flight departure.

Checked baggage

Don’t forget, if you’re travelling with checked bags, you need to drop them off at least 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights. Use your digital boarding pass at our self-serve bag tag kiosks to print your baggage tags before proceeding to the self-serve bag drop.

Need to bring a bit extra? Pre-purchase an additional baggage allowance online and save on airport prices.  

Note: For Qantas codeshare flights, customers may need to check in with the operating carrier rather than with Qantas.

Flight status

View our flight status page for departure information.

Arrivals

Baggage

Baggage carousels are located in the arrivals hall (ground floor). Information monitors display flight carousel numbers.

Baggage services has a counter located on the ground floor next to the baggage carousels.

Flight Status

View our flight status page for arrival information.

Transfers

Transfer between terminals

You can walk between terminals in approximately 5 minutes by following the directional signs. 

Lounges

Find out more about lounge features, operating hours and access to the Cairns Qantas Club

Transport

Take the hassle out of travel with a private car, coach or other transfer. 

Transport Details
Car The airport is approximately 10 minutes drive from the city.
Visit Cairns airportOpens in a new tab or window for current car parking rates.
Taxis Approximately A$25 one way to Cairns city.
Cairns transport options from the airport

Important information

Times and prices quoted are a guide only.