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Cairns AirportOpens external site in a new window (CNS) is an international airport in Far North Queensland, located 8km (5 miles) from the city centre.
There are two terminals in Cairns.
Qantas flights QF1-QF399 operate from this terminal.
Qantas flights QF400 and above operate from this terminal.
View our real time flight status page for up-to-the-minute arrival and departure information.
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.
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.
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.
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. If you’re a Qantas Frequent Flyer with a Q Bag Tag, you can head straight to bag drop and use this to tag any baggage you may want to check-in when flying within Australia.
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.
Our domestic airports have gone cashless. The purchase of tickets, additional baggage and other Qantas flight related products can be made at qantas.com. Excess baggage payments can still be made by credit card at our self-serve bag tag kiosks.
View our real time flight status page for up-to-the-minute departure information.
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.
You can walk between terminals in approximately 5 minutes by following the directional signs.
Find out more about lounge features, operating hours and access to the Cairns Qantas Club.
Take the hassle out of travel with a private car, coach or other transfer. Book online nowOpens external site.
Transport | Details |
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Car | The airport is approximately 10 minutes drive from the city. Visit Cairns airportOpens external site in a new window for current car parking rates. |
Taxis | Approximately A$25 one way to Cairns city. |
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