Taxis from Cairns to Port Douglas
Taxis are available in Cairns and will make the 67km trip to Port Douglas. However, a metered fare on this distance makes taxis one of the more expensive single-traveller options on this route — typically AUD $90–$140 depending on pickup location and time of day.
Taxis are most useful for late-night arrivals when the shuttle bus has stopped running, or when you need to travel at short notice without pre-booking. The Cairns Airport taxi rank is located outside the terminal building.
Note: Late-night taxi availability in Cairns can be limited. For off-peak arrivals, a pre-booked private transfer offers guaranteed availability at a similar price — and often better comfort.
Uber from Cairns to Port Douglas
Uber operates in Cairns city, but its reliability for the long-distance Cairns to Port Douglas route is genuinely limited. The 67km distance (134km round trip for the driver) means many drivers decline the request entirely. When an Uber is available, surge pricing during airport peak times can push the cost well above AUD $140.
If you want to try Uber, open the app and check pricing and estimated wait time before committing. UberXL is a better option for groups with luggage. But for any planned trip, a private transfer booked in advance will almost always be more reliable and often cheaper.
Cost Comparison: Taxi vs Alternatives
| Option | Cost (1 person) | Cost (4 people) | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle Bus | $35–$55 p/p | $140–$220 total | Very high |
| Private Transfer | $120–$160 | $120–$160 | Very high |
| Taxi | $90–$140 | $90–$140 | Medium |
| Uber | $90–$160+ | $90–$160+ | Low |
When a Taxi or Uber Makes Sense
- Late-night arrivals when shuttle services have finished for the day
- Completely spontaneous travel with no advance planning
- Short local trips within Cairns city or within Port Douglas
- When all shuttle seats are sold out and no private transfer is available
Pre-Book a Transfer Instead
Guaranteed pickup at a fixed price. Available 24/7, including late-night Cairns Airport arrivals.
Book Private Transfer →