Cairns to Port Douglas: The Distance
Port Douglas is located 67 kilometres north of Cairns CBD by road, via the Captain Cook Highway. From Cairns Airport, the distance is slightly shorter at approximately 61 kilometres, as the airport is located 6km south of the city centre.
There is only one main road between Cairns and Port Douglas — the Captain Cook Highway — so navigation is straightforward. See our self-drive guide for route details and the best stops along the way.
Route Milestones — Cairns to Port Douglas
| Location | Distance from Cairns | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cairns CBD | 0 km | Start |
| Cairns Airport | 6 km | ~8 min |
| Machans Beach | 10 km | ~13 min |
| Trinity Beach | 15 km | ~18 min |
| Clifton Beach | 20 km | ~23 min |
| Palm Cove | 25 km | ~28 min |
| Hartley’s Croc Adventures | 40 km | ~44 min |
| Ellis Beach | 40 km | ~45 min |
| Rex Lookout | 50 km | ~55 min |
| Wangetti Beach | 55 km | ~60 min |
| Port Douglas | 67 km | ~70 min |
Distances from Other Starting Points
| From | Distance to Port Douglas | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cairns CBD | 67 km | ~70 min |
| Cairns Airport | 61 km | ~65 min |
| Palm Cove | 42 km | ~45 min |
| Trinity Beach | 52 km | ~55 min |
| Mossman | 18 km | ~20 min |
| Daintree Village | 45 km | ~50 min |
What Affects Drive Time?
- Traffic: Cairns city traffic can add 10–15 min during morning (7–9am) and afternoon (3–5:30pm) peak periods
- School holidays: The highway is busier during Queensland and NSW school holidays
- Wet season: Heavy tropical rain reduces visibility and can slow the coastal highway sections
- Stops: Each stop at a viewpoint or beach adds 15–30 minutes to the journey
Planning tip: If you are heading to a reef day trip departing from Port Douglas marina, allow at least 90 minutes from Cairns CBD to reach the marina comfortably. Reef boats depart early — typically 8–9am.
The road distance from Cairns CBD to Port Douglas is 67km via the Captain Cook Highway. From Cairns Airport the distance is 61km. The drive takes approximately 60–75 minutes without stops.
Yes, Port Douglas is a straightforward 70-minute drive north of Cairns on a single sealed highway. It is close enough for a day trip but far enough to feel like a completely different destination.
Walking the full 67km is not practical for a regular visit. Cycling is technically possible but there is no dedicated cycling path — experienced cyclists do complete the route but it is not recommended for casual riders due to traffic on some highway sections.