Taxi Cairns – a price and booking guide

akhilbiweb
1 day ago
2 min read

Introduction

Cairns, the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, is a popular destination for both adventure seekers and families. While many visitors hire cars for road trips, taxis remain one of the most convenient ways to get around the city and its surroundings—especially for airport transfers and late-night travel. Knowing taxi prices in Cairns and how to book them in advance will help you avoid surprises and travel stress-free.

Taxi Prices & How They’re Set

In Cairns, taxi fares are regulated by the Queensland government, ensuring fair pricing across the region. All official taxis use meters that calculate the fare based on distance and time.

Typical taxi rates in Cairns are:

Base fare (day): approx. AUD $3.60
Base fare (night, 7 p.m. – 6 a.m.): approx. AUD $6.00
Per km charge: AUD $2.10–$2.40
Waiting time: AUD $0.90 per minute

Additional surcharges may apply for:

Night rides, weekends, or public holidays
Airport pickups (fixed airport access fee)
Large luggage or maxi-taxis for groups

For longer trips—such as an airport transfer in Cairns—pre-booking a fixed-price taxi can sometimes be cheaper than relying solely on the meter.

Booking & Practical Tips

There are several ways to book a taxi in Cairns:

Phone bookings: The main taxi provider in Cairns is 131 008, which operates 24/7.
Taxi apps: Cairns taxis can be booked via apps such as 13cabs or Black & White Cabs.
Hotel and resort concierge: Staff can arrange a safe taxi or pre-booked transfer.
Online booking: Many services allow you to schedule rides in advance, especially useful for airport transfers.

Benefits of pre-booking:

Guaranteed pickup on arrival at Cairns Airport
Larger vehicles for groups or families
Fixed prices, avoiding meter fluctuations
Peace of mind during peak tourist seasons

Safety & Family Considerations

Taxis in Cairns are considered safe and reliable. Licensed taxis offer:

Air conditioning—essential in tropical North Queensland
Professional, regulated drivers
English-speaking drivers, making communication easy
Child seats or booster seats on request (book in advance)
Maxi-taxis and vans for groups, strollers, or extra luggage

For families heading to attractions like the Cairns Esplanade, Palm Cove, or Port Douglas, booking a safe taxi ensures a comfortable journey.

Taxi Ranks & Pickup Points

You can easily find taxis at designated taxi ranks around the city:

Cairns Airport: Taxi rank outside both terminals
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Esplanade Lagoon area
Major hotels and resorts
Cairns Railway Station

Tip: Always use official taxi ranks or pre-booked services to avoid unlicensed operators.

Sample Taxi Fares to Common Destinations

Here are some approximate taxi fares in Cairns (depending on traffic and time of day):

Cairns Airport → Cairns city centre: AUD $25–$30
Cairns city → Palm Cove: AUD $60–$70
Cairns city → Kuranda: AUD $70–$80
Cairns city → Port Douglas: AUD $160–$190
Cairns city → Smithfield Shopping Centre: AUD $35–$40

Conclusion & Booking Advice

Using a taxi in Cairns is a safe, practical, and stress-free way to get around, whether you’re heading into the rainforest, down the coast, or just into the city from the airport. By knowing taxi prices in Cairns, booking in advance, and choosing licensed drivers, you’ll enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey.

🚕 Book your Cairns airport transfer with Taxi Bambino today to ensure a safe and reliable start to your trip.