Cairns Airport to the Northern Beaches
$141.90 flat · up to 8 passengers · not per person · one way
The Northern Beaches run north from the airport along the Captain Cook Highway. There is no train and the public bus is slow with luggage, so most arrivals are choosing between a metered taxi, a rideshare that may not accept a long fare at 11pm, or a pre-booked transfer. One flat price covers every beach on this run.
Drive time
15 to 35 minutes depending on the beach — Machans is closest, Palm Cove is the furthest north.
Who this suits
Families and groups heading to Trinity Beach, Kewarra, Clifton Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Machans, Holloways or Palm Cove.
What is included
- Flight tracking — if you land late, your driver waits at no extra charge
- Private vehicle — no ride sharing, no extra stops for other passengers
- Room for checked baggage — up to 8 passengers with luggage
- One flat price, booked in advance — no meter, no surge pricing
- Public and products liability insured — $20M
Drive times from Cairns Airport
- Machans Beach — about 10 minutes
- Holloways Beach — about 12 minutes
- Yorkeys Knob — about 18 minutes
- Trinity Beach — about 20 minutes
- Kewarra Beach — about 23 minutes
- Clifton Beach — about 25 minutes
- Palm Cove — about 30 to 35 minutes
Same flat fare to all of them.
Common questions
Is the price the same to every beach?
Yes — $141.90 flat for the vehicle to any Northern Beaches suburb from Machans through to Palm Cove, up to 8 passengers.
How long to Palm Cove?
About 30 to 35 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic through Smithfield.
Is there a bus from Cairns Airport to the Northern Beaches?
There is no direct airport bus. Public transport means getting into Cairns first, then a second service north — slow with luggage and children.
Do you do the return leg?
Yes. Book both legs and your driver collects you from your accommodation for the trip back.