Request a ride for now or later in Cairns
Add your trip details, hop in, and explore Cairns with ease.
Need to plan ahead? With Uber Reserve, you can schedule a ride up to 90 days in advance.
Tip: Pickup times in Cairns may be longer than in larger cities. Reserving a ride in advance helps ensure that you're picked up at a time that works best for you.*
Earn on your schedule in Cairns with Uber
Make money in Cairns with rides, deliveries (where available), or both. Use your own car or rent one through Uber—whatever works best for you.
Ways to get around Cairns
Walking
Cairns offers a pleasant environment for walking, with a network of paths and cycleways that make it easy to explore the city on foot. The city center is compact, allowing easy access to many attractions without the need for other transportation. The tropical climate, however, can be quite warm and humid, especially in the summer months, which might make walking less comfortable during peak heat. Despite this, the scenic views and well-maintained infrastructure provide an enjoyable walking experience for those looking to explore the area at a leisurely pace.
Biking
Cairns offers a pleasant environment for biking, with a network of paths and trails that make it easy to explore the city and its surroundings. The flat terrain and scenic routes enhance the biking experience, allowing for easy access to various attractions. While the tropical climate can be warm, it generally supports outdoor activities like cycling. The city has invested in infrastructure to support biking, making it a practical option for getting around.
Car
Driving in Cairns is generally convenient, with well-maintained roads and accessible parking options. The city’s layout makes it easy to reach popular destinations by car. However, drivers should be aware of local traffic rules, such as using indicators when exiting roundabouts. Traffic is typically manageable, but it’s wise to plan for potential congestion during peak hours. Weather conditions are usually favorable for driving, though occasional tropical rains may affect visibility and road conditions. Overall, a car can be a practical choice for exploring Cairns and its surroundings.
Public Transit
The city features a public transportation system primarily consisting of buses, which are managed by TransLink. The bus network connects various parts of the city, making it relatively easy to reach popular destinations. While there is no light rail or trolley system, the bus services are frequent and cover key areas. The tropical climate can be hot and humid, which might affect comfort while waiting for buses, but the infrastructure supports efficient travel across the city. Public transit is a practical option for getting around Cairns, especially for those without access to a car.
Train
Cairns does not have a local train network for getting around the city itself. Instead, public transportation primarily relies on buses, which connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The train services in the region are more focused on long-distance travel, such as the scenic railway to Kuranda. For local travel within Cairns, buses are the main option, offering regular schedules and multiple routes to accommodate daily commuting needs.
Rideshare and other services in Cairns, Queensland
Getting around Cairns is easier with Uber.
Whether you’re commuting to work, meeting friends, or running errands, Uber helps you get where you need to go—no car required. Just sign in online or open the Uber app, enter your destination, and start moving through Cairns with ease.
Cairns-area airport car service
When you need a ride to or from your nearest airport, sign in online or open the Uber app and either request a ride at that time or schedule one up to 90 days in advance. Choose the name of a nearby airport below to learn how to use Uber to get car service at arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.
Popular destinations in Cairns
While you can use Uber to request a ride to almost anywhere in and around Cairns, some destinations are more popular than others. Explore the most frequently requested routes near you, complete with dropoff locations and average prices for each route.**
Destination | Average price with UberX* |
|---|---|
Cairns Central Shopping Centre | A$16 |
Stockland Earlville | A$16 |
Stockland Shopping Centres Cairns | A$16 |
Cairns Central | A$17 |
Cairns Central Shopping Centre Spence St Bus Stop | A$17 |
Cairns taxis and other ride options
Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when you need to get around Cairns. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Whether you’re requesting a ride from the airport or to help you discover somewhere new, sign in online or open the app and enter a destination in Cairns.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Uber available in Cairns?
Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Cairns anytime, 24/7.
Tip: Pickup times in Cairns may be longer than in larger cities, but you can instead reserve a ride in advance to get picked up at a time that works for you.
- What’s the most affordable way to travel in Cairns?
With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in Cairns. To get an estimated cost, sign in online or open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear. Scroll to explore what’s currently available.
- Can I get around Cairns without a car?
Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in Cairns, and let your driver take you where you want to go. You can also schedule your ride in advance at a time that’s convenient for you.
- Can I rent a car in Cairns?
Sign in to your Uber account on Uber.com or open your Uber app to find out if car rentals are available in your city. If so, choose Rent and complete your reservation with a rental provider on Uber.com or using the Uber app. Then travel in Cairns or wherever the road takes you.
- How does Uber in Cairns help keep riders safe?
Your safety when traveling in Cairns is a top priority. In a few taps, you can access in-app features like the emergency assistance button to call authorities if you need help.
- Is Uber Eats available in Cairns?
Yes. Uber Eats offers pickup or food delivery in Cairns from your favorite restaurants. Browse lots of food delivery options, place your order, and track it by the minute.
Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.
Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.
All fares include 10% GST when applicable. Prices are shown in Australian dollars (AUD).
*Uber doesn’t guarantee that a driver partner will accept your ride request. Your ride is confirmed once your driver partner has accepted your trip request and you receive that confirmation. If a driver partner has accepted your trip request, Uber does not guarantee that a driver partner will arrive at your chosen pickup time. Check the Uber app for availability in your home city or future destination. Cancellation fees may apply.
**Sample rider prices are average UberX prices only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.
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