Cairns Airport (CNS) is well-served by domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other Australian cities, with Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia all flying the route. International flights connect Cairns to Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and several Pacific destinations — useful if you are building an itinerary around Far North Queensland without needing to pass through a southern city.
The airport is about 7 kilometres north of the city centre. Taxis and rideshare (Uber operates here) cost around AUD 25–35 into town. The Trans North Bus runs a dedicated airport shuttle. Heading into the city by public bus is technically possible but involves a walk between terminals and is not recommended with luggage.
There is no passenger train service to Cairns from southern Queensland — the journey would take multiple days. Greyhound and Premier Motor Service run coaches from Townsville (4–5 hours) and Brisbane (24+ hours). These are viable options for travellers doing the east coast route, but flying is almost always faster and often comparable in price.