Getting to Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a beautiful place to visit, and despite its distance from Queensland's South Eastern capital city (just take a look at this map), its well worth making the trip if this is your first time in Australia!
You can travel to Port Douglas by air, road or rail (the air and rail options will take you to Cairns which is only 70km from Port Douglas).
If you need advice on how to get to Port Douglas, we've included some of the main transport options below, including arrival and travel options, airport transfers from Cairns, car hire, rail and more.
Have you booked your Port Douglas Accommodation?
Port Douglas by road
It's a rather long drive if you are coming to Port Douglas from pretty much any major centre in Australia. Cairns is approximately 1700km or 21 hours of driving north from Queensland's capital, Brisbane, so most travellers generally opt for a flight into Cairns, and then either getting an airport transfer to Port Douglas or hiring a car for the 1 hour drive.
If you are driving the distance yourself, Port Douglas is a short 70 km drive north along a sealed highway.
However a road trip to Port Douglas from Queensland's South East can sometimes be the best way to see our holiday attractions and stopping-off points, such as Airlie Beach, Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast.
Check out the RACQ Road Conditions Report on 13 19 40.
Airport transfers from Cairns
There are no major airports located in Port Douglas, however there are a number of transfer options from the closest major city of Cairns. Cairns Airport boasts international, domestic and general aviation terminals. Flights are available from select international locations and from most major cities in Australia.
You can check out the Cairns Airport official website which has more information and lists live information on arrivals and departures at domestic and international terminals, updated every three minutes.
Book an airport transfer to take you from Cairns Airport straight to your Port Douglas hotel - we've included some options below:
Cairns Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel
Welcome to Cairns Airport. Don't arrive and wonder what to do next and how to get to your hotel - book now and let a pre scheduled airport transfer take all that worry away for you! Operated with regular transfers from Cairns Airport to most Cairns city hotels, Northern Beaches hotels, Port Douglas hotels and Silky Oaks Lodge.
Cairns Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport
Transfer from your Cairns, Northern Beaches, Port Douglas or Silky Oaks Lodge. For assured top quality timely service, make sure you arrive at Cairns Airport on time for your outward flight. Eliminate the end of vacation hassle of organizing your airport transfer now by pre booking this regular pre scheduled transfer service from your hotel to Cairns Airport.
Private Arrival Transfer: Cairns Airport to Hotel
Start your stay in Cairns in style with a convenient private transfer from the Cairns Airport to your accommodation. With a private transfer, you can avoid waiting in line for taxis or public transportation. You’ll be driven directly to your hotel in the most comfortable and spacious vehicles available.
Hire a car
If you've arrived by plane or train, you can hire a car in Cairns from a number of rental companies, many of which are located conveniently at the Cairns Airport.
Book your Port Douglas rental car online using Vroom and you'll be able to compare prices from all the major car hire providers.
Once you arrive in Port Douglas, hire scooters and really explore the region - give Port Douglas Motorbike & Scooter Hire a call on 07 4099 4000.
Catch the Train & enjoy the scenery
Queensland Rail provides two train services to Cairns through its Queensland Rail Travel routes; the Sunlander and the Tilt Train. You can then get a transfer or hire a car for the remaining 70km to Port Douglas.
The Sunlander
The Sunlander holds acclaim as being one of the World’s Top 25 Rail Journeys, as chosen by the Society of International Railway Travellers. From Brisbane to Cairns, the Sunlander takes you on a 1,600km journey past breathtaking Queensland scenery on a traditional train service where the journey is just as important as the destination.
The full Brisbane to Cairns journey departs three times a week and takes a total of 31 hours.
For the best Sunlander experience, spend the extra money on Queenslander Class for access to all the premium services. You'll enjoy the comfort of overnight sleeping berths, access to club cars, as well as exclusive dining in the Coral Cay Restaurant and airconditioned lounge cars.
Tilt Train
The Tilt Train travels the same journey, but does so in just under 24 hours and offering a much smoother ride. The Tilt Train high speed rail is available for all shorter stops in between Brisbane & Cairns, and runs twice a week.
There is a new look Tilt Train due to be released later in 2013, with a sleeper option available for passengers, providing an even more comfortable & convenient service.
Port Douglas Limousines & Luxury Shuttles
There are a number of limousine and shuttle companies to choose from that operate to and from the Cairns Airport. Limousine bookings must be made prior to arrival. Check out the Port Douglas Transport category in our Port Douglas Directory for more options.
