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 stop-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 to Port Douglas
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:
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 one service to Cairns through its Queensland Rail Travel routes. You can then get a transfer or hire a car for the remaining 70km to Port Douglas.
Spirit of Queensland (formerly Cairns Tilt Train)
The Spirit of Queensland travels the same journey, but does so in just over 24 hours and offers a much smoother ride, more relaxing ride.
The brand new Tilt Train fleet, Spirit of Queensland, was launched in October 2013 and focuses on relaxation, comfort and modern facilities. The high speed rail is available for all shorter stops in between Brisbane & Cairns, and runs five times per week.
The new look Spirit of Queensland boasts an Australian first, with a sleeper option available for passengers that provides an even more comfortable & convenient service and launching Queensland Rail into a new era in long distance travel.
Book online for this service at the Queensland Rail Website.
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.
