Are you planning a trip to Port Douglas? If so then you have likely given thought to how you are going to get there once you arrive at the airport. In this article we’re going to look at the pros and cons of airport shuttle services from Cairns to Port Douglas to gauge whether it is worth your while or if you would be better off taking a taxi or hiring a private car. Let’s get straight to it!
Table of Contents
Airport Shuttle (Pros)
So, what are the pros of hiring an airport shuttle transfer service from Cairns to Port Douglas?
- Direct route: Airport shuttle services leave for Port Douglas regularly and take you on a direct route to your final destination. You don’t have to worry about directions, GPS, multiple stops, or anything like that. Simply sit on your comfortable bus and let the driver handle the rest.
- Air conditioned and spacious: You can enjoy the spacious comfort of an air conditioned bus for the final leg of your travels. After a long journey travelling, being in a comfortable bus with plenty of leg room will make this final stretch a pleasure.
- The cheapest option: The alternative transportation options are much more expensive than an airport shuttle service. By choosing an airport shuttle service you will be saving more money for you to spend on your holiday when you touch down in Port Douglas!
- You can relax for the final leg of your journey: You don’t have to worry about driving yourself down to Port Douglas and can simply kick back and relax. After a long journey you can finally switch your brain off and soak up the views on the way.
Airport Shuttle (Cons)
And what are the cons of hiring an airport shuttle transfer service from Cairns to Port Douglas?
- You may have to wait for others: You may have to wait for other passengers to fill the bus, however, you won’t have to wait longer than 20-25 minutes in a comfortable air conditioned bus. Let’s be honest: travelling is long and exhausting as it is, so what’s a further 10-20 mins sat relaxing on a comfortable bus before the final leg of your journey? It is the cheapest option and really will not be that much of an inconvenience.
- After-hours service is more expensive: If your flight is delayed or you are arriving at Cairns (CNS) after-hours, you will have to pay a surcharge. It is recommended that you try to notify your Airport Shuttle Service provider as soon as possible. While the best airport transfer services will be tracking the flights of their booked clientele, it’s always worth letting them know to see if alternative transport can be arranged.
- You share the bus with others: If you don’t like the idea of sharing your transportation with others after being cooped up in a plane, a shuttle service might not be for you. However, it is important to note that not only will the vehicle be large, spacious, and air conditioned, but the journey itself won’t take much longer than an hour.
All in all, an airport shuttle service is the best and most recommended means of travelling from Cairns to Port Douglas (and vice versa). Yes, you may have to wait 20-minutes for the bus to fill and you won’t have the privacy of your own vehicle, but considering how much money you can save it is definitely worth these small sacrifices.
What are the alternatives?
If a shuttle service isn’t for you, what are the alternatives?
- Hire a taxi: Travel direct in your own private taxi. This will be more expensive, however, it might be the preferred option for those who like their privacy and wish to get going immediately. With an airport shuttle service there is generally a wait of up to at least 20-minutes, where as in a taxi you can set off right away.
- Private shuttle service: Hire a private airport shuttle service instead. This is more expensive as well, however, if you are travelling with a group of friends then splitting the cost between you works out to be incredibly cheap. As such, a private shuttle service could be the best solution for your transportation requirements as you can all set off to Port Douglas, from the airport as soon as you’ve collected your luggage.
- Rent a car: Rent a car and drive from Cairns to Port Douglas yourself. This is certainly fun and convenient, but more expensive – that and public transport in Port Douglas makes hiring a car more or less obsolete. If you plan to go further afield or perhaps don’t want to take part in group excursions, then hiring a private car is the way forward. While yes, there is plenty of public transport, for some people having their own vehicle for the duration of the stay is the preferred option.
Port Douglas to Cairns Transport
As you approach the end of your Port Douglas vacation you’ll need to think about getting back to Cairns for your return journey. Again, you can hire a taxi or rent a car, however, a Port Douglas Shuttle Bus will be your best bet in terms of ease, affordability and convenience. The best part is that this can be pre-arranged when you make your initial booking. That way, you can simply relax and enjoy your holiday without having to worry about arranging transportation on your last day.
Conclusion
You have to weigh up what matters most to you. Are you happy for a minor wait and to share a luxury coach with others for a short one-hour journey? If so then you can enjoy the affordable convenience of an airport shuttle service. Otherwise, there are different alternatives that you can consider.
The important thing is to enjoy yourself! Once your transportation is arranged, check out all of the amazing arts and culture activities that you can enjoy in this truly spectacular part of the world.
