- Cairns' first direct public bus connection between Cairns Airport and the CBD will launch on 23 November.
- Route 100 will run every 30 minutes from early morning until late evening, delivering 504 additional bus trips across the Cairns network every week.
- Thanks to the Crisafulli Government's Permanent 50 Cent Fares, locals, airport workers and visitors will be able to travel between the airport and city for just 50 cents.
- The new connection will support Cairns' growing tourism economy, make every day journeys easier and help get Queenslanders home safer and sooner.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major public transport win for Far North Queensland, with Cairns' first direct public bus connection between Cairns Airport and the heart of the city launching from 23 November.
The new Route 100 will give locals, airport workers and millions of visitors an affordable and reliable public transport option, connecting the airport with the CBD, Cairns Lagoon and the wider public transport network.
Travelling along Lake Street, Route 100 will serve key destinations including Cairns Airport, Cairns Hospital, Cairns Private Hospital, Cairns City bus station and the Cairns Lagoon precinct, while putting passengers within easy reach of accommodation, restaurants and attractions.
For too long under the former Labor State Government, a direct airport bus connection was put in the too-hard basket while Cairns' population and tourism industry continued to grow.
The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job and delivering the public transport connections growing regional communities need, supporting a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The new route will operate every 30 minutes from 4am until 10pm each day, excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day, adding 504 bus trips every week to the Cairns public transport network.
The first service will depart Cairns Lagoon at 4am, while the final service will leave Cairns Airport at 10pm. Passengers will board from a new bus stop located between the domestic and international terminals.
Importantly, every Route 100 trip will be covered by the Crisafulli Government's Permanent 50 Cent Fares, meaning a trip between the city and airport will cost just 50 cents.
The service has been delivered through collaboration between the Queensland Government, Cairns Airport, Cairns Regional Council and operator Kinetic.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the new service was a long-awaited win for Cairns and Far North Queensland.
"It's remarkable that a tourism city like Cairns hasn't had a direct public bus connection between its airport and CBD, but from 23 November that finally changes," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Whether you're an airport worker starting an early shift, a local heading away or a visitor arriving in Far North Queensland, you'll have a reliable service every 30 minutes and the trip will cost just 50 cents.
"Labor had a decade to deliver the transport connections Cairns needed and failed to keep pace. The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job and delivering practical services that make life easier for Queenslanders.
"This is a huge win for locals, workers and tourism, making it easier for visitors to explore Cairns while supporting the businesses and jobs that drive Far North Queensland's economy."
Member for Barron River Bree James said Route 100 would deliver an immediate benefit for locals, workers and the region's tourism industry.
"Cairns Airport is the gateway to Far North Queensland and finally having an affordable public transport connection into the city is a huge win for our region," Ms James said.
"This isn't just a service for tourists. It will connect locals and airport workers with the CBD, our hospitals and the Cairns Lagoon precinct, while providing connections to the wider public transport network.
"For just 50 cents, locals and visitors will have an easy new way to get around Cairns, supporting our tourism operators, hospitality businesses and the thousands of jobs that depend on a strong visitor economy.
"This is the investment our region needs as it continues to grow, keeping our community connected while making Cairns an easier place to live, work and visit."
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the introduction of a public bus service marks a significant step forward for Cairns Airport and the community, providing a much-needed connection between the airport and the city.
"A public bus will complement transport options at Cairns Airport by filling a gap that has existed for many years," Mr Barker said.
"This service will provide a safer alternative for those who may consider walking along Airport Avenue. It will also benefit the staff who work for operators based at Cairns Airport.
"Thank you to the Queensland Government for your support in delivering this long-awaited public transport connection."
