Cairns' CBD is in the area between The Esplanade and McLeod Street and Wharf and Aplin Streets. Reef Fleet terminal is the main departure point for reef trips. Trinity Wharf, where long-distance buses arrive and depart, is east of the CBD. Cairns train station is hidden inside Cairns Central Shopping Centre on McLeod Street. Local buses (Sunbus) leave from the Lake Street Transit Centre.

The airport is about 7km (4mi) north of the city centre, just south of the Barron River estuary.

If you're here for a while bike hire is a great way to see the city. Sunbus operates regular bus services in and around Cairns, from the Lake St Transit Centre at City Place. Buses run from early morning to late evening. All are served by the (almost) round-the-clock night service (N) on Friday and Saturday.

Black & White Taxis has a rank on the corner of Lake and Shields Sts and one outside Cairns Central.