In this Cairns Airport lounges guide, we will review every single lounge available to passengers at the airport – from airline and alliance lounges to independent paid-entry lounges, including the new Escape Lounge.
Cairns Airport (IATA code: CNS, ICAO: YBCS) is the primary international gateway to Far North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Located just 7km north of Cairns CBD, it serves as a key hub for mainly domestic flights and a few international flights around the region.
Cairns is undergoing a A$55m international terminal upgrade which should be completed by 2025.
Cairns Airport Lounges – Quick Summary
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The access rules for each Cairns lounge is explained. Lounges are marked by airline/alliance or whether entry is possible by payment, via the Priority Pass or DragonPass annual lounge access programs or directly by American Express Platinum or Centurion cards.
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Cairns Airport Lounges
- Escape Lounge (International) [Book]
- Qantas Club Cairns (Domestic)
Escape Lounge Cairns (International)
PAIDDP – The Escape Lounge Cairns opened in March 2025 and is run by CAVU (founded by MAG – Manchester Airport Group). The space used to be the former Reef lounge and before that the Qantas Club.
The lounge includes funky green seating with tables, bar and dining area with barista coffee, charging points and free WiFi. Some floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample light though external views are limited. There are no showers at the Cairns Escape lounge.
Entry can be booked to any passengers from from A$60 in advance or at a walk-up price of A$70. Access is granted up to 3 hours before your departure.
Access is also available to DragonPass holders (the lounge is not yet confirmed with Priority Pass).
The lounge is located airside between gate 2 and 3 at the International Terminal T1.
Opening hours are 09:00-12:00 (daily), 15:30-19:00 (Mon/Wed/Fri).
Book the Escape Cairns lounge here (click “Select a Location” or the menu icon in the top left corner to find Cairns under “AU”)
Qantas Club Cairns
ONEWORLD – Qantas has a spacious Qantas Club at Cairns airport serving domestic passengers.The Cairns Qantas Club offers the following facilities: comfy lounge seating, cafe-style seating with tables, buffet area with light bites, barista coffee, children’s play area, charging points, showers and free WiFi. Large windows offer superb views of the runway and the forested area around the airport.
Access is granted to the following passengers:
- Business Class passengers flying Qantas or QantasLink
- Those connecting to same-day international services in Business or First on Qantas/Emirates/Oneworld
- Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold/Platinum/Platinum One/Chairman’s Lounge members or Qantas Club members flying on Qantas, QantasLink or Jetstar.
- Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire flying Qantas or QantasLink.
- Emirates Skyward Gold/Platinum/iO flying Qantas or QantasLink
- Air New Zealand Airpoints Elite/Gold flying Air New Zealand.
- Alaska Lounge members and Alaska MVP Gold/Gold 75K members or those with access to American Airlines Admirals Club flying Qantas or QantasLink.
The Qantas Club is located on the second level, accessible via escalators.
For aviation enthusiasts there is an Aviation Pioneers Display near the Qantas Club entrance.
It is open 1 hour before first Qantas departure until last departure.
Cairns Airport Lounges Summary
Cairns Airport Lounges By Numbers: 2 Cairns airport lounges 2 airside lounges 1 airline lounge 1 DragonPass lounge 1 open access lounge
See here for official maps of the Cairns airport terminals.
Which Cairns airport lounges can be accessed with Priority Pass?
We are awaiting confirmation that the Escape Lounge will accept Priority Pass.
Which Cairns airport lounges can be accessed with DragonPass?
1 lounge only – Escape Lounge (International).
Is there an American Express Lounge at Cairns airport?
There are no American Express lounges at Cairns Airport. In Australia you will only find Amex Lounges at Sydney and Melbourne.
Also see our series on Australian airport lounges:
Adelaide Airport Lounges: The Complete Guide
Brisbane Airport Lounges: The Complete Guide
Perth Airport Lounges: The Complete Guide
Melbourne Airport Lounges: The Complete Guide
Sydney Airport Lounges: The Complete Guide
- First published 8 May 2025.
- Links at AirTravelGenius.com may pay an affiliate commission. Lounge opening times can change, always check with the operator.
