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JCU Arrival Service

JCU provides a free airport arrival service for new international students arriving in Cairns and Townsville at the beginning of each semester/trimester.

The arrival service runs during peak commencement periods. You will be met on arrival and transported to your pre-arranged accommodation. You will also be provided with important information to help you settle into your new city. The free airport arrival service dates for 2023 are as below.

Trimester 1 & Study Period 1, 2023:  arrival service is now closed.
Trimester 2, 2023 - 22 to 28 May 2023
Trimester 3, 2023 -  4 to 10 September 2023
Study Period 2, 2023 -  3 to 16 July 2023
New HDR students - arrival service is available all year round

Please note that we require three business days notice of your booking.

Before travelling

If you are a Townsville Campus student and your flight arrives at the Cairns International Airport, you need to make your own travel arrangements between Cairns and Townsville.

Qantas, Virgin Australia, Greyhound Australia and Queensland Rail offer transport between Cairns and Townsville.

As the services transports you to your accommodation, ensure you have arranged your temporary or permanent accommodation before booking an Arrival Service.

On arrival at JCU

Once you arrive at the Cairns or Townsville Campus you will need to check-in at JCU's Student Centre (Building A1 in Cairns and Building 134 in Townsville).

Alternative local transport services

Townsville and Cairns both have reliable taxi services.

A taxi meter is used and will determine the cost of your travel:

  • Townsville airport to JCU: approximately AUD$40
  • Cairns airport to the city centre: approximately AUD$30

There are taxis available which service all arrival ports in Cairns and Townsville.

More information

For more information contact [email protected]