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Brisbane to Cairns from $83: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Brisbane, Australia
to
Cairns, Australia

How to Get from Brisbane to Cairns: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$83 - PlaneBest price
1398.5 kmDistance
4h 55m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Brisbane to Cairns with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  55m
Estimated price
$83-385
Recommended
route map
Distance: 1398.5 km
Duration: 4h 55m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
6h  42m
Estimated price
$103-451
Company
Queensland Rail Travel
Train
Average Duration
24h  45m
Estimated price
$110-4100
Company
Premier Motor Service
Bus
Average Duration
29h  30m
Estimated price
$120-420
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
21h  33m
Estimated price
$230-340
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Brisbane to Cairns

Traveling from Brisbane to Cairns offers you a dynamic journey from the urban vibe of a bustling city to the tropical paradise of the Great Barrier Reef, providing varied landscapes and experiences along the way.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cairns

Cairns boasts vibrant neighborhoods, each with distinct attractions and ambience.

Cairns City
• Close to vibrant restaurants and shops.
• Gateway to tours and local attractions.
Port Douglas
• Stunning beaches and reef access.
• Charming village atmosphere with boutique shops.
Palm Cove
• Beautiful esplanade lined with palms.
• Relaxing ambiance with upscale resorts.

Best Times To Visit Cairns's Attractions

Planning your visits around peak times can greatly enhance your experience in Cairns.

Great Barrier Reef
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning light.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Enjoy a midweek trip to avoid weekend tourists and relax more.
Daintree Rainforest
Explore in the early dry season for pleasant weather and less humidity.

Cairns Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cairns enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons, making it crucial to choose your travel time wisely. The dry season, from May to October, offers ideal weather for outdoor activities and exploring the stunning natural landscapes.

Dining Recommendation in Cairns

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Far North at Ochre Restaurant, where you can savor dishes like kangaroo fillet paired with native herbs, a stark contrast to Brisbane's bustling café culture. The intimate setting and emphasis on locally sourced ingredients create a dining experience that showcases the region's unique culinary heritage.

Brisbane - Cairns operators

Explore transport companies operating between Brisbane and Cairns, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Cairns Airport (CNS)

Average Duration
2h 23m
Estimated price
110-550

Plane from Gold Coast (OOL) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
100-550

Plane from Brisbane to Cairns via Townsville to

Average Duration
3h 57m
Estimated price
110-550
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Brisbane to Cairns

Average Duration
2h 21m
Estimated price
90-550

Plane from Gold Coast to Cairns via Sydney to

Average Duration
5h 40m
Estimated price
210-700
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Brisbane to Cairns

Average Duration
2h 21m
Estimated price
70-550

Plane from Gold Coast to Cairns to

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
100-550
Website
rex.com.au

Plane from Brisbane to Cairns

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
450-1300
Website
flybonza.com

Plane from Gold Coast to Cairns

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
70-210
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
24h 45m
Estimated price
110-4100
Contact phone
13 12 30
Website
translink.com.au

Train from South Brisbane station, platform 1 to Varsity Lakes station, platform 2

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
5-8
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
premierms.com.au

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
29h 30m
Estimated price
120-170
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Brisbane to Cairns

Average Duration
30h
Estimated price
170-420

Brisbane to Cairns: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Brisbane and Cairns offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Brisbane to Cairns, covering a scenic driving distance of 1849.1 km. 💰 Experience the flexibility and excitement of traveling by car with prices ranging from $230 to $340 for the Brisbane to Cairns route. 🌴 Arrive in tropical Cairns after approximately 21 hours and 33 minutes of driving, ready to explore the stunning Great Barrier Reef, lush rainforests, and vibrant city life.
Average price
$230 - $340
🌿 Enjoy the leisurely 24-hour and 45-minute ride through lush greenery and coastal views, immersing yourself in the beauty of the journey. With services operating five times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, you have ample opportunities to plan your trip to coincide with the train schedule. 💰 Prices for the Brisbane to Cairns train ticket range from $110 to $4100 depending on your choice of seating class, making it a budget-friendly and comfortable travel option.
Departure Point
Roma Street station
Arrival Point
Cairns Central Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on the Spirit of Queensland, operated by Queensland Rail, include a dining car serving a selection of meals, snacks, and beverages. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the journey, and meals can be pre-ordered for your convenience.
• The Spirit of Queensland offers several seating options: First Class and Economy. First Class seats are spacious and recline further, providing more comfort for long journeys, while Economy class seats are comfortable but more compact. Consider your budget and comfort preferences when booking.
• Before your trip, check the websites of operators like Queensland Rail (queenslandrailtravel.com.au) and Travel Queensland (travelqueensland.com.au) for ticketing information and updates on travel schedules. Additionally, explore local transport schedules via the TransLink website (translink.com.au) for detailed public transport routes in Cairns.
🛫 The quickest flight from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport is a direct flight, taking 2 hours and 15 minutes with options from Regional Express, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas. ✈️ The flight duration from Brisbane to Cairns is approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes, providing a convenient and efficient mode of transportation between the two cities. 💸 Prices for flights between Cairns and Brisbane can range from $83 to $385, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
Brisbane Airport
Arrival Point
Cairns Airport
🚌 Traveling from Brisbane to Cairns by bus is a long but scenic journey. The direct bus service operated by Premier Motor Service departs twice daily and takes approximately 29 hours and 30 minutes to reach Cairns Central Station. 🌿 With a distance of 1,649 km between Brisbane and Cairns, the bus ride offers travelers a chance to witness the diverse landscapes of Queensland. 🎟️ Consider booking your bus ticket in advance to secure the best possible fare, as prices can range from $120 to $420 for the journey. With Greyhound Australia as one of the available agencies operating this route, you can ensure a comfortable and safe travel experience from departure in Brisbane Roma Street to your arrival at Cairns Central Station.
Departure Point
Brisbane Roma Street station
Arrival Point
Cairns Central Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Brisbane to Cairns.

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The cheapest way to travel from Brisbane to Cairns is by flying. Numerous airlines offer affordable flights between the two cities, with prices ranging from $80 to $350. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers on a budget.
The fastest way to travel from Brisbane to Cairns is by flying. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes. There are several airlines that operate regular flights between the two cities, offering a range of prices starting from $80 up to $350 depending on the time of booking and availability.
The distance between Brisbane and Cairns is approximately 1398 kilometers. If you travel by road, the distance is slightly longer at 1848 kilometers. This journey typically takes around 19-20 hours by car, depending on traffic and rest stops.
The most convenient way to travel from Brisbane to Cairns without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 24 hours and 45 minutes and the ticket prices range from $110 to $240. Another option is to take a bus, which takes about 24-28 hours and costs between $100 and $180. However, the quickest and most efficient way to reach Cairns without a car is by flying, which takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes and the prices vary from $80 to $350.
The travel time from Brisbane to Cairns is approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes, including transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Brisbane to Cairns is to fly, with prices ranging from $80 to $350. This option takes approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train, which can take around 24 hours and 45 minutes and costs between $110 to $240. Another option is to take a bus, which takes approximately 29 hours and 30 minutes and costs between $120 to $600.
There are numerous accommodation options available in Cairns, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some popular hotel chains in the area include Hilton, Sheraton, and Novotel. Prices for hotels in Cairns start at $73 per night, with the cost varying depending on factors such as location, amenities, and season.
Yes, you can drive from Brisbane to Cairns. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1849 km. It takes around 21 hours and 33 minutes to complete the journey by car.
Yes, there is a direct bus service available between Brisbane and Cairns. The bus departs from Brisbane and arrives at Cairns Central Station. The service operates twice daily and runs every day. The journey duration is approximately 29 hours and 30 minutes.
To catch the bus from Brisbane to Cairns you will need to go to the Brisbane station. Premier Motor Service operates bus services for this route, and their buses typically depart from there. It is advisable to check the bus schedule and purchase your ticket in advance to ensure availability. The bus journey from Brisbane to Cairns can take approximately 24 hours, so consider planning accordingly for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
The Brisbane to Cairns bus services, operated by Premier Motor Service, arrive at Cairns Central Station. Cairns Central Station is a major transportation hub in Cairns, conveniently located in the city center. From there, travelers can easily access other parts of the city and continue their journey to various attractions and accommodations in Cairns. Cairns Central Station is also well-connected to other transportation options, such as taxis, shuttles, and rental car services, making it convenient for travelers to reach their final destination.
Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas are the airlines that offer flights between Brisbane and Cairns.
The fastest way to travel from Brisbane to Cairns is by taking a direct flight, which typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Airlines such as Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas offer flights between Brisbane Airport and Cairns Airport. The total travel time by plane from Brisbane to Cairns is approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes. The cost of a flight ticket between Cairns and Brisbane can range from $83 to $345.
The flight from Brisbane to Cairns takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes on a direct flight.
Trains from Brisbane to Cairns, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, arrive at Cairns Central Station.
Yes, there is a direct train that connects Brisbane to Cairns. The train departs from Brisbane Roma Street and arrives at Cairns Central Station. The service operates five times a week, specifically on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The journey on the train takes approximately 24 hours and 45 minutes, providing passengers with a scenic and comfortable ride to their destination.
To catch the train from Brisbane to Cairns you will need to head to Brisbane Roma Street station. This is where the train services operated by Queensland Rail Travel depart from.
The cost of a flight from Brisbane to Cairns can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors. Generally, prices for a one-way flight range from $83 to $345.
The cost of a train trip from Brisbane to Cairns can range from $110 to $240.
One of the cheapest options to travel from Brisbane to Cairns is by taking a bus. The cost of a bus ticket between the two cities can range from $120 to $600, depending on factors such as the type of bus and the time of year. It's recommended to check with different bus companies and compare prices to find the best deal for your trip. Additionally, keep in mind that traveling by bus can take longer than flying, with an average travel time of around 24-28 hours.
The cost to drive from Brisbane to Cairns will depend on a few factors such as the type of car, fuel prices, and any additional expenses along the way. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $230 to $340 for the round trip journey.