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Cairns to Brisbane from $86: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cairns, Australia
to
Brisbane, Australia

How to Get from Cairns to Brisbane: 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.

$86 - PlaneBest price
1399.6 kmDistance
4h 7m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cairns to Brisbane 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  7m
Estimated price
$86-378
Recommended
route map
Distance: 1399.6 km
Duration: 4h 7m

See more options

Company
Queensland Rail Travel
Train
Average Duration
24h  45m
Estimated price
$110-4100
Company
Premier Motor Service
Bus
Average Duration
29h  5m
Estimated price
$120-420
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
6h 
Estimated price
$128-472
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
21h  33m
Estimated price
$230-340
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Cairns to Brisbane

Cairns offers lush tropical landscapes and laid-back coastal vibes, while Brisbane showcases a vibrant urban atmosphere with its dynamic arts scene and bustling riverfront.

Best Neighbourhoods in Brisbane

Brisbane boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

South Bank
• Home to lush parklands and cultural venues.
• Enjoy riverside dining with stunning city views.
Fortitude Valley
• Vibrant nightlife with trendy bars and clubs.
• A hub for live music and arts events.
West End
• Eclectic mix of cafes, shops, and markets.
• Rich in cultural diversity and artistic flair.

Best Times To Visit Brisbane's Attractions

Knowing when to visit Brisbane's attractions can enrich your experience and help you avoid crowds.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and optimal wildlife activity.
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Midweek visits offer fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Late afternoon strolls provide cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

Brisbane Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy outdoor activities and local events.

Dining in Brisbane: A Culinary Contrast

When in Brisbane, savor the modern Australian cuisine at 'Esquire,' where you can indulge in innovative dishes that emphasize local produce and bold flavors. This dining experience stands in contrast to the tropical and seafood-centric offerings of Cairns, showcasing a vibrant urban atmosphere that celebrates culinary creativity.

Cairns - Brisbane operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE)

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
120-550

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

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
100-550

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE) via Townsville

Average Duration
3h 50m
Estimated price
130-550

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

Average Duration
5h 5m
Estimated price
100-550

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

Average Duration
5h 17m
Estimated price
190-800
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE)

Average Duration
2h 11m
Estimated price
70-550

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

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
100-550

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

Average Duration
5h 5m
Estimated price
100-550

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

Average Duration
5h 12m
Estimated price
100-550
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE)

Average Duration
2h 19m
Estimated price
90-550
Website
flybonza.com

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

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
75-220
Website
rex.com.au

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE)

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
450-1300
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Street

Average Duration
24h 45m
Estimated price
110-4100
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
premierms.com.au

Bus from Cairns Central Station to Brisbane Roma Street

Average Duration
29h 5m
Estimated price
120-170
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Cairns to Brisbane

Average Duration
30h
Estimated price
170-420

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

Traveling between Cairns and Brisbane 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 a scenic road trip from Cairns to Brisbane spanning 1847.5 km, offering breathtaking views of Queensland's diverse landscapes along the way. 💰 Discover affordable options for your journey, with car travel costs ranging from $230 to $340, ensuring a budget-friendly adventure through the picturesque East Coast. 🏖️ Immerse yourself in the ultimate Australian road trip experience, as you cruise for approximately 21 hours and 33 minutes from Cairns to Brisbane, unveiling the beauty of this coastal route at your own pace.
Average price
$230 - $340
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Cairns to Brisbane! The direct train service departs from Cairns Central Station five times a week, with a travel time of approximately 24 hours and 45 minutes. 🎫 Ticket prices for the Cairns to Brisbane train journey range from $110 to $4100, providing travelers with a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences. Arriving at Roma Street station in Brisbane, this train adventure promises a comfortable and convenient way to explore the beauty of the east coast of Australia.
Departure Point
Cairns Central Station
Arrival Point
Roma Street station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Cairns to Brisbane, you'll be served meals and snacks through the onboard catering services. The spirit of Australian cuisine is captured here, with options that vary depending on the class of your ticket. Economy class typically offers light snacks and beverages, while Business and First Class provide a more extensive menu featuring gourmet meals and complimentary drinks including wine or beer. Make sure to check the menu in advance, as they might differ by service.
• The train service from Cairns to Brisbane is primarily provided by the Queensland Rail's 'Spirit of Queensland' service. Available seating options include Economy Class, which offers standard seating, Business Class with larger seats and extra legroom, and First Class, where you can experience more luxurious seating with better amenities. Be sure to book your seats in advance, especially if you prefer First or Business class for added comfort during the long journey.
• For your journey, the primary operator is Queensland Rail. Visit their website at ">">queenslandrailtravel.com.au for booking and schedule details. Alternatively, you might want to explore the travel services provided by NSW TrainLink for potential connections. Upon arriving in Brisbane, the main station is Brisbane Central Station, which offers luggage storage services and clean restroom facilities. If you want to freshen up, many nearby hotels offer day rates for showers.
🛫 Flying from Cairns Airport to Brisbane Airport is a convenient option, with a direct flight taking just 2 hours and 10 minutes. Airlines like Regional Express, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas operate flights on this route. 💰 Prices for a flight between Cairns and Brisbane can range from $86 to $378, providing options for different budgets. The journey by air typically takes around 4 hours and 7 minutes, offering travellers a quick way to move between these two popular Australian cities.
Departure Point
Cairns Airport
Arrival Point
Brisbane Airport
🚌 Embark on a scenic bus journey from Cairns to Brisbane! Departing from Cairns Central Station, the bus takes approximately 29 hours and 5 minutes to reach its final destination at Brisbane Roma Street. 🌴 Traverse the 1,588 km route from Cairns to Brisbane, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes as you travel. With Greyhound Australia as the operating agency, travelers can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable ride throughout the 29-hour journey. 🌞 Experience the diverse beauty of Queensland on a bus trip that spans over 1 day and 5 hours, showcasing the vastness of the Australian landscape.
Departure Point
Cairns Central Station
Arrival Point
Brisbane Roma Street station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cairns to Brisbane.

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The distance between Cairns and Brisbane is 1398 km by air, 1848 km by road, and approximately 6 hours by a combination of flying to Gold Coast and then taking a bus. By train, it takes about 24 hours and 45 minutes to reach Brisbane from Cairns. The quickest mode of transportation is by plane, which takes around 4 hours and 8 minutes. However, driving can take up to 21 hours and 33 minutes, and traveling by bus can take up to 29 hours and 5 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time efficient option for traveling from Cairns to Brisbane is to fly. Flying takes approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes and the cost ranges from $80 to $340.
The prices for traveling between Cairns and Brisbane can vary depending on the mode of transportation. For trains, the prices range from $110 to $240. On the other hand, bus prices can vary from $120 to $600.
To get from Cairns to Brisbane without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 1848 km, which takes approximately 21 hours and 33 minutes. The drive offers the flexibility of stopping at scenic spots along the way. You can expect the cost of fuel and toll fees to range from $230 to $340, depending on your vehicle and the fuel prices at the time.
To travel from Cairns to Brisbane without a car, you have several options. The fastest and most convenient way is by flying, which takes about 4 hours and 8 minutes and costs between $80 and $340. Another option is to take a train, which takes approximately 24 hours and 45 minutes and costs $110-$240. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which is the longest option, taking around 29 hours and 5 minutes and costing $120-$600.
Yes, there is a direct link between Cairns and Brisbane. Queensland Rail Travel operates a train service that departs from Cairns Central Station and arrives at Brisbane Roma Street. The journey takes approximately 24 hours and 45 minutes. Additionally, Premier Motor Service operates a bus service between Cairns and Brisbane, with services departing twice daily and taking around 29 hours and 5 minutes.
The flight between Cairns and Brisbane typically takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. The cost of a flight can range from $83 to $339, depending on the airline and time of booking. Once you arrive at Brisbane Airport, there are several transportation options to get to Brisbane city center, including shuttle services that take about 25 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Brisbane. With over 861 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a place to suit their needs and budget. Prices start at $58 per night, offering a range of choices for every traveler, from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels.