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Cairns to Gold Coast from undefined140: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cairns, Australia
to
Gold Coast, Australia

How to Get from Cairns to Gold Coast: 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.

$140 by busBest price
1469 kmDistance
4h 30m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cairns to Gold Coast 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  30m
Estimated price
101-443
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  52m
Estimated price
96-391
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1469 km
Duration: 4h 30m

See more options

Company
Queensland Rail Travel
Train
Average Duration
26h  32m
Estimated price
120-4039
Company
Premier Motor Service
Bus
Average Duration
31h  30m
Estimated price
140-189
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
31h  50m
Estimated price
182-1010
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
22h  6m
Estimated price
1011-1012
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Traveling From Cairns to Gold Coast

This journey from Cairns to Gold Coast takes you from the tropical embrace of the Great Barrier Reef to the vibrant beaches and bustling nightlife, offering a dramatic shift in scenery and experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Gold Coast

Gold Coast offers diverse neighborhoods each with its own charm and vibe.

Surfers Paradise
• Iconic beaches and vibrant nightlife.
• Great shopping and dining options available.
Broadbeach
• Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere.
• Home to the famous Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
Burleigh Heads
• Stunning national park and surf spots.
• Laid-back vibe with trendy cafes and markets.

Best Times To Visit Gold Coast's Attractions

Timing can enhance your experience at Gold Coast's renowned spots.

Theme Parks
Visit on weekdays during the school term for shorter lines.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Early mornings offer a peaceful environment to connect with nature.
SkyPoint Observation Deck
Sunset hours provide breathtaking views of the coastline.

Gold Coast Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Gold Coast boasts a subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination for sun-seekers. The ideal times to visit are during spring and autumn when temperatures are pleasant and humidity is lower, enhancing your outdoor adventures.

Dining in Gold Coast: A Culinary Contrast to Cairns

Try the iconic Spicy Tuna Tacos at the lively Rick Shores restaurant, which combines vibrant Asian flavors with fresh local seafood. This experience contrasts with Cairns' more laid-back tropical dining, as Gold Coast offers a bustling atmosphere and innovative dishes that reflect its diverse culinary scene.

Cairns - Gold Coast operators

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

Plane
Website
qantas.com

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

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
1014-1017

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE)

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
120-1017

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

Average Duration
5h 5m
Estimated price
1014-1017

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

Average Duration
5h 17m
Estimated price
1013-1018
Website
jetstar.com

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

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
1014-1017

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

Average Duration
5h 5m
Estimated price
1014-1017

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

Average Duration
5h 12m
Estimated price
1014-1017

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE)

Average Duration
2h 11m
Estimated price
4430-1017
Website
flybonza.com

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

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
4432-4433
Train
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Street

Average Duration
26h 32m
Estimated price
120-1016

Train from Roma Street to Helensvale station, platform 1

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
4437-4438
Contact phone
13 12 30
Website
translink.com.au

Train from International Airport Station to Helensvale station, platform 1

Average Duration
1h 29m
Estimated price
4435-4436

Train from Roma Street to Helensvale station, platform 1

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
4437-4438
Bus
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
premierms.com.au

Bus from Cairns Central Station to Brisbane Roma Street

Average Duration
29h 5m
Estimated price
120-963

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Surfers Paradise

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
964-965
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Cairns to Brisbane

Average Duration
30h
Estimated price
963-443730

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

Traveling between Cairns and Gold Coast 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 epic road trip from Cairns to Gold Coast, covering a distance of 1182 miles. The journey offers stunning coastal views and diverse landscapes along the way. 💰 The cost of driving from Cairns to Gold Coast ranges from $240 to $350, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore the east coast of Australia at their own pace. 🛣️ With an estimated driving time of approximately 22 hours and 6 minutes, this road trip allows for flexibility to stop at charming towns, beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Average price
$240 - $350
🚂 Planning a train journey from Cairns to Gold Coast? While there is no direct train route available, you can embark on an exciting 26-hour adventure with transfers along the way. 🌿 Departing from Cairns Central Station, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, you'll make stops at Roma Street and Helensvale stations before reaching Gold Coast's Cypress Avenue station, platform 2. 💰 Prices for the train ride between Cairns and Gold Coast range from $120 to $4039, offering a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two vibrant Australian cities. 🌞
Departure Point
Cairns Central Station
Arrival Point
Helensvale station, platform 1
🛫 Flying from Cairns to Gold Coast is quick and convenient, with a direct flight that takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Several airlines like Bonza, Qantas, and Jetstar offer flights on this route. 🌅 The journey from Cairns to Gold Coast by plane is a total of 4 hours and 30 minutes, offering breathtaking views of Australia's coastline along the way. 💸 Prices for flights between Gold Coast and Cairns can range from $101 to $443, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
Cairns Airport
Arrival Point
Gold Coast Airport
🚌 Starting from Cairns Central Station, travelers can embark on a scenic bus journey bound for Gold Coast. Although there isn't a direct route, passengers will transfer at Brisbane Roma Street during the 31.5-hour trip. 💰 Prices for this bus trip between Cairns and Gold Coast range from $140 to $189, making it a cost-effective way to explore the east coast of Australia at a leisurely pace. Travelers can sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery as they make their way to the Gold Coast.
Departure Point
Cairns Central Station
Arrival Point
Surfers Paradise station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cairns to Gold Coast.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Cairns and Gold Coast is approximately 1469.3 km by air, and 1902.2 km by road. Typical travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes around 26 hours and 32 minutes to reach Gold Coast from Cairns. Taking a flight to Brisbane and then a train to Gold Coast takes around 5 hours and 53 minutes. By car, it takes approximately 22 hours and 6 minutes to travel from Gold Coast to Cairns, while a bus journey from Cairns to Gold Coast can take around 31 hours and 30 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cairns to Gold Coast is by taking the bus, which takes around 31 hours and costs between $130 and $190. However, this option is also the most time-consuming. For a more time-efficient journey, flying from Cairns to Gold Coast is the fastest option, taking only 4 hours and 25 minutes. The cost of a flight is between $100 and $390, depending on the airline and time of booking.
The prices for a train ticket between Cairns and Gold Coast range from $118 to $245. Alternatively, the prices for a bus ticket between Gold Coast and Cairns range from $136 to $184.
To travel from Cairns to Gold Coast without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The road distance is approximately 1902.2 km, and it takes approximately 22 hours and 6 minutes to drive between the two cities. You can expect to pay around $240 - $350 for fuel and any toll fees along the way.
To travel from Cairns to Gold Coast without a car, the best option is to take a train. The journey takes approximately 26 hours and 32 minutes and costs between $110 and $250. Another option is to fly, which takes about 4 hours and 25 minutes and costs between $100 and $390.
No, there is no direct train or bus link between Cairns and Gold Coast. To reach Gold Coast from Cairns by train, a transfer at Roma Street station and Helensvale station is required, with a total travel time of approximately 26 hours and 32 minutes. Similarly, there is no direct bus, and the journey involves a transfer in Brisbane, taking approximately 31 hours and 30 minutes.
The flight time between Cairns and Gold Coast is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. There is a range of prices for flights between the two cities, with fares typically ranging from $100 to $383.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Gold Coast with over 1198 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $94 per night.