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Caloundra, Queensland to Cairns, Queensland from $119: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Caloundra, Australia
to
Cairns, Australia

How to Get from Caloundra 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.

$119 by busBest price
1770.2 kmDistance
6h 32m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Caloundra 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
Train
Plane
Average Duration
7h  23m
Estimated price
$82-400
Recommended
Company
Premier Motor Service
Bus
Average Duration
29h  38m
Estimated price
$119-184
Cheapest
Company
Various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
6h  32m
Estimated price
$92-402
Fastest
route map
Distance: 1770.2 km
Duration: 6h 32m

See more options

Company
Various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  31m
Estimated price
$76-543
Company
Queensland Rail Travel
Train
Average Duration
25h  3m
Estimated price
$108-3915
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
21h  10m
Estimated price
$231-333
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Traveling From Caloundra to Cairns

The journey from Caloundra, with its relaxing beaches and laid-back atmosphere, to Cairns, offering vibrant nightlife and access to the Great Barrier Reef, presents a fascinating contrast in Australian experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cairns

Cairns boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct attractions and experiences.

Cairns CBD
• Central location for shopping and dining.
• Easy access to public transport and tours.
Esplanade
• Vibrant promenade with stunning waterfront views.
• Popular for markets and cultural events.
Port Douglas
• Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef adventures.
• Unique boutiques and excellent dining options.

Best Times To Visit Cairns's Attractions

Timing your visit to Cairns's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Great Barrier Reef
Experience fewer crowds by visiting during early morning or late afternoon.
Daintree Rainforest
Explore in the dry season for clearer paths and better wildlife sightings.
Cairns Esplanade
Visit on weekdays to enjoy the markets and events with less congestion.

Cairns Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cairns enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and a wet season typically from November to April. Planning your visit during the dry season, between May and October, can enhance your outdoor adventures and overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Cairns

For an unforgettable experience, try the local specialty at Ochre Restaurant, where you can savor dishes featuring Australian native ingredients like kangaroo and barramundi, setting it apart from Caloundra's more traditional beach fare. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with stunning views of the waterfront, adds a unique flavor to your dining adventure.

Caloundra - Cairns operators

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

Train
Contact phone
13 12 30
Website
https://translink.com.au/

Train from Landsborough station, platform 2 to Eagle Junction station, platform 3

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
AU$3.3-5.4

Train from Landsborough station, platform 2 to Central station, platform 5

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
AU$3.3-6.5

Train from Central station, platform 1 to Varsity Lakes station, platform 2

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
AU$4.4-6.5
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/

Train from Landsborough to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
23h 33m
Estimated price
AU$108-3915
Bus
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
https://premierms.com.au/

Bus from Mooloolaba to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
28h 5m
Estimated price
AU$119-174
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
https://www.greyhound.com.au/

Bus from Mooloolaba to Cairns

Average Duration
28h 30m
Estimated price
AU$163-413
Plane
Website
https://www.qantas.com/

Plane from Brisbane Airport to Cairns

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
AU$76-543
Website
https://www.virginaustralia.com/

Plane from Brisbane Airport to Cairns

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
AU$92-598
Website
http://www.jetstar.com/

Plane from Brisbane Airport to Cairns

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
AU$76-532

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Caloundra to Cairns.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Caloundra and Cairns is approximately 1342.2 km by air and 1779.0 km by road. Typical travel times by various modes of transportation include 25 hours and 22 minutes by train, 6 hours and 50 minutes by train to Brisbane and then flying to Cairns, 21 hours and 8 minutes by car, and 29 hours and 41 minutes by bus from Caloundra to Cairns.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Caloundra to Cairns is by bus, which takes approximately 29 hours and 41 minutes and costs between $110 and $170. For a quicker option, you can take a bus to Brisbane and then fly to Cairns, which takes around 6 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $95 and $370.
The price range for a train ticket from Caloundra to Cairns is between $104 and $254, depending on the class and type of ticket. On the other hand, bus tickets from Cairns to Caloundra typically range from $112 to $163.
To travel from Caloundra to Cairns without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 1778.3 km, and it takes around 21 hours and 8 minutes. The cost of driving can vary between $220 and $330, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
The best way to travel from Caloundra to Cairns without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 25 hours and 22 minutes and the ticket prices range from $100 to $260. Alternatively, you can also fly from Caloundra to Brisbane and then take a connecting flight to Cairns, which takes around 6 hours and 50 minutes.
No, there is no direct link between Caloundra and Cairns. However, it is possible to travel between the two destinations with transfers. The journey by bus, operated by Premier Motor Service, takes approximately 29 hours and 41 minutes, with transfers at Mooloolaba.
The flight between Caloundra and Cairns typically takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and any promotional offers available. On average, the cost of a one-way ticket from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport ranges from $100 to $300, but it is always recommended to check with different airlines for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.
There are over 711 hotels available in Cairns. Prices for accommodation start at $73.

Trips from Caloundra