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Rainbow Beach, Queensland to Cairns, Queensland from AU$109: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Rainbow Beach, Australia
to
Cairns, Australia

How to Get from Rainbow Beach 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.

$109 by busBest price
1339 kmDistance
8h 31m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Rainbow Beach 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
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
8h  31m
Estimated price
AU$233-654
Recommended
Company
Premier Motor Service
Bus
Average Duration
24h  30m
Estimated price
AU$109-372
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1339 km
Duration: 8h 31m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
24h  33m
Estimated price
AU$113-330
Company
various
Bus
Train
Plane
Average Duration
10h  17m
Estimated price
AU$113-439
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
8h  58m
Estimated price
AU$118-441
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
20h  52m
Estimated price
AU$204-295
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Traveling From Rainbow Beach to Cairns

Traveling from Rainbow Beach to Cairns offers a striking contrast, where the serene coastal beauty of Rainbow Beach meets the vibrant tropical atmosphere of Cairns, each destination rich in its own experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cairns

Cairns features diverse neighborhoods that cater to various interests and tastes.

Cairns Esplanade
• Stunning waterfront promenade with scenic views.
• Home to lively markets and outdoor events.
Palm Cove
• Serene beaches lined with swaying palm trees.
• Chic restaurants and boutique shopping options.
Trinity Beach
• Relaxed vibe with beautiful sandy shores.
• Great spot for local dining and family activities.

Best Times To Visit Cairns's Attractions

Timing your visits to Cairns's attractions can significantly enhance your experience.

Great Barrier Reef
Early morning trips offer calm waters and fewer tourists, enriching your snorkeling adventure.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Visit mid-week for a quieter ride through lush tropical landscapes and fewer crowds.
Cairns Night Markets
Arriving early in the evening means better access to fresh food and unique souvenirs.

Cairns Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cairns boasts a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round, although the wet season from November to April can bring heavy rainfall and humidity. Understanding the weather patterns will help you choose the best times to visit and plan activities accordingly.

Cairns Dining Recommendation

For a culinary experience that's vibrant and distinct from Rainbow Beach, try the Barramundi at Ochre Restaurant, which showcases local flavors and ingredients in a lively setting. The incorporation of fresh seafood and indigenous ingredients in Cairns offers a taste of the tropics that enhances the whole dining experience.

Rainbow Beach - Cairns operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
https://www.greyhound.com.au/

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Hervey Bay

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
AU$19-30

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
24h 45m
Estimated price
AU$153-372

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Cooroy

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
AU$23-38

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Noosa Junction

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
AU$24-43
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
https://premierms.com.au/

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
24h 30m
Estimated price
AU$109-175

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Hervey Bay

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
AU$17-25

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Howard

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
AU$19-27

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Noosa Junction

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
AU$20-28
Train
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/

Train from Howard to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
Estimated price
AU$93-164
Plane
Website
https://www.qantas.com/

Plane from Hervey Bay to Cairns

Average Duration
5h 1m
Estimated price
AU$262-766

Plane from Brisbane Airport to Cairns

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
AU$76-547
Website
https://www.jetstar.com/

Plane from Hervey Bay to Cairns

Average Duration
9h 15m
Estimated price
AU$197-711

Plane from Brisbane Airport to Cairns

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
AU$76-536
Website
https://www.virginaustralia.com/

Plane from Brisbane Airport to Cairns

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
AU$93-602

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Rainbow Beach to Cairns.

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The distance between Rainbow Beach and Cairns is approximately 1260.1 km by land and 1553.3 km by road. Travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes about 8 hours and 31 minutes to reach Cairns from Rainbow Beach by taking a bus to Hervey Bay and then flying. For those driving, it takes around 20 hours and 52 minutes to travel from Cairns to Rainbow Beach by car. Alternatively, taking a bus from Rainbow Beach to Cairns would take approximately 24 hours and 30 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Rainbow Beach to Cairns is by bus, which takes approximately 24 hours and 30 minutes with ticket prices ranging from $100 to $490. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to take a combination of bus and flight, which takes around 8 hours and 31 minutes with ticket prices ranging from $230 to $550.
The prices for traveling from Rainbow Beach to Cairns by bus can range from $100 to $490.
To get from Rainbow Beach to Cairns without using public transportation, you can opt for a self-drive option. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1553.0 km, and it takes around 20 hours and 52 minutes to reach Cairns by car. The prices for a car rental range from $190 to $290, depending on the choice of vehicle and rental provider.
To travel from Rainbow Beach to Cairns without a car, the best option is to take a bus and train combination. The journey takes approximately 24 hours and 19 minutes, and the cost can range from $110 to $280.
Yes, there is a direct link between Rainbow Beach and Cairns. Premier Motor Service operates a direct bus service twice daily from Rainbow Beach to Cairns. The journey takes approximately 24 hours and 30 minutes.
The flight from Rainbow Beach to Cairns typically takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes with one stopover. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for a one-way ticket.
There are numerous options for accommodation in Cairns with over 711 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in Cairns begin at $73 per night.