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Surfers Paradise, Queensland to Cairns, Queensland from $120: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Surfers Paradise, Australia
to
Cairns, Australia

How to Get from Surfers Paradise 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.

$120 by busBest price
1903 kmDistance
5h 28m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Surfers Paradise 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
5h  28m
Estimated price
$99-446
Recommended
Company
NSW TrainLink
Bus
Average Duration
31h  32m
Estimated price
$120-180
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1903 km
Duration: 5h 28m

See more options

Company
Queensland Rail Travel
Train
Average Duration
27h  31m
Estimated price
$4-4
Company
Translink
Train
Average Duration
27h  31m
Estimated price
$110-4
Company
Various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
32h  46m
Estimated price
$176-430
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
22h  7m
Estimated price
$240-350
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Traveling From Surfers Paradise to Cairns

The journey from Surfers Paradise, with its buzzing beaches and vibrant nightlife, to Cairns, known for its lush rainforests and access to the Great Barrier Reef, offers travelers a chance to experience two fascinating sides of Australia.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cairns

Cairns boasts vibrant neighborhoods, each offering a distinct experience for visitors.

Cairns Esplanade
• Stunning waterfront boardwalk for walking and cycling.
• Lively markets and dining options along the promenade.
Palm Cove
• Serene beaches lined with palm trees and resorts.
• Great dining options with ocean views.
Cairns Central
• Close proximity to shopping and cafes.
• Easy access to public transport and attractions.

Best Times To Visit Cairns's Attractions

Planning your visit to Cairns? Consider these tips for a memorable experience at major attractions.

Great Barrier Reef
Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and clearer waters.
Daintree Rainforest
Explore during weekdays to enjoy a peaceful experience with nature.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Enjoy the lagoon in the late afternoon for a beautiful sunset view.

Cairns Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cairns enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it an inviting destination for travelers. The dry season, from May to October, offers the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activities, while the wet season brings lush landscapes but also higher humidity and occasional storms.

Dining Recommendation in Cairns

For a taste of Cairns, try the locally inspired barramundi at Ochre Restaurant, where the menu showcases native ingredients in a relaxed, artistic setting. This experience contrasts sharply with the fast-paced dining scene in Surfers Paradise, allowing you to savor unique flavors while enjoying views of the stunning waterfront.

Surfers Paradise - Cairns operators

Explore transport companies operating between Surfers Paradise 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 Helensvale station, platform 2 to International Airport Station

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
AU$21-25

Train from Helensvale station, platform 2 to Roma Street

Average Duration
1h 3m
Estimated price
AU$4-7
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/

Train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
Estimated price
AU$0-0
Bus
Contact phone
131 500
Website
https://transportnsw.info/

Bus from Surfers Paradise Coach Transit Centre, Beach Rd to Brisbane

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
AU$5-9
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
https://premierms.com.au/

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
29h 30m
Estimated price
AU$120-170
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
https://www.greyhound.com.au/

Bus from Brisbane to Cairns

Average Duration
30h
Estimated price
AU$170-420
Plane
Website
https://jetstar.com/

Plane from Gold Coast Airport to Cairns Airport

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
AU$100-550
Website
https://qantas.com/

Plane from Gold Coast Airport to Cairns Airport

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
AU$100-550
Website
https://virginaustralia.com/

Plane from Gold Coast Airport to Cairns Airport

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
AU$90-550
Website
https://flybonza.com/

Plane from Gold Coast Airport to Cairns Airport

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
AU$70-210

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Surfers Paradise to Cairns.

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The distance between Surfers Paradise and Cairns is 1469.3 km by air and 1903.0 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes approximately 5 hours and 26 minutes to fly from Surfers Paradise to Cairns, 6 hours and 48 minutes to take a train to Brisbane and then fly, and 27 hours and 31 minutes to travel by train from Surfers Paradise to Cairns. If you prefer driving, it takes around 22 hours and 7 minutes by car, while the bus journey can take up to 31 hours and 32 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Surfers Paradise to Cairns is by bus, with prices ranging from $120 to $180. However, this option does take quite a bit of time, with a travel time of 31 hours and 32 minutes. On the other hand, the quickest way to reach Cairns from Surfers Paradise is by flying, with a travel time of 5 hours and 26 minutes. Prices for flights range from $95 to $390.
The prices for traveling from Surfers Paradise to Cairns vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, the prices range from $116 to $250. If you prefer traveling by bus, the prices range from $125 to $178.
To get from Surfers Paradise to Cairns without using public transportation, the best option would be to drive. The road distance between the two cities is 1902.2 km, and it takes approximately 22 hours and 7 minutes to drive from Surfers Paradise to Cairns. The average prices to rent a car for this journey range from $240 to $350.
The best way to travel from Surfers Paradise to Cairns without a car is by train. It takes approximately 27 hours and 31 minutes and costs between $110 and $250. Another option is to fly, which takes around 5 hours and 26 minutes and costs between $95 and $390. If you prefer a longer journey, you could also take a bus, which takes about 31 hours and 32 minutes and costs between $120 and $180.
There is no direct link between Surfers Paradise and Cairns by train or bus. To travel by train, you would need to take a train from Surfers Paradise to Brisbane, then transfer to another train to Cairns. This journey takes approximately 27 hours and 31 minutes. By bus, you would need to first travel from Surfers Paradise to Brisbane and then catch a bus to Cairns, which takes approximately 31 hours and 32 minutes.
The flight between Surfers Paradise and Cairns typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes. The cost of this flight can vary, with prices ranging from $99 to $386.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Cairns. With 711+ hotels available, there is something to suit every budget. Prices start at $73 per night, making it affordable for any traveler.

Trips from Surfers Paradise