How to travel from Bundaberg to Cairns, Australia

The distance between Bundaberg and Cairns is around 1,312km (815 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 4hrs.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Bundaberg to Cairns by plane, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out CairnsBundaberg if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Bundaberg (BDB) to Cairns (CNS).

  • Duration4hrs
  • Flight time3h 15m
  • Typical cost
    A$450($300)
Operated by

Qantas

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
2
train
+

Train

Take the train to Cairns Central Station.

  • Duration20h 10m
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$180($120)
Operated by

Queensland Rail Travel

3
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Cairns Central Station.

  • Duration20h 25m
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    A$225($150)
Operated by

Premier Motor Service

+ 1 others
4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Cairns.

  • Duration18h 20m
  • Distance1,356km (843 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Bundaberg and Cairns

There are several options for getting from Bundaberg to Cairns by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around A$180 ($120) and will take around 20h 10m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 4hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$450 ($300).

The distance between Bundaberg and Cairns is around 1,312km (815 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,116km (694 miles)

It takes around 4hrs to get from Bundaberg and Cairns by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 18h 20m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Bundaberg to Cairns is to fly which takes around 4hrs and will set you back approx A$450 ($300).

The cheapest way to travel between Bundaberg and Cairns, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around A$180 ($120) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Bundaberg and Cairns. It typically takes around 20h 10m and departs 5 times a week.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Bundaberg and Cairns with no changeovers required. The train runs 5 times a week and takes 20h 10m.

Queensland Rail Travel run train services between Bundaberg and Cairns. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 20h 10m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Bundaberg and Cairns. It typically takes around 20h 25m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Bundaberg and Cairns with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 20h 25m.

Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Bundaberg and Cairns. Buses run once daily and take around 20h 25m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Bundaberg and Cairns. Flights depart from Bundaberg (BDB) and arrive at Cairns (CNS) - via Brisbane (BNE). The flight takes around 3h 15m.

There is no direct flight from Bundaberg to Cairns. There is however a flight that goes via Brisbane (BNE). This services will take at least 4hrs (not including layover time).

The flight from Bundaberg to Cairns typically takes around 3h 15m. Flights depart from Bundaberg (BDB) and and arrive into Cairns (CNS).

The closest major airport to Cairns is Cairns Airport (CNS) (CNS) which is approximately 5km (3 miles) from Cairns. Cooktown Airport (CTN) (CTN) and Palm Island Airport (PMK) (PMK) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Bundaberg and Cairns. The distance is around 1,356km (843 miles) by road and it will take around 18h 20m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Bundaberg to Cairns is to fly which takes, on average, 4hrs and will usually cost around A$450 ($300).

How do I get from Bundaberg to Cairns

Compare travel optionsbetween Bundaberg and Cairns

Transport options from Bundaberg to Cairns
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
4hrs
A$450($300)
every 20 mins1,697km (1,055 miles)
Bus and Plane6hrs
A$550($370)
once daily1,762km (1,095 miles)
Train
20h 10m
A$180($120)
5 times a week1,312km (815 miles)
Bus
20h 25m
A$225($150)
twice daily1,446km (899 miles)
Drive
18h 20m
A$180($120)
on demand1,356km (843 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Bundaberg and Cairns

Airlines

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Cairns

The following major airports near Cairns offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.

CNS
Cairns Airport (CNS)
International Airport
Distance
5km (3 miles) from Cairns
CTN
Cooktown Airport (CTN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
176km (109 miles) from Cairns
PMK
Palm Island Airport (PMK)
Domestic Airport
Distance
221km (137 miles) from Cairns