The distance between Cairns and Brisbane is around 1,415km (879 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 2h 50m.
We've found 5 different ways to get from Cairns to Brisbane by plane, train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Brisbane → Cairns if you're planning a return trip.
Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane (BNE).
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street.
Queensland Rail Travel
Take the bus to Brisbane.
Premier Motor Service
+ 1 othersThere are several options for getting from Cairns to Brisbane by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to fly and then take the train which costs around A$135 ($90) and will take around 4h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 2h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$155 ($105).
The distance between Cairns and Brisbane is around 1,415km (879 miles).
It takes around 2h 50m to get from Cairns and Brisbane by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 21h 35m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Cairns to Brisbane is to fly which takes around 2h 50m and will set you back approx A$155 ($105).
The cheapest way to travel between Cairns and Brisbane, if you exclude driving, is to fly and then take the train which will typically cost around A$135 ($90) for a standard one-way ticket.
Yes there is a train service that runs between Cairns and Brisbane. It typically takes around 24h 45m and departs 5 times a week.
Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Cairns and Brisbane with no changeovers required. The train runs 5 times a week and takes 24h 45m.
Queensland Rail Travel run train services between Cairns and Brisbane. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 24h 45m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Cairns and Brisbane. It typically takes around 1 day 5h and departs once daily.
Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Cairns and Brisbane with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 1 day 5h.
Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Cairns and Brisbane. Buses run once daily and take around 1 day 5h on average but will vary depending on you book with.
Yes you can fly from Cairns and Brisbane. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and arrive at Brisbane (BNE). The flight takes around 2hrs.
Yes there is a direct flight between Cairns and Brisbane with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 2hrs.
Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas fly between Cairns and Brisbane. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Brisbane (BNE). These flights usually take around 2hrs.
The flight from Cairns to Brisbane typically takes around 2hrs. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Brisbane (BNE).
The closest major airport to Brisbane is Brisbane Airport (BNE) (BNE) which is approximately 11km (7 miles) from Brisbane. Gold Coast Airport (OOL) (OOL) and Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) (MCY) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Cairns and Brisbane. The distance is around 1,837km (1,142 miles) by road and it will take around 21h 35m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cairns to Brisbane is to fly which takes, on average, 2h 50m and will usually cost around A$155 ($105).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 2h 50m | A$155($105) | 5 times a day | 1,415km (879 miles) |
Plane and Train | 4h 15m | A$135($90) | 5 times a day | 1,601km (995 miles) |
Train | 24h 45m | A$225($150) | 5 times a week | 1,653km (1,027 miles) |
Bus | 1 day 5h | A$225($150) | twice daily | 1,971km (1,224 miles) |
Drive | 21h 35m | A$245($165) | on demand | 1,837km (1,142 miles) |
Virgin Australia
Qantas
Premier Motor Service
Queensland Rail Travel
The following major airports near Brisbane offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.