How to travel from Cairns to Gold Coast, Australia

The distance between Cairns and Gold Coast is around 1,499km (931 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 15m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from Cairns to Gold Coast 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 Gold CoastCairns if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
💰 Cheapest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Gold Coast (OOL).

  • Duration3h 15m
  • Flight time2h 15m
  • Typical cost
    A$125($85)
Operated byJetstar+ 2 others

1 similiar route

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

2
train
+
train
+

Train

Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street and then to Helensvale station platform 1.

  • Duration1 day 2h
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$235($160)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

3
bus
+
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane and then to Surfers Paradise.

  • Duration1 day 6h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$255($170)
Operated by

Premier Motor Service

4
bus
+
train
+

Bus and Train

Take the bus to Brisbane then take the train to Helensvale station platform 1.

  • Duration1 day 7h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$355($240)
Operated by

Multiple operators

5
car
+

Drive

Drive to Gold Coast.

  • Duration22h 5m
  • Distance1,891km (1,175 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cairns and Gold Coast

There are several options for getting from Cairns to Gold Coast by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to fly which costs around A$125 ($85) and will take around 3h 15m.

The distance between Cairns and Gold Coast is around 1,499km (931 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,460km (907 miles)

It takes around 3h 15m to get from Cairns and Gold Coast by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 22h 5m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Cairns to Gold Coast is to fly which takes around 3h 15m and will set you back approx A$125 ($85).

The cheapest way to travel between Cairns and Gold Coast, if you exclude driving, is to fly which will typically cost around A$125 ($85) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Cairns and Gold Coast. It typically takes around 1 day 2h and departs 5 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Cairns to Gold Coast. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Brisbane Roma Street and Helensvale station platform 1. These services run 5 times a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 2h.

Queensland Rail Travel and TRANSLink QLD run train services between Cairns and Gold Coast. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 1 day 2h, 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 Cairns and Gold Coast. It typically takes around 1 day 6h and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Cairns to Gold Coast. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Brisbane. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 1 day 6h.

Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Cairns and Gold Coast. Buses run once daily and take around 1 day 6h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Cairns and Gold Coast. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and arrive at Gold Coast (OOL). The flight takes around 2h 15m.

Yes there is a direct flight between Cairns and Gold Coast with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 2h 15m.

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas fly between Cairns and Gold Coast. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Gold Coast (OOL). These flights usually take around 2h 15m.

The flight from Cairns to Gold Coast typically takes around 2h 15m. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Gold Coast (OOL).

The closest major airport to Gold Coast is Gold Coast Airport (OOL) (OOL) which is approximately 21km (13 miles) from Gold Coast. Brisbane Airport (BNE) (BNE) and Ballina Byron Airport (BNK) (BNK) 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 Cairns and Gold Coast. The distance is around 1,891km (1,175 miles) by road and it will take around 22h 5m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cairns to Gold Coast is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 15m and will usually cost around A$125 ($85).

How do I get from Cairns to Gold Coast

Compare travel optionsbetween Cairns and Gold Coast

Transport options from Cairns to Gold Coast
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
3h 15m
A$125($85)
5 times a day1,515km (942 miles)
Plane and Train4h 35m
A$170($115)
5 times a day1,499km (931 miles)
Train
1 day 2h
A$235($160)
5 times a week1,736km (1,079 miles)
Bus
1 day 6h
A$255($170)
once daily2,053km (1,276 miles)
Bus and Train
1 day 7h
A$355($240)
once daily2,061km (1,281 miles)
Drive
22h 5m
A$250($170)
on demand1,891km (1,175 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Cairns and Gold Coast

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Gold Coast

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

OOL
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
International Airport
Distance
21km (13 miles) from Gold Coast
BNE
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
International Airport
Distance
73km (45 miles) from Gold Coast
BNK
Ballina Byron Airport (BNK)
Domestic Airport
Distance
94km (58 miles) from Gold Coast