How to travel from Gold Coast to Cairns, Australia

The distance between Gold Coast and Cairns is around 1,499km (932 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 25m.

6 routes found

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

🚀 Fastest
💰 Cheapest
1
plane
+

Fly

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

  • Duration3h 25m
  • Flight time2h 25m
  • 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 Roma Street station platform 7 and then to Cairns Central Station.

  • 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 Cairns Central Station.

  • Duration1 day 6h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$235($155)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

4
train
+
bus
+

Train and Bus

Take the train to Roma Street station platform 7 then take the bus to Cairns.

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

Multiple operators

5
car
+

Drive

Drive to Cairns.

  • Duration22h 5m
  • Distance1,892km (1,176 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Gold Coast and Cairns

There are several options for getting from Gold Coast to Cairns by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to fly which costs around A$125 ($85) and will take around 3h 25m.

The distance between Gold Coast and Cairns is around 1,499km (932 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,460km (907 miles)

It takes around 3h 25m to get from Gold Coast and Cairns by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 22h 5m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Gold Coast to Cairns is to fly which takes around 3h 25m and will set you back approx A$125 ($85).

The cheapest way to travel between Gold Coast and Cairns, 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 Gold Coast and Cairns. It typically takes around 1 day 2h and departs 5 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Gold Coast to Cairns. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Helensvale station platform 4 and Roma Street station platform 7. These services run 5 times a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 2h.

TRANSLink QLD and Queensland Rail Travel run train services between Gold Coast and Cairns. 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 Gold Coast and Cairns. It typically takes around 1 day 6h and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Gold Coast to Cairns. 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.

NSW TrainLink and Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Gold Coast and Cairns. 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 Gold Coast and Cairns. Flights depart from Gold Coast (OOL) and arrive at Cairns (CNS). The flight takes around 2h 25m.

Yes there is a direct flight between Gold Coast and Cairns with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 2h 25m.

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas fly between Gold Coast and Cairns. Flights depart from Gold Coast (OOL) and and arrive into Cairns (CNS). These flights usually take around 2h 25m.

The flight from Gold Coast to Cairns typically takes around 2h 25m. Flights depart from Gold Coast (OOL) 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 Gold Coast and Cairns. The distance is around 1,892km (1,176 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 Gold Coast to Cairns is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 25m and will usually cost around A$125 ($85).

How do I get from Gold Coast to Cairns

Compare travel optionsbetween Gold Coast and Cairns

Transport options from Gold Coast to Cairns
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
3h 25m
A$125($85)
5 times a day1,516km (942 miles)
Train and Plane4h 50m
A$170($115)
5 times a day1,499km (932 miles)
Train
1 day 2h
A$235($160)
5 times a week1,736km (1,079 miles)
Bus
1 day 6h
A$235($155)
once daily2,057km (1,278 miles)
Train and Bus
1 day 7h
A$355($240)
once daily2,069km (1,286 miles)
Drive
22h 5m
A$250($170)
on demand1,892km (1,176 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Gold Coast 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