How to travel from Noosa to Cairns, Australia

The distance between Noosa and Cairns is around 1,374km (854 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 45m.

7 routes found

We've found 7 different ways to get from Noosa to Cairns by bus, train, plane and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

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

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Maroochydore (MCY) to Cairns (CNS).

  • Duration3h 45m
  • Flight time2h 20m
  • Typical cost
    A$325($215)
Operated by

Alliance Airlines

3 similiar routes

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

2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Cairns Central Station.

  • Duration1 day 3h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$225($155)
Operated by

Premier Motor Service

1 similiar route

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

3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Cairns.

  • Duration20h 50m
  • Distance1,733km (1,077 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Noosa and Cairns

There are several options for getting from Noosa to Cairns by bus, train, plane and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus, then take the train and then fly which costs around A$150 ($100) and will take around 7h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$325 ($215).

The distance between Noosa and Cairns is around 1,374km (854 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,280km (795 miles)

It takes around 5h 35m to get from Noosa and Cairns by bus, train and plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 20h 50m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Noosa to Cairns is to fly which takes around 3h 45m and will set you back approx A$325 ($215).

The cheapest way to travel between Noosa and Cairns, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus, then take the train and then fly which will typically cost around A$150 ($100) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Noosa and Cairns. We recommend that you fly from Maroochydore (MCY) to Cairns (CNS). instead which will take 3h 45m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Noosa and Cairns. It typically takes around 1 day 3h and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Noosa to Cairns. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Poinciana Ave at Tewantin Primary School. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 1 day 3h.

Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Noosa and Cairns. Buses run once daily and take around 1 day 3h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Noosa and Cairns. Flights depart from Maroochydore (MCY) and arrive at Cairns (CNS). The flight takes around 2h 20m.

Yes there is a direct flight between Noosa and Cairns with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 2h 20m.

Alliance Airlines fly between Noosa and Cairns. Flights depart from Maroochydore (MCY) and and arrive into Cairns (CNS). These flights usually take around 2h 20m.

The flight from Noosa to Cairns typically takes around 2h 20m. Flights depart from Maroochydore (MCY) 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 Noosa and Cairns. The distance is around 1,733km (1,077 miles) by road and it will take around 20h 50m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Noosa to Cairns is to take the bus, then take the train and then fly which takes, on average, 5h 35m and will usually cost around A$170 ($115).

How do I get from Noosa to Cairns

Compare travel optionsbetween Noosa and Cairns

Transport options from Noosa to Cairns
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 3 similar
3h 45m
A$325($215)
5 times a day1,374km (854 miles)
Train and Plane6h 30m
A$575($385)
4 times a day1,831km (1,138 miles)
Bus, Train and Plane5h 35m
A$170($115)
5 times a day1,555km (966 miles)
Bus to Nambour station, train and plane7h 35m
A$150($100)
5 times a day1,755km (1,091 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
1 day 3h
A$225($155)
once daily1,834km (1,140 miles)
Bus to Cairns1 day 3h
A$315($215)
once daily1,853km (1,152 miles)
Drive
20h 50m
A$230($155)
on demand1,733km (1,077 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Noosa and Cairns

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

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