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Brisbane and Cairns are two popular tourist destinations in Queensland, Australia. The distance between the two cities is approximately 863 to 1051 miles, with the flight distance being 1296.39 miles. There are various ways to travel between the two cities, including flights, trains, and buses. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by air, with the flight duration ranging from 2 hours 57 minutes to 5 hours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance by air | 863-883 miles (1,296.39 miles flight route) |
| Distance by road | 1,047.5-1,051 miles |
| Distance by road (km) | 1,691.78-1,692 km |
| Average driving time | 15 hours 6 minutes-19 hours 45 minutes |
| Flight time | 2 hours 57 minutes-5 hours |
| Train time | 25 hours 20 minutes |
| Bus time | 29 hours 30 minutes |
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Travel by plane
The distance between Brisbane and Cairns is approximately 863 to 1,375 kilometres or 883 miles. The best way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 5 hours and costs $65 to $390. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas offer flights from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Cairns Airport (CNS) on an hourly basis.
If you are looking for a quick and affordable way to get to Brisbane Airport, the SkyTrain is a good option. It takes only 20 minutes to reach the airport from the city centre, with tickets costing AUD 15 for a single trip. Trains depart every 15 minutes from 5:04 a.m. to 10:04 p.m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the city centre to the airport by boarding routes 569 or 590. If you prefer a direct transfer, taxis and ride-sharing services are also available in Brisbane, with a one-way trip costing around AUD 33-42.
Once you arrive at Cairns Airport, you can explore the city's vibrant waterfront and experience the lively nightlife. Cairns serves as the perfect gateway to Tropical North Queensland, where you can discover the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the beautiful beaches of Palm Cove and Port Douglas. The mild, dry winter months from June to August are the most popular time to visit Cairns, while spring offers a less busy alternative with pleasant weather.
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Travel by train
The distance between Brisbane and Cairns, two popular cities in the Australian state of Queensland, is approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles). While various transport options are available to cover this distance, one of the most iconic and scenic ways to travel between these two destinations is by train.
The Queensland Rail Travel operates a long-distance rail service that connects Brisbane and Cairns, offering a unique and relaxing journey through some of Australia's most diverse and beautiful landscapes. The route is serviced by the Spirit of Queensland train, a modern and comfortable tilt train that provides a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
The train journey from Brisbane to Cairns takes approximately 24 hours, with the train departing from Brisbane's Central Station and arriving at Cairns Station. During the trip, passengers are treated to stunning views of the changing landscape, from the urban scenery of Brisbane to the tropical rainforests and coastal vistas further north. The train travels along the picturesque Queensland coast, with glimpses of the Coral Sea and its offshore islands, before heading inland through rural towns and lush sugarcane fields.
Board the Spirit of Queensland train in the morning and settle into your seat or sleeper cabin. The train offers a range of seating options, including Economy and Business Class, as well as First Class sleeper cabins for an extra comfortable journey. Lunch is served on board as you watch the scenery change from city to country. In the afternoon, you might choose to relax in the lounge car, enjoy a drink from the licensed bar, and socialize with other passengers. As the sun sets, dinner is served, and you can retire to your cabin or seat for a restful night's sleep. The following morning, wake up to the beauty of tropical North Queensland and enjoy breakfast as the train makes its final approach into Cairns.
Throughout the journey, Queensland Rail Travel provides informative commentary, highlighting points of interest along the route and sharing stories about the history and culture of the regions passed through. This train journey offers a unique and relaxing way to travel between Brisbane and Cairns, allowing passengers to soak in the diverse landscapes of Queensland and experience a different side of Australia.
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Travel by bus
The distance between Brisbane and Cairns, two popular cities in the Australian state of Queensland, is approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles). This vast distance can be covered by various means of transportation, one of which is by bus.
Traveling by bus from Brisbane to Cairns is a popular and affordable option for many, including locals and tourists alike. It is a convenient way to travel between these two destinations, offering a comfortable journey with scenic views along the way. The trip usually takes around 24 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, with several stops in between to ensure a comfortable journey.
There are a number of coach companies that operate this route, providing a range of services and amenities to make the long journey more enjoyable. These can include reclining seats, air conditioning, WiFi, and onboard toilets. Some companies also offer overnight bus services, allowing passengers to sleep through a large portion of the journey. Major operators include Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service, both of which provide regular services and competitive prices.
When planning your bus trip, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure you secure a seat. You can book directly through the coach company's website or via various online travel agencies. Tickets can also sometimes be purchased at bus terminals, but availability is not guaranteed. It is also important to be aware of any luggage restrictions, with most companies allowing a certain number of checked bags and carry-on items.
The journey by bus from Brisbane to Cairns takes you through some diverse and beautiful landscapes. The route often follows the coastline, offering glimpses of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and stunning coastal views. Passengers can enjoy the changing scenery as they pass through tropical rainforests, rolling hills, and charming towns and cities such as the popular tourist destination of Gold Coast and the rural city of Townsville.
In conclusion, traveling by bus from Brisbane to Cairns offers a comfortable, affordable, and scenic journey. With a range of coach companies to choose from and a variety of onboard amenities, the 24-hour trip can be an enjoyable and convenient way to explore the east coast of Australia.
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Driving distance
The driving distance from Brisbane to Cairns is approximately 1,679 kilometres or 1,051 miles. The drive time is around 19 hours non-stop via the Bruce Highway (National Highway A1). However, the Brisbane to Cairns road trip is a popular journey, and most tourists opt to make several stops along the way, extending the trip to anywhere from 4 to 10 days of driving.
The route is straightforward, as you simply drive north out of Brisbane through its suburbs and onto the highway towards the Sunshine Coast. The first stop is usually the Glass House Mountains, just an hour past the North Lakes, known for their 11 peaks, hiking trails, and waterholes. From there, you'll head towards Hervey Bay, where you can either stop by Childers, known for its heritage buildings and local producers, or continue straight to Rockhampton, about 4 and a half hours away.
The next day will take you from Rockhampton to Yeppoon, and then on to Cape Hillsborough, where you can see kangaroos and wallabies on the beach. From there, it's a short trip to Airlie Beach, where you can take a day or two to rest and visit the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. You can then drive on to Townsville, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, which offers impressive beaches, restaurants, and playgrounds at the Strand, as well as the Billabong Sanctuary, voted Australia's best interactive wildlife experience.
The final stretch will take you from Townsville to Cairns, with a possible stop at Mission Beach. Along the entire route, you'll be treated to Queensland's natural wonders, including its tropical Pacific Coast, sand dunes, picturesque blue waters, and lush rainforests. You can also snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, taste rum, and enjoy the unique culture of the north of Australia.
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Travel time
The distance between Brisbane and Cairns is approximately 863 to 1051 miles. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by air, with flight times ranging from 2 hours and 57 minutes to 5 hours. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas operate flights between Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Cairns Airport (CNS) on an hourly basis. The flight distance between these airports is approximately 1,296 miles.
If you prefer to travel by train, you can expect a journey time of approximately 25 hours and 20 minutes. Queensland Rail Travel operates a train service four times a week, departing from Roma Street in Brisbane and arriving at Cairns Central Station. The cost of train tickets ranges from $55 to $4,100.
Alternatively, you can travel by bus, which takes approximately 29 hours and 30 minutes. There is a direct bus service departing from Brisbane Roma Street and arriving at Cairns Central Station daily. The cost of bus tickets ranges from $120 to $420.
Finally, you can drive between Brisbane and Cairns. The driving distance is approximately 1,047 to 1,051 miles, and the travel time is estimated to be between 15 hours and 19 hours and 45 minutes, depending on your average speed. However, it is not recommended to drive this distance in one go, and many travellers choose to spread the trip over several days or even weeks to explore the attractions along the way.
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Frequently asked questions
The distance between Brisbane and Cairns is approximately 863 to 1051 miles (1390 to 1700 kilometres).
Driving non-stop from Brisbane to Cairns would take about 15 to 20 hours. However, most tourists prefer to spread the trip over several days or even weeks to enjoy the attractions along the way.
The fastest way to get from Brisbane to Cairns is by air travel, which takes around 2 hours and 57 minutes to 5 hours.
The cheapest way to travel from Brisbane to Cairns is by air, with flight tickets ranging from $65 to $390.
