How to get from Brisbane to Cairns

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What is the best way to travel from Brisbane to Cairns?

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Buses and Flights for the journey to Cairns from Brisbane. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 1 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Flight is the cheapest and fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
30h 0m
$349
$392
6
Flight
2h 20m
$54
$180
93

What is the cheapest way to reach Cairns from Brisbane?

You can get to Cairns with just $54 by taking a Flight from Jetstar Airways, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

Monday
from $70
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
from $101
Friday
from $104
Saturday
from $69
Sunday
from $54

    Cheapest Flights Monday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 20m
    0
    6:35 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:55 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $70
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    6:10 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:40 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $99
  • Qantas Airways
    2h 30m
    0
    3:40 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    6:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $144
  • Alliance Airlines
    2h 30m
    0
    8:20 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    10:50 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $146
  • Air Niugini
    7h 50m
    0
    10:40 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    6:30 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Air Niugini
    Economy
    from $598
  • Cheapest Buses Monday

  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 40m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $350

    Cheapest Flights Thursday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 25m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:25 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $101
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    6:10 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:40 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $103
  • Qantas Airways
    20h 30m
    0
    12:45 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    9:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $330
  • Alliance Airlines
    11h 50m
    0
    8:15 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:05 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $357
  • Air Niugini
    7h 50m
    0
    10:40 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    6:30 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Air Niugini
    Economy
    from $522
  • Cheapest Buses Thursday

  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 40m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $349
  • Greyhound Australia
    32h 40m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $423

    Cheapest Flights Friday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 25m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:25 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $104
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    9:05 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    11:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $109
  • Alliance Airlines
    2h 30m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:35 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $226
  • Qantas Airways
    13h 15m
    0
    8:30 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    9:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $288
  • Air Niugini
    10h 30m
    0
    8:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    6:30 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Air Niugini
    Economy
    from $410
  • Cheapest Buses Friday

  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 40m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $355

    Cheapest Flights Saturday

  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    5:50 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:20 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $69
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 20m
    0
    6:35 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:55 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $73
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    1:40 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    4:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $79
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 25m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:25 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $117
  • Alliance Airlines
    2h 30m
    0
    6:25 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:55 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $130
  • Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • Greyhound Australia
    30h 0m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Roma Street Train Station
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $369
  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 30m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Brisbane
    Roma Street Train Station
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $378
  • Greyhound Australia
    32h 0m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Roma Street Train Station
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $378
  • Greyhound Australia
    32h 40m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Roma Street Train Station
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $378
  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 40m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $409

    Cheapest Flights Sunday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 25m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:25 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $54
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    6:10 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:40 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $69
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 30m
    0
    8:45 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    11:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $80
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    10:40 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    1:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $89
  • Alliance Airlines
    2h 30m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:35 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $143
  • Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • Greyhound Australia
    30h 0m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Pier Point
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $384
  • Greyhound Australia
    32h 40m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $425
  • Greyhound Australia
    30h 0m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $429
  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 30m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $431
  • Greyhound Australia
    35h 10m
    0
    8:50 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $436

What are the fastest trips from Brisbane to Cairns?

You can get to Cairns from Brisbane in just 2h 20m with a Flight from Jetstar Airways. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

Monday
from 2h 20m
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
from 2h 25m
Friday
from 2h 25m
Saturday
from 2h 20m
Sunday
from 2h 25m

    Fastest Flights Monday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 20m
    0
    6:35 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:55 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $70
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    6:10 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:40 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $99
  • Qantas Airways
    2h 30m
    0
    3:40 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    6:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $144
  • Alliance Airlines
    2h 30m
    0
    8:20 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    10:50 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $146
  • Air Niugini
    7h 50m
    0
    10:40 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    6:30 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Air Niugini
    Economy
    from $598
  • Fastest Buses Monday

  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 40m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $350

    Fastest Flights Thursday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 25m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:25 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $101
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    6:10 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:40 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $103
  • Air Niugini
    7h 50m
    0
    10:40 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    6:30 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Air Niugini
    Economy
    from $522
  • Alliance Airlines
    11h 50m
    0
    8:15 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:05 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $357
  • Qantas Airways
    20h 30m
    0
    12:45 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    9:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $330
  • Fastest Buses Thursday

  • Greyhound Australia
    32h 40m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $423
  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 40m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $349

    Fastest Flights Friday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 25m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:25 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $104
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    9:05 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    11:35 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $109
  • Alliance Airlines
    2h 30m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:35 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $226
  • Air Niugini
    10h 30m
    0
    8:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    6:30 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Air Niugini
    Economy
    from $410
  • Qantas Airways
    13h 15m
    0
    8:30 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    9:45 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from $288
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 40m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $355

    Fastest Flights Saturday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 20m
    0
    6:35 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:55 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $73
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 25m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:25 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $117
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    5:50 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:20 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $69
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    1:40 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    4:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $79
  • Alliance Airlines
    2h 30m
    0
    6:25 PM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:55 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $130
  • Fastest Buses Saturday

  • Greyhound Australia
    30h 0m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Roma Street Train Station
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $369
  • Greyhound Australia
    32h 0m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Roma Street Train Station
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $378
  • Greyhound Australia
    32h 40m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Roma Street Train Station
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $378
  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 30m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Brisbane
    Roma Street Train Station
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $378
  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 40m
    0
    12:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $409

    Fastest Flights Sunday

  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 25m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:25 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $54
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    6:10 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:40 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $69
  • Jetstar Airways
    2h 30m
    0
    8:45 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    11:15 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from $80
  • Virgin Australia
    2h 30m
    0
    10:40 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    1:10 PM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from $89
  • Alliance Airlines
    2h 30m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:35 AM
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from $143
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • Greyhound Australia
    30h 0m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Pier Point
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $384
  • Greyhound Australia
    30h 0m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $429
  • Greyhound Australia
    32h 40m
    0
    2:00 PM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    10:40 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $425
  • Greyhound Australia
    34h 30m
    0
    9:30 AM
    Brisbane
    Transit Centre
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $431
  • Greyhound Australia
    35h 10m
    0
    8:50 AM
    Brisbane Airport
    Brisbane Airport
    8:00 PM
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    Greyhound Australia
    Economy
    $436
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Brisbane to Cairns

What are the most popular stations in Brisbane and Cairns?

In Brisbane, you will usually depart from Roma Street Train Station, Transit Centre or Queen Street, while in Cairns you will be arriving at Bus Stop, Pier Point or City Centre Bus station, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Cairns from Brisbane? With 7 connections between 1 Bus and Flight operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Brisbane and Cairns, you can pay as low as $54 with a Flight from Jetstar Airways.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Flight from Jetstar Airways: you will get to Cairns in just 2h 20m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Brisbane and Cairns are Greyhound Australia, Jetstar Airways and Virgin Australia, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Brisbane and Cairns is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Kelvin Grove or to Edge Hill, and look at flights from Brisbane Airport, and landing at Cairns Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Brisbane to Cairns?

The most popular companies between Brisbane and Cairns, are Greyhound Australia, Jetstar Airways and Virgin Australia. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: Greyhound Australia

Airlines: Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, Alliance Airlines and 2 more.

All you need to know when you travel from Brisbane to Cairns

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Brisbane to Cairns. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Brisbane to Cairns

How can I reach Cairns from Brisbane?

Every day, there are on average 7 connections between Bus and Flight, with which you can get to Cairns from Brisbane.

How far is Cairns from Brisbane?

The distance between Brisbane and Cairns is 863.8 miles.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Brisbane and Cairns?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 38 kgs of CO2, a train 49 kgs, a car 236 kgs, and a flight 342 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Brisbane to Cairns?

You can get to Cairns with just $54 by taking a Flight from Jetstar Airways.

What is the fastest way to get from Brisbane to Cairns?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Cairns in just 2h 20m with a Flight from Jetstar Airways.

More routes to Brisbane and to Cairns

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Brisbane and to Cairns. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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