How far is Brisbane from Cairns?

The distance separating Brisbane and Cairns is 863 miles (1392 km).

What are the best sights and things to do in Cairns?

Once in Cairns, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Cairns Golf Club, The Esplanade, Kurunda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Muddy's Playground and Green Island.

Bus Brisbane to Cairns from $195 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Brisbane to Cairns on November 27
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	7:35am	BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT	1d 15h	10:40pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Cheapest
	Bus	8:30am	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 14h	10:40pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Fastest

Next departures for Brisbane to Cairns on November 30
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	11:05am	BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT	1d 8h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Cheapest
Bus	12:00pm	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 8h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Fastest
Bus	12:00pm	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 10h	10:40pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	No tags
Bus	11:05am	BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT	1d 11h	10:40pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Friday at 9:25 AM AEST.

Get from Brisbane to Cairns

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 1 day, 9 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just $193, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

6bus per day

1d 9hAverage Duration

860 milesDistance

35kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Greyhound Australia

4/52,362 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi3.8

Based on 2362 reviews, the company was rated 4.2 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the wifi. Greyhound Australia ticket prices on this trip start at $193

AU bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Brisbane to Cairns by bus

How far is Brisbane from Cairns?
What are the best sights and things to do in Cairns?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11/23

$397

11/24

$360

Today

$382

11/26

$386

11/27

$408

11/28

No data

11/29

$358

11/30

$377

The cheapest trip from Brisbane to Cairns was searched and found on Nov 29, 2025 with a price of $358

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Brisbane to Cairns, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $358 to $500 for a bus ticket from Brisbane to Cairns based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $358 which is on 2025-11-29.