Rome2Rio

How to get fromCairns Airport (CNS) to Brisbaneby plane, train, bus, or car

Find Transport to Brisbane

See all options

There are 8 ways to get from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Brisbane by plane, train, bus, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly to Brisbane Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane Airport (BNE)plane plane CNS - BNE
    2h 52m
    $146–643

  2. Fly to Gold Coast Airport, train

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Gold Coast Airport (OOL)plane plane CNS - OOL
    2. Take the train from Varsity Lakes station, platform 2 to Central station, platform 3train train
    4h 50m
    $136–612

  3. Train

    1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Streettrain train Spirit of Queensland
    26h 45m
    $170–6,171

  4. Bus via Cairns Base Hospital

    1. Take the bus from Cairns to Brisbane Coach Terminalbus bus Au050 / ...
    30h 8m
    $250–420

  5. Drive 1,682.8 km

    1. Drive from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Brisbanecar car 1,682.8 km
    19h 59m
    $299–432

  6. Fly to Sunshine Coast Airport, train

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)plane plane CNS - MCY
    2. Take the train from Landsborough station, platform 2 to Central station, platform 5train train
    6h 34m
    $245–668

  7. Fly to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport (WTB)plane plane CNS - WTB
    2. Take the bus from Toowoomba to Brisbanebus bus
    9h 53m
    $600–807

  8. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Cairns Central Station to Brisbane Roma Streetbus bus Pm19
    30h 30m
    $220–320

Cairns Airport (CNS) to Brisbane by shuttle and train

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration26h 45mAverage Duration
Ticket$170Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cairns Airport (CNS) to Brisbane.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,407.4 km
  • Duration: 2h 52m

What companies run services between Cairns Airport (CNS), Australia and Brisbane, QLD, Australia?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas fly from Cairns (CNS) to Brisbane Airport (BNE) hourly. Alternatively, Queensland Rail Travel operates a train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Street 4 times a week. Tickets cost $170–6,171 and the journey takes 25h 20m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around Australia

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

More Questions & Answers