Brisbane to Cairns
Brisbane to Cairns up the Bruce Highway is 1705 km, usually driven across 2 days with a stop in Mackay or Townsville. One of the longest carpool routes in Australia but still cheaper than a Greyhound ticket.
Distance
1705 km
Drive time
20h
Seat from
$108
Cost comparison
Brisbane to Cairns, every which way
Carpool
$108 to $147
per seat on RideMates
Flight
$120 to $250 one way
plus bags and transfers
Bus
$180 to $280 on Greyhound (29 hours)
slower, more stops
Drive solo
around $443 in fuel
fuel and wear, before tolls
Why RideMates
Why carpool this route?
Cheaper than the bus
Greyhound is $180+ and takes 29 hours. A carpool is $108 to $147 and usually done in 2 days with an overnight.
See the Queensland coast
Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Mission Beach. The drive threads every coastal town.
Drop anywhere up the coast
Heading to Bundaberg, Mackay, or Townsville instead? Brisbane-Cairns drivers pass through all of them.
On the way
Common stops between Brisbane and Cairns
Most drivers take a break somewhere along the route. Some will drop passengers off here too.
FAQ
Brisbane to Cairns questions
How much is a Brisbane to Cairns carpool?
Typical seats are $108 to $147 per seat. Cheaper than the bus and often comparable to a last-minute flight without the airport transfers.
How long is the drive?
Around 20 hours of driving time. Most drivers split it across 2 days with an overnight in Mackay or Townsville.
Can I get dropped halfway up the coast?
Yes. Drivers often pick up intermediate passengers. Check the route before booking.
More carpools from these cities
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