Brisbane, Australia → Cairns, Australia · ✈ 2h 14min · 🚗 22h 35min
751 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: northwest
The distance from Brisbane to Cairns is 1,390 km (864 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 14min.
The straight-line distance from Brisbane, Australia to Cairns, Australia is approximately 1,390 kilometers (864 miles or 751 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Cairns is located northwest of Brisbane. Brisbane is in Oceania, in the Queensland region of Australia, while Cairns is in Oceania, in Queensland, Australia. Both cities are in Oceania.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,390 km | ~2h 14min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,807 km | ~22h 35min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,668 km | ~13h 54min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Brisbane to Cairns. For 1,390 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,807 km, fuel costs for driving from Brisbane to Cairns are approximately $145–$271 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Brisbane sits at 27.4698°S, 153.0251°E, while Cairns is located at 16.9186°S, 145.7781°E. The initial compass bearing from Brisbane to Cairns is 326° (NW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Brisbane heading roughly NW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 10.55° and the longitude difference is 7.25°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Brisbane and Cairns is approximately 22.2343°S, 149.2649°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 695 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Brisbane and Cairns share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Brisbane is a major city in Australia with a population of approximately 2,560,720. Located in the Queensland region, it is an important hub in Oceania. Brisbane is a significant metropolitan area in Australia with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Brisbane
Cairns is a notable city in Australia with a population of approximately 153,075. Situated in the Queensland region, it serves as a key destination in Oceania. Cairns is a popular destination in the Queensland region of Australia, known for its unique character and attractions.
1,390 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,390 km, the Brisbane-Cairns route is about 3.5% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 2h 14min.
The straight-line distance from Brisbane to Cairns is approximately 1,390 kilometers (864 miles, 751 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 14min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 22h 35min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Cairns is approximately Same timezone compared to Brisbane.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,807 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,390 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.