Airlie Beach to Cairns: Road Trip Guide & Distance

301.1 miles 484.5 km · straight line
385.7 miles actual route 620.8 km · driving distance
8h 18min estimated drive time
AUD 73 - AUD 89 estimated fuel cost
~1h 6min flight time
320° NW bearing direction

How far is Airlie Beach from Cairns?

The distance from Airlie Beach to Cairns is 301.1 miles (484.5 km) as the crow flies. Cairns is located NW of Airlie Beach. By car, the driving distance is approximately 385.7 miles, taking about 8h 18min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 6min. Both are located in Australia.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Airlie Beach and Cairns. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Airlie Beach to Cairns

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 8h 18min AUD 73 - AUD 89 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 6min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~9h 58min $31–$58* Budget
Train ~7h 53min $46–$135* Comfort

For 2+ travelers, driving is usually cheaper. Solo? Consider the bus.

* Estimated range. Actual prices vary by date and provider.

Quick Facts

Airlie Beach
20.27°S, 148.72°E
Australia/Brisbane
0m elevation
Cairns
16.92°S, 145.78°E
Australia/Brisbane
0m elevation

From Airlie Beach

From Cairns

Explore more routes from Cairns

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 100 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 25 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 82.7 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM