Cairns to Gladstone: Road Trip Guide & Distance

595.8 miles 958.9 km · straight line
728.9 miles actual route 1173 km · driving distance
15h 22min estimated drive time
AUD 137 - AUD 169 estimated fuel cost
~1h 42min flight time
144° SE bearing direction

How far is Cairns from Gladstone?

The distance from Cairns to Gladstone is 595.8 miles (958.9 km) as the crow flies. Gladstone is located SE of Cairns. By car, the driving distance is approximately 728.9 miles, taking about 15h 22min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 42min. Both are located in Australia.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Cairns and Gladstone. 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 Cairns to Gladstone

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 15h 22min AUD 137 - AUD 169 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 42min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~18h 26min $58–$109* Budget
Train ~19h 59min $87–$255* Comfort

Flying saves significant time. Driving is better if you want flexibility and stops.

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

Suggested Stops Between Cairns & Gladstone

Quick Facts

Cairns
16.92°S, 145.78°E
Australia/Brisbane
0m elevation
Gladstone
23.85°S, 151.26°E
Australia/Brisbane
21m elevation

From Cairns

From Gladstone

Explore more routes from Gladstone

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 199 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 50 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 41.8 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM