Cairns to Mount Isa: Road Trip Guide & Distance

487.7 miles 784.8 km · straight line
695.8 miles actual route 1119.8 km · driving distance
13h 59min estimated drive time
AUD 131 - AUD 161 estimated fuel cost
~1h 29min flight time
236° WSW bearing direction

How far is Cairns from Mount Isa?

The distance from Cairns to Mount Isa is 487.7 miles (784.8 km) as the crow flies. Mount Isa is located WSW of Cairns. By car, the driving distance is approximately 695.8 miles, taking about 13h 59min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 29min. 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. 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 Cairns and Mount Isa. 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 Mount Isa

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 13h 59min AUD 131 - AUD 161 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 29min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~16h 47min $56–$104* Budget
Train ~13h 17min $83–$244* Comfort

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

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

Quick Facts

Cairns
16.92°S, 145.78°E
Australia/Brisbane
0m elevation
Mount Isa
20.73°S, 139.50°E
Australia/Brisbane
363m elevation

From Cairns

From Mount Isa

Explore more routes from Mount Isa

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 163 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 41 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 51.1 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM