There are 4 ways to get from Cairns to Kuranda by bus, train, taxi or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Recommended option
Line 850 bus • 40 min
$10 - $15
Cheapest option
Train • 1h 55m
$8 - $75
2 alternative options
Taxi • 29 min
$120 - $150
Drive • 29 min
$3 - $5
Cairns to Kuranda by bus
The bus journey time between Cairns and Kuranda is around 42 min and covers a distance of around 30 km. The fastest bus normally takes 40 min. Operated by Trans North Bus & Coach, the Cairns to Kuranda bus service departs from Cairns Central Terminus and arrives in Therwine St near Coondoo St. Typically 24 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.
Cairns to Kuranda bus schedules
Buses departing Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Buses departing Thursday, May 20, 2021
Buses departing Friday, May 21, 2021
Travel safe during COVID-19
Rules to follow in Australia
1.5m
Regional advice
Travel within Australia
Regional restriction measures in place
Domestic border crossings may be subject to approval, testing and quarantine
COVID-19 help in Australia
If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 1800 020 080
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently travel restrictions within Australia.
Explore options for future travelDomestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are recommended
- There is a social distancing requirement of 1.5 metres
- Regional restriction measures in place
- Domestic border crossings may be subject to approval, testing and quarantine
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Kuranda is 1800 020 080.
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Kuranda is subject to regional advice.
The social distance requirement in Kuranda is 1.5 metres.
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 1800 020 080.
Last updated: 16 May 2021
Exceptions may apply, for full details: Department of Home Affairs.
We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help.
Questions & Answers
The most affordable way to get from Cairns to Kuranda is to drive, which costs $3 - $5 and takes 29 min.
The quickest way to get from Cairns to Kuranda is to taxi which costs $120 - $150 and takes 29 min.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Cairns Central Terminus and arriving at Therwine St near Coondoo St. Services depart three times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 40 min.
Yes, there is a direct train departing from Cairns station station and arriving at Kuranda station station. Services depart twice daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 1h 55m.
The distance between Cairns and Kuranda is 18 km. The road distance is 29.4 km.
The best way to get from Cairns to Kuranda without a car is to line 850 bus which takes 40 min and costs $10 - $15.
The line 850 bus from Cairns Central Terminus to Therwine St near Coondoo St takes 40 min including transfers and departs three times a day.
Cairns to Kuranda bus services, operated by Trans North Bus & Coach, depart from Cairns Central Terminus station.
Cairns to Kuranda train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, depart from Cairns station.
The best way to get from Cairns to Kuranda is to line 850 bus which takes 40 min and costs $10 - $15. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $8 - $75 and takes 1h 55m.
- Distance: 18.2 km
- Duration: 40 min
What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Kuranda, QLD, Australia?
Trans North Bus & Coach operates a bus from Cairns Central Terminus to Therwine St near Coondoo St 3 times a day. Tickets cost $10 - $15 and the journey takes 40 min. Alternatively, Queensland Rail Travel operates a train from Cairns station to Kuranda station twice daily. Tickets cost $8 - $75 and the journey takes 1h 55m.
- Phone
- 1300 131 722
- reservations@qr.com.au
- Website
- queenslandrailtravel.com.au
Train from Cairns station to Kuranda station
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 55m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- $8 - $75
- Book at
- Queensland Rail Travel
- Economy-B-Quick fare
- $13 - $19
- Economy-A-Choice Fare
- $8 - $12
- Heritage
- $50
- Royal
- $73
- Phone
- +61(07)30362070
- Website
- transnorthbus.com.au
Bus from Cairns Central Terminus to Therwine St near Coondoo St
- Ave. Duration
- 40 min
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- $10 - $15
- Schedules at
- transnorthbus.com.au
- Ave. Duration
- 29 min
- Estimated price
- $120 - $150
Cairns Taxis
- Phone
- +61 7 4048 8333
- Website
- cairnstaxis.com.au
Want to know more about travelling around Australia
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Cairns to Kuranda bus services, operated by Trans North Bus & Coach, arrive at Therwine St near Coondoo St station.
Cairns to Kuranda train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, arrive at Kuranda station.
Yes, the driving distance between Cairns to Kuranda is 29 km. It takes approximately 29 min to drive from Cairns to Kuranda.
There are 265+ hotels available in Kuranda. Prices start at $125 AUD per night.