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.
Cairns to Kuranda by bus
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Rules to follow in Australia
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Regional advice
Travel within Australia
Observe COVID-19 safety rules
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
- Observe COVID-19 safety rules
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.
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 1800 020 080.
Last updated: 25 Jun 2022
Exceptions may apply, for full details: Department of Home Affairs.
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Questions & Answers
The most affordable way to get from Cairns to Kuranda is to drive, which costs $3 - $6 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 hail 'n' ride. Services depart once daily, 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 bus which takes 40 min and costs $7 - $20.
The bus from Cairns Central Terminus to Therwine St near Coondoo St hail 'n' ride takes 40 min including transfers and departs once daily.
Cairns to Kuranda bus services, operated by Trans North Innisfail, 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 bus which takes 40 min and costs $7 - $20. 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 Innisfail operates a bus from Cairns Central Terminus to Therwine St near Coondoo St hail 'n' ride 5 times a day. Tickets cost $7 - $11 and the journey takes 40 min. Trans North Bus & Coach also services this route 6 times a week. 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
- 1300131722 (+61736066630 for international calls)
- 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
- Website
- transnorthbus.com
Bus from Cairns Central Terminus to Therwine St near Coondoo St hail 'n' ride
- Ave. Duration
- 40 min
- Frequency
- 5 times a day
- Estimated price
- $7 - $11
- Schedules at
- transnorthbus.com
- Adult Single Fare
- $7 - $11

- Phone
- +61(07)30362070
- Website
- transnorthbus.com.au
Bus from Cairns to Kuranda
- Ave. Duration
- 30 min
- Frequency
- 6 times a week
- Estimated price
- $14 - $20
- Schedules at
- transnorthbus.com.au
- Book at
- tnbc.com.au
- Ave. Duration
- 29 min
- Estimated price
- $120 - $150
Cairns Taxis
- Phone
- +61 7 4048 8333
- Website
- cairnstaxis.com.au
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Cairns to Kuranda bus services, operated by Trans North Innisfail, arrive at Therwine St near Coondoo St hail 'n' ride 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 279+ hotels available in Kuranda. Prices start at $150 AUD per night.