One-way road trip
Brisbane to Cairns one-way car rental
The short answer
Driving Brisbane to Cairns is the great tropical run up the Queensland coast, roughly 1,680 km on the sealed Bruce Highway, past sugarcane country and rainforest to the gateway of the Great Barrier Reef. Pick up in Brisbane, drop off in Cairns, and follow the coast north.
Last checked Oct 21, 2026By Brett Gould2 sources ↓
Distance1,693 km (1,052 mi)
Driving time19 h 15 minest., no stops
Allow7-10 days
Right carAny car
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The drive
- The route is the Bruce Highway, sealed the whole way and well serviced with towns and fuel. It is roughly 1,680 km and about 20 hours of driving, so most people take it over four to seven days rather than in a rush.
- This is a one-way rental: collect in Brisbane and return in Cairns, so you never double back. A one-way fee may apply and is quoted before you book.
- It is a single state the whole way (Queensland), so there are no border stops, and the coast is dotted with places worth an overnight.
Highlights along the way
- Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, an easy first leg out of Brisbane for beaches and national park.
- The Whitsundays (Airlie Beach), the launch point for the reef and the islands.
- Townsville and Magnetic Island, roughly the midpoint for a break. Magnetic Island is allowed, but damage while on the ferry isn't covered.
- Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast, rainforest meeting the sea as you near Cairns.
Related questions
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Quick answers
How long does it take to drive from Brisbane to Cairns?
About 20 hours of driving, roughly 1,680 km on the sealed Bruce Highway. Most people spread it over four to seven days to enjoy the coast rather than drive it in one go.
Can I rent a car one-way from Brisbane to Cairns?
Yes. Pick up in Brisbane and set Cairns as your return city when you search. Any one-way fee is quoted before you book.
Is the Brisbane to Cairns drive difficult?
No. It is sealed highway the whole way and well serviced with towns and fuel. The main things to plan for are the distance, fatigue on long stretches, and wet-season rain from November to April.
When is the best time to drive to Cairns?
The dry season, roughly May to October, is warm and reliable. The wet season brings heat, humidity and the chance of highway flooding.
Sources
1Google MapsDistance and drive time, no stops, rounded to 15 minutes.maps · checked Oct 21, 2026
2Rental company termsRoads, ferries, one-way fees, night driving and kilometers, as shown on each booking.rental terms · checked Oct 21, 2026
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