Cost to Drive from Brisbane to Cairns
1,694 km via the Bruce Hwy · about 21 h 55 min driving · range spans 6–11 L/100 km at Brisbane's weekly average price
Fuel: Brisbane U91 avg, week ending 12 July 2026 · distance computed once from open routingThe Bruce Highway is the long coastal corridor between Brisbane and Cairns, and it's a multi-day drive rather than something to attempt in a single sitting. It passes through a string of regional centres, so fuel is available along the way, but prices vary noticeably between the larger towns and the quieter stretches. Plan overnight stops and top up in the bigger centres, where fuel tends to be cheaper.
Brisbane → Cairns fuel cost
Default price: Brisbane average U91, week ending 12 July 2026. Fuel only — tolls, wear and rest stops not included.
The breakdown at typical consumption
| Car | L/100 km | Fuel used | One way | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economical small car / hybrid | 6.0 | 101.6 L | $172.69 | $345.37 |
| Typical car | 8.0 | 135.5 L | $230.25 | $460.50 |
| Large SUV / ute | 11.0 | 186.3 L | $316.59 | $633.18 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to drive from Brisbane to Cairns?
- Between $173 and $317 in fuel one way at this week's Brisbane average price (169.9 c/L), depending on your car's consumption (6–11 L/100 km). A typical 8 L/100 km car uses about $230.25.
- How far is Brisbane to Cairns by road?
- 1,694 km via the Bruce Hwy, around 21 h 55 min of driving without long stops.
Related trips
- Cairns → Brisbane (reverse)
- Brisbane → Sydney
- Brisbane → Gold Coast
- Brisbane → Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore)
- Brisbane → Byron Bay
- Brisbane → Toowoomba
- Brisbane fuel prices
- Australian Institute of Petroleum — weekly prices reportverified
- OSRM open routing (road distance, computed at build)cross-checked
Fuel cost only — tolls, food and accommodation not included. Distance is the practical sealed-road driving route; drive time excludes long breaks. Prices along remote corridors run above city averages.