Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is significantly faster and often more cost-effective for this distance.

How long is the flight?

The flight time is approximately 2.5 hours.

What is the best route by road?

The Bruce Highway (A1) is the primary route connecting Cairns and Brisbane.

The Spirit of Queensland train runs from Cairns to Brisbane, taking about 24 hours.

Pack for both tropical weather in the north and temperate weather in the south.

Mount Molloy

Brisbane

Flight Driving

Mount Molloy to Brisbane

Updated: 28 May 2026

The distance from Mount Molloy to Brisbane is approximately 1,700 kilometers by road. Most travelers drive to Cairns Airport (about 75 minutes) and take a flight to Brisbane, which takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, driving the Bruce Highway takes roughly 20 hours of pure driving time, usually spread over two or three days. This route traverses the entire length of the Queensland coast. Flying is the most efficient method for long-distance travel between these two points.

Total Distance: 1,700 km driving distance; 1,400 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Cairns Airport is the fastest way, taking 2.5 hours in the air plus airport transit time.

Cheapest Way

Flying with a budget airline like Jetstar is often cheaper than the fuel and accommodation costs of a 20-hour drive.

Compare Mount Molloy to Brisbane Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours 30 mins	20 hours
Avg Price	150-350 AUD	300-400 AUD fuel
Operator	Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia	Personal Vehicle
Route	Cairns Airport (CNS) to Brisbane Airport (BNE).	Kennedy Highway to Bruce Highway (A1).
Tip	Book flights in advance to secure lower fares, especially during school holidays.	Plan for overnight stops in towns like Rockhampton or Mackay.

Travel Tips

Airport Parking
Use long-term parking at Cairns Airport if you are flying to Brisbane.
Bruce Highway
If driving, be prepared for heavy truck traffic and frequent roadworks.
Flight Booking
Use comparison sites to find the best deals on flights from Cairns.
Accommodation
Book hotels in Brisbane near the CBD for easy access to public transport.
Hydration
If driving, carry plenty of water as the Queensland heat can be intense.

Safety Tips

Fatigue Management
If driving, take a break every two hours to avoid driver fatigue.
Wildlife
Avoid driving at dawn or dusk on the Bruce Highway to minimize animal collision risks.
Weather Alerts
Check for flood warnings on the Bruce Highway during the wet season.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your car is serviced before embarking on a 1,700 km road trip.