Gold Coast to Cairns
2h 16m The flight from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) to Cairns International Airport (CNS) covers 1,486 km (923 miles) and takes approximately 2h 16m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads north-west on an initial great-circle bearing of 326°, passing near 22.6° S, 149.5° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 2h 42m | 3h 07m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 1h 54m | 2h 19m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 1h 39m | 2h 04m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 1h 45m | 2h 10m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| OOL | CNS | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Gold Coast Airport | Cairns International Airport |
| City | Gold Coast | Cairns |
| Country | Australia | Australia |
| ICAO | YBCG | YBCS |
| Coordinates | -28.166, 153.5066 | -16.8789, 145.7495 |
| Elevation | 21 ft | 10 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Gold Coast to Cairns?
A non-stop flight from Gold Coast (OOL) to Cairns (CNS) takes about 2h 16m. The great-circle distance is 1,486 km (923 miles, 802 nautical miles), flying north-west on an initial bearing of 326°.
How far is Gold Coast from Cairns?
1,486 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 923 miles or 802 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between OOL and CNS?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 1,486 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Other routes from Gold Coast
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.