Rome2Rio

How to get fromGold Coast to Cooktownby plane, train, bus, bus (Greyhound), or car

Find Transport to Cooktown

See all options
QR code to download the Rome2Rio app

Download the Rome2Rio travel app

Scan QR code with your phone to download the app

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

There are 8 ways to get from Gold Coast to Cooktown by plane, train, bus, bus (Greyhound), 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.

  1. Fly Gold Coast Airport to Cooktown Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane OOL - CTN
    9h 36m
    $222–866

  2. Fly Gold Coast Airport to Cairns, bus

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane OOL - CNS
    2. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    10h 58m
    $198–712

  3. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Helensvale station, platform 2 to Roma Streettrain train
    2. Take the train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationtrain train
    3. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    34h
    $246–6,612

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Surfers Paradise to Brisbanebus bus
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    37h 24m
    $342–505

  5. Drive  2,055.5 km

    1. Drive from Gold Coast to Cooktowncar car 2,055.5 km
    24h 19m
    $426–615

  6. Train to Brisbane Airport, fly to Cooktown Airport

    1. Take the train from Helensvale station, platform 2 to International Airport Stationtrain train
    2. Fly from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane BNE - CTN
    7h 47m
    $210–744

  7. Train to Brisbane Airport, fly to Cairns, bus

    1. Take the train from Helensvale station, platform 2 to International Airport Stationtrain train
    2. Fly from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane BNE - CNS
    3. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    12h 24m
    $236–740

  8. Train, bus via Cairns

    1. Take the train from Helensvale station, platform 2 to Roma Streettrain train
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane to Cairnsbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    38h 51m
    $356–812

Gold Coast to Cooktown by tram, train, and bus

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration34hAverage Duration
Ticket$246Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Gold Coast to Cooktown.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,688.4 km
  • Duration: 9h 36m

What companies run services between Gold Coast, QLD, Australia and Cooktown, QLD, Australia?

Jetstar, Hinterland Aviation, and two other airlines fly from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) to Cooktown Airport (CTN) 3 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Surfers Paradise to Cooktown via Brisbane, Brisbane Roma Street, and Cairns in around 37h 24m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around Australia

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Booking & Getting There