Rome2Rio

How to get fromAuckland Airport (AKL) to Cairnsby plane, train, or bus

Find Transport to Cairns

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Cairns by plane, train, or bus

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 Auckland to Cairns

    best
    1. Fly from Auckland (AKL) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane AKL - CNS
    6h 50m
    $380–900

  2. Fly Auckland to Townsville Airport, train

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Auckland (AKL) to Townsville Airport (TSV)plane plane AKL - TSV
    2. Take the train from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationtrain train
    15h 35m
    $229–2,041

  3. Fly Auckland to Cooktown Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Auckland (AKL) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane AKL - CTN
    2. Take the bus from Cooktown to Cairnsbus bus
    14h 45m
    $326–1,008

  4. Fly Auckland to Whitsunday Coast Airport, train

    1. Fly from Auckland (AKL) to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP)plane plane AKL - PPP
    2. Take the train from Proserpine to Cairns Central Stationtrain train
    18h 6m
    $557–3,092

  5. Fly Auckland Airport to Claris Airport, fly to Whangarei Airport, fly to Cairns

    1. Fly from Auckland Airport to Claris Airportplane plane
    2. Fly from Claris Airport to Whangarei Airportplane plane
    3. Fly from Whangarei Airport (WRE) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane WRE - CNS
    14h 50m
    $827–1,609

  6. Fly Auckland Airport to Claris Airport, fly to Tauranga Airport, fly to Cairns

    1. Fly from Auckland Airport to Claris Airportplane plane
    2. Fly from Claris Airport to Tauranga Airportplane plane
    3. Fly from Tauranga Airport (TRG) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane TRG - CNS
    17h 20m
    $735–1,517

Auckland (AKL) to Cairns (CNS) flights

Calendar33Weekly Planes
Duration8h 21mAverage Duration
Ticket$197Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Cairns.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 3,624.9 km
  • Duration: 6h 50m

What companies run services between Auckland Airport (AKL), New Zealand and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas fly from Auckland (AKL) to Cairns (CNS) 5 times a day.

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