Rome2Rio

How to get fromCairns to Ballaratby plane, train, bus, or car

Find Transport to Ballarat

See all options

There are 7 ways to get from Cairns to Ballarat by plane, train, bus, 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 to Melbourne Airport, train

    best
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne Airport (MEL)plane plane CNS - MEL
    2. Take the train from Sunshine Station to Ballarat Stationtrain train
    6h 53m
    $189–642

  2. Train via Sydney

    1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Streettrain train
    2. Take the train from Roma Street Station to Central Stationtrain train 32
    3. Take the train from Central Station to Southern Crosstrain train 623 / ...
    4. Take the train from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Stationtrain train
    2d 6h
    $345–6,667

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Cairns to Brisbane Coach Terminalbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Roma Street Station, Stand F to Central Station, Forecourt, Coach Bay 1bus bus
    3. Take the bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal/Spencer Stbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal/Spencer St to Ballarat Station/Lydiard Stbus bus
    2d 11h
    $431–672

  4. Drive  2,783.4 km

    1. Drive from Cairns to Ballaratcar car 2,783.4 km
    32h 31m
    $507–732

  5. Fly to Avalon Airport, train

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Avalon Airport (AVV)plane plane CNS - AVV
    2. Take the train from Lara Station to Deer Park Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Deer Park Station to Ballarat Stationtrain train
    10h 16m
    $386–1,408

  6. Train

    1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Streettrain train
    2. Take the train from Brisbane to Southern Crosstrain train
    3. Take the train from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Stationtrain train
    3d 7h
    $2,781–9,878

  7. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Cairns Central Station to Brisbane Roma Streetbus bus
    2. Take the train from Brisbane to Southern Crosstrain train
    3. Take the train from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Stationtrain train
    3d 11h
    $2,855–4,050

Cairns to Ballarat by train

Calendar4Weekly Trains
Duration2d 6hAverage Duration
Ticket$345Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Cairns to Ballarat.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 2,438.1 km
  • Duration: 6h 53m

What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Ballarat, VIC, Australia?

You can take a train from Cairns Central Station to Ballarat Station via Roma Street, Roma Street Station, Central Station, and Southern Cross Station in around 2d 6h. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cairns to Ballarat Station/Lydiard St via Brisbane Coach Terminal, Roma Street Station, Stand F, Central Station, and Southern Cross Coach Terminal/Spencer St in around 2d 11h.

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