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How to get fromCairns to Horseshoe Bayby bus, ferry, train, car, or plane

Find Transport to Horseshoe Bay

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There are 5 ways to get from Cairns to Horseshoe Bay by bus, ferry, train, car, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Bus, ferry

    best
    1. Take the bus from Cairns to Townsvillebus bus Townsville / ...
    2. Take the ferry from Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminalferry ferry 1F
    7h 28m
    $68–331

  2. Train, ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Townsvilletrain train Spirit of Queensland
    2. Take the ferry from Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminalferry ferry 1F
    8h 24m
    $48–1,469

  3. Drive, ferry

    1. Drive from Cairns to Breakwater Ferry Terminalcar car
    2. Take the ferry from Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminalferry ferry 1F
    4h 45m
    $63–292

  4. Fly, ferry

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Townsville Airport (TSV)plane plane CNS - TSV
    2. Take the ferry from Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminalferry ferry
    4h 55m
    $195–563

  5. Bus, ferry via Cairns Central Station

    1. Take the bus from Cairns Central Station to Townsvillebus bus Pm19
    2. Take the ferry from Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminalferry ferry 1F
    7h 53m
    $55–276

Cairns to Horseshoe Bay by bus and ferry

Calendar25Weekly Services
Duration7h 28mAverage Duration
Ticket$68Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cairns to Horseshoe Bay.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 395.9 km
  • Duration: 7h 28m

What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Horseshoe Bay, QLD, Australia?

There is no direct connection from Cairns to Horseshoe Bay. However, you can take the bus to Townsville, walk to Breakwater Ferry Terminal, take the ferry to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, walk to Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal Stop 2, then take the line 250 bus to Pacific Dr at Horseshoe Bay. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cairns Central Station to Pacific Dr at Horseshoe Bay via Townsville, Flinders St at Townsville station, Breakwater Terminal, Breakwater Ferry Terminal, Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, and Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal Stop 2 in around 8h 24m.

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