Rome2Rio

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

Find Transport to Katoomba

See all options

There are 7 ways to get from Cairns to Katoomba 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 Sydney International Airport, train

    best
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney International Airport (SYD)plane plane CNS - SYD
    2. Take the train from Central Station to Katoomba Stationtrain train
    7h 9m
    $140–471

  2. Train

    1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Streettrain train
    2. Take the train from Roma Street Station to Strathfield Stationtrain train 32
    3. Take the train from Strathfield Station to Katoomba Stationtrain train Bmt
    42h 29m
    $261–6,432

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Cairns to Brisbane Coach Terminalbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Roma Street Station, Stand F to Strathfield Station, Everton Rd, Stand Abus bus
    3. Take the bus from Strathfield Station, Everton Rd to Katoombabus bus
    47h 33m
    $353–524

  4. Drive  2,327.9 km

    1. Drive from Cairns to Katoombacar car 2,327.9 km
    27h 5m
    $423–611

  5. Fly to Newcastle Airport, train

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Newcastle Airport (NTL)plane plane CNS - NTL
    2. Take the train from Hamilton Station to Strathfield Stationtrain train
    3. Take the train from Strathfield Station to Katoomba Stationtrain train
    11h 22m
    $246–821

  6. Fly to Orange Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Orange Airport (OAG)plane plane CNS - OAG
    2. Take the bus from Lucknow to Katoombabus bus
    10h 18m
    $695–793

  7. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Cairns Central Station to Brisbane Roma Streetbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane to Central Stationbus bus
    3. Take the train from Central Station to Katoomba Stationtrain train Bmt
    2d 2h
    $407–705

Cairns to Katoomba by train

Calendar4Weekly Trains
Duration42h 29mAverage Duration
Ticket$261Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Cairns to Katoomba.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 2,098.7 km
  • Duration: 7h 9m

What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Katoomba, NSW, Australia?

You can take a train from Cairns Central Station to Katoomba Station via Roma Street, Roma Street Station, and Strathfield Station in around 42h 29m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cairns to Katoomba via Brisbane Coach Terminal, Roma Street Station, Stand F, Strathfield Station, Everton Rd, Stand A, and Strathfield Station, Everton Rd in around 47h 33m.

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