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How to get fromCairns to Magnetic Islandby plane, ferry, bus, train, or car

Find Transport to Magnetic Island

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There are 5 ways to get from Cairns to Magnetic Island by plane, ferry, bus, train, 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, ferry

    best
    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
    3h 25m
    $197–597

  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
    7h 8m
    $47–1,468

  3. Bus, ferry

    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
    6h 17m
    $68–331

  4. 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 37m
    $63–291

  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
    6h 42m
    $60–283

Cairns to Magnetic Island by bus and ferry

Calendar25Weekly Services
Duration6h 17mAverage Duration
Ticket$68Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Cairns to Magnetic Island.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 310.3 km
  • Duration: 3h 25m

What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Magnetic Island, QLD, Australia?

There is no direct connection from Cairns to Magnetic Island. However, you can take the shuttle to Cairns Airport, walk to Cairns (CNS) airport, fly to Townsville Airport (TSV), walk to Townsville Airport, take the line 222 bus to Breakwater Terminal, walk to Breakwater Ferry Terminal, then take the ferry to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cairns to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal via Townsville and Breakwater Ferry Terminal in around 6h 17m.

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