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

Find Transport to Magnetic Island

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There are 5 ways to get from Cairns to Magnetic Island 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
    6h 40m
    $67–330

  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 36m
    $47–1,468

  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 37m
    $63–290

  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 6m
    $195–567

  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 5m
    $54–275

Cairns to Magnetic Island by bus and ferry

Calendar25Weekly Services
Duration6h 40mAverage Duration
Ticket$67Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cairns to Magnetic Island.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 389.2 km
  • Duration: 6h 40m

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 bus to Townsville, walk to Breakwater Ferry Terminal, then take the ferry to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cairns Central Station to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal via Townsville, Flinders St at Townsville station, Breakwater Terminal, and Breakwater Ferry Terminal in around 7h 36m.

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