What is the cheapest way to get from Cairns to Nelson?

The cheapest way to get from Cairns to Nelson is to fly and bus which costs $380 - $1,600 and takes 22h 30m.

What is the fastest way to get from Cairns to Nelson?

The fastest way to get from Cairns to Nelson is to fly and bus which takes 15h 5m and costs $550 - $2,300.

How far is it from Cairns to Nelson?

The distance between Cairns and Nelson is 3945 km.

How long does it take to get from Cairns to Nelson?

It takes approximately 15h 5m to get from Cairns to Nelson, including transfers.

What is the time difference between Cairns and Nelson?

Nelson is 3h ahead of Cairns. It is currently 9:03 PM in Cairns and 12:03 AM in Nelson.

Where can I stay near Nelson?

There are 375+ hotels available in Nelson.

Cairns to Nelson - 4 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and shuttle

How to get fromCairns to Nelson

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There are 4 ways to get from Cairns to Nelson by plane, bus, shuttle, or train

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

Fly Cairns to Woodbourne Airport, bus
best
1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Woodbourne Airport (BHE)plane CNS - BHE
2. Take the bus from Woodbourne to Nelsonbus
15h 5m
$570–2,274
Fly Cairns to Picton, bus
cheapest
1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Picton (PCN)plane CNS - PCN
2. Take the bus from Koromiko to Nelsonbus
22h 30m
$380–1,514
Fly Cairns to Christchurch International Airport, shuttle
1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Christchurch International Airport (CHC)plane CNS - CHC
2. Take a shuttle bus from Christchurch to Nelsonshuttle
15h 34m
$689–1,967
Train to Townsville Airport, fly to Nelson Airport
1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Townsvilletrain
2. Fly from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Nelson Airport (NSN)plane TSV - NSN
18h 35m
$461–3,270

Cairns (CNS) to Woodbourne Airport (BHE) flights

17Weekly Planes

16h 59mAverage Duration

$553Cheapest Price

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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Cairns to Nelson.

Launch map view

Distance: 3,944.9 km
Duration: 15h 5m

What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Nelson, New Zealand?

There is no direct connection from Cairns to Nelson. However, you can take the shuttle to Cairns Airport, walk to Cairns (CNS) airport, fly to Woodbourne Airport (BHE), walk to Woodbourne, then take the bus to Nelson. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle to Cairns Airport, walk to Cairns (CNS) airport, fly to Christchurch International Airport (CHC), walk to Christchurch International Airport, take the line 8 bus to Hereford St near Colombo St, walk to Christchurch, then take the shuttle to Nelson.

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