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How to get fromCairns to Palm Islandby bus, ferry, train, or plane

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There are 4 ways to get from Cairns to Palm Island by bus, ferry, train, 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 Palm Island Jettyferry ferry
    8h 52m
    $67–1,330

  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 Palm Island Jettyferry ferry
    9h 48m
    $47–2,468

  3. Fly, ferry

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Townsville Airport (TSV)plane plane CNS - TSV
    2. Take the ferry from Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Palm Island Jettyferry ferry
    6h 19m
    $194–1,565

  4. 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 Palm Island Jettyferry ferry
    9h 17m
    $54–1,275

Cairns (CNS) to Townsville Airport (TSV) flights

Calendar34Weekly Planes
Duration56 minAverage Duration
Ticket$163Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cairns to Palm Island.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 442.3 km
  • Duration: 8h 52m

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

There is no direct connection from Cairns to Palm Island. However, you can take the bus to Townsville, walk to Breakwater Ferry Terminal, then take the ferry to Palm Island Jetty. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cairns Central Station to Palm Island Jetty via Townsville, Flinders St at Townsville station, Breakwater Terminal, and Breakwater Ferry Terminal in around 9h 48m.

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