Rome2Rio

How to get fromCairns to Sydneyby plane, train, bus, car, or bus (Greyhound)

Find Transport to Sydney

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from Cairns to Sydney by plane, train, bus, car, or bus (Greyhound)

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

    best
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney International Airport (SYD)plane plane CNS - SYD
    4h 20m
    $151–527

  2. Train

    1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Streettrain train Spirit of Queensland
    2. Take the train from Roma Street Station to Central Stationtrain train 32
    40h 45m
    $244–6,421

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Cairns to Brisbane Coach Terminalbus bus Au050 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane to Sydney Central Stationbus bus Au001
    47h 9m
    $343–576

  4. Drive 2,399.1 km

    1. Drive from Cairns to Sydneycar car 2,399.1 km
    27h 43m
    $426–615

  5. Bus via Brisbane

    1. Take the bus from Cairns Central Station to Brisbane Roma Streetbus bus Pm19
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane to Central Stationbus bus Sydney
    2d
    $399–694

Cairns to Sydney by train

Calendar4Weekly Trains
Duration40h 45mAverage Duration
Ticket$244Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cairns to Sydney.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,986.4 km
  • Duration: 4h 20m

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

Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas fly from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney International Airport (SYD) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cairns Central Station to Central Station via Roma Street and Roma Street Station in around 40h 45m.

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

More Questions & Answers