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

The cheapest way to get from Cairns to Townsville is to drive which costs $60 - $90 and takes 4h 9m.

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

The fastest way to get from Cairns to Townsville is to fly which takes 2h 5m and costs $190 - $370.

Is there a direct bus between Cairns and Townsville?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Cairns and arriving at Townsville. Services depart five times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 5h 30m.

Is there a direct train between Cairns and Townsville?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Cairns Central Station station and arriving at Townsville. Services depart four times a week, and operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The journey takes approximately 6h 1m.

How far is it from Cairns to Townsville?

The distance between Cairns and Townsville is 292 km. The road distance is 345.1 km.

How do I travel from Cairns to Townsville without a car?

The best way to get from Cairns to Townsville without a car is to bus which takes 5h 30m and costs $50 - $130.

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

It takes approximately 2h 5m to get from Cairns to Townsville, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Cairns to Townsville bus from?

Cairns to Townsville bus services, operated by Greyhound Australia, depart from Cairns station.

Where do I catch the Cairns to Townsville train from?

Cairns to Townsville train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, depart from Cairns Central Station.

Train, bus or fly from Cairns to Townsville?

The best way to get from Cairns to Townsville is to fly which takes 2h 5m and costs $190 - $370. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $50 - $130 and takes 5h 30m, you could also train, which costs $45 - $1,300 and takes 6h 1m.

Where does the Cairns to Townsville bus arrive?

Cairns to Townsville bus services, operated by Greyhound Australia, arrive at Townsville station.

Where does the Cairns to Townsville train arrive?

Cairns to Townsville train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, arrive at Townsville station.

Can I drive from Cairns to Townsville?

Yes, the driving distance between Cairns to Townsville is 345 km. It takes approximately 4h 9m to drive from Cairns to Townsville.

How do I get a train ticket from Cairns to Townsville?

Book your Cairns to Townsville train tickets online with 12go.asia.

How do I get a bus ticket from Cairns to Townsville?

Book your Cairns to Townsville bus tickets online with Omio and 12go.asia.

Where can I stay near Townsville?

There are 575+ hotels available in Townsville.

Cairns to Townsville - 4 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and car

How to get fromCairns to Townsville

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There are 4 ways to get from Cairns to Townsville by plane, bus (Greyhound), 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.

Fly
best
1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Townsville Airport (TSV)plane CNS - TSV
2h 5m
$190–370
Train
cheapest
1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Townsvilletrain Spirit of Queensland
6h 1m
$45–1,267
Bus
1. Take the bus from Cairns to Townsvillebus Brisbane / ...
5h 30m
$50–130
Drive 345.1 km
1. Drive from Cairns to Townsvillecar 345.1 km
4h 9m
$62–90

Cairns to Townsville by bus

46Weekly Buses

5h 30mAverage Duration

$50Cheapest Price

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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cairns to Townsville.

Launch map view

Distance: 291.6 km
Duration: 2h 5m

What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Townsville, QLD, Australia?

Regional Express and Qantas fly from Cairns (CNS) to Townsville Airport (TSV) 5 times a day. Alternatively, Greyhound Australia operates a bus from Cairns to Townsville 4 times a day. Tickets cost $65–130 and the journey takes 5h 30m. Two other operators also service this route.

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Train operators

Bus operators

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