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

The cheapest way to get from Cairns to Townsville City is to drive which costs $60 - $90 and takes 4h 10m.

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

The fastest way to get from Cairns to Townsville City is to fly which takes 2h 47m and costs $190 - $360.

Is there a direct bus between Cairns and Townsville City?

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 City?

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 City?

The distance between Cairns and Townsville City is 302 km. The road distance is 346.2 km.

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

The best way to get from Cairns to Townsville City 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 City?

It takes approximately 2h 47m to get from Cairns to Townsville City, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Cairns to Townsville City bus from?

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

Where do I catch the Cairns to Townsville City train from?

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

Train, bus or fly from Cairns to Townsville City?

The best way to get from Cairns to Townsville City is to fly which takes 2h 47m and costs $190 - $360. 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 City bus arrive?

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

Where does the Cairns to Townsville City train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Cairns to Townsville City?

Yes, the driving distance between Cairns to Townsville City is 346 km. It takes approximately 4h 10m to drive from Cairns to Townsville City.

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

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

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

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

Where can I stay near Townsville City?

There are 607+ hotels available in Townsville City.

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

How to get fromCairns to Townsville City

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

There are 4 ways to get from Cairns to Townsville City 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 47m
$192–357
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 346.2 km
1. Drive from Cairns to Townsville Citycar 346.2 km
4h 10m
$62–89

Cairns to Townsville City by bus

46Weekly Buses

5h 30mAverage Duration

$50Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cairns to Townsville City.

Launch map view

Distance: 301.6 km
Duration: 2h 47m

What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Townsville City, 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.

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.