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How to get fromCairns to Whitsundayby plane, bus, ferry, train, or car

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There are 7 ways to get from Cairns to Whitsunday by plane, bus, ferry, 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.

  1. Fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport, line 860 bus, ferry

    best
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP)plane plane CNS - PPP
    2. Take the bus from Proserpine, Mill Street to Coconut Grove at Airlie Esplanadebus bus
    3. Take the ferry from Port of Airlie to Daydream Islandferry ferry
    5h 34m
    $388–952

  2. Train, ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Proserpinetrain train Spirit of Queensland
    2. Take the ferry from Port of Airlie to Daydream Islandferry ferry
    12h 21m
    $101–2,250

  3. Bus, ferry

    1. Take the bus from Cairns Central Station to Airlie Beachbus bus Pm19
    2. Take the ferry from Port of Airlie to Daydream Islandferry ferry
    11h 25m
    $124–180

  4. Drive  667.8 km

    1. Drive from Cairns to Whitsundaycar car 667.8 km
    8h 39m
    $121–174

  5. Fly to Mackay, bus, ferry

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Mackay (MKY)plane plane CNS - MKY
    2. Take the bus from Mackay to Airlie Beachbus bus
    3. Take the ferry from Port of Airlie to Daydream Islandferry ferry
    10h 51m
    $325–630

  6. Fly to Moranbah Airport, drive

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Moranbah Airport (MOV)plane plane CNS - MOV
    2. Drive from Moranbah Airport (MOV) to Whitsundaycar car
    6h 57m
    $330–1,195

  7. Bus, ferry via Cairns

    1. Take the bus from Cairns to Airlie Beachbus bus Brisbane
    2. Take the ferry from Port of Airlie to Daydream Islandferry ferry
    11h 45m
    $136–280

Cairns to Whitsunday by bus and ferry

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration11h 25mAverage Duration
Ticket$124Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Cairns to Whitsunday.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 555.6 km
  • Duration: 5h 34m

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

There is no direct connection from Cairns to Whitsunday. However, you can take the shuttle to Cairns Airport, walk to Cairns (CNS) airport, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), take the taxi to Proserpine, Mill Street, take the line 860 bus to Coconut Grove at Airlie Esplanade, walk to Port of Airlie, then take the ferry to Daydream Island. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cairns Central Station to Daydream Island via Airlie Beach and Port of Airlie in around 11h 25m.

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