Rome2Rio

How to get fromCairns to Whitsundaysby plane, bus, ferry, or train

Find Transport to Whitsundays

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from Cairns to Whitsundays by plane, bus, ferry, or train

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 Great Barrier Reef Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Great Barrier Reef Airport (HTI)plane plane CNS - HTI
    6h 5m
    $450–1,100

  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 33m
    $99–2,245

  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
    $112–162

  4. Fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport, ferry

    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP)plane plane CNS - PPP
    2. Take the ferry from Palm Bay to Shute Harbourferry ferry
    3. Take the ferry from Shute Harbour to Daydream Islandferry ferry
    7h 20m
    $392–1,153

  5. 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
    $133–266

Cairns to Whitsundays by bus and ferry

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration11h 25mAverage Duration
Ticket$112Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cairns to Whitsundays.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 518.4 km
  • Duration: 6h 5m

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

Jetstar, Qantas, and two other airlines fly from Cairns (CNS) to Great Barrier Reef Airport (HTI) 5 times a day.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry 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