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How to get fromDarwin to Cairnsby plane, train, bus, or car

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There are 5 ways to get from Darwin to Cairns by plane, train, bus, 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

    best
    1. Fly from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane DRW - CNS
    6h 34m
    $380–900

  2. Train, bus via Alice Springs

    1. Take the train from Darwin to Alice Springstrain train
    2. Take the bus from Alice Springs to Adelaidebus bus
    3. Take the train from Adelaide to Brisbanetrain train
    4. Take the train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationtrain train
    5d 9h
    $4,756–22,274

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Darwin to Alice Springsbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Alice Springs to Adelaidebus bus
    3. Take the train from Adelaide to Brisbanetrain train
    4. Take the bus from Brisbane Coach Terminal to Cairnsbus bus
    5d 10h
    $2,800–14,433

  4. Drive 2,353.3 km

    1. Drive from Darwin to Cairnscar car 2,353.3 km
    34h 42m
    $424–612

  5. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Darwin to Adelaide Stationtrain train
    2. Take the train from Adelaide to Brisbanetrain train
    3. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationbus bus
    6d 16h
    $5,527–16,535

Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns (CNS) flights

Calendar20Weekly Planes
Duration3h 51mAverage Duration
Ticket$451Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Darwin to Cairns.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,699 km
  • Duration: 6h 34m

What companies run services between Darwin, NT, Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

Qantas and Airnorth fly from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns (CNS) 3 times a day.

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