There are 2 ways to get from Darwin to Great Barrier Reef by plane 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.
Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns (CNS) flights
Comparing Your Travel Options
The cheapest way to get from Darwin to Great Barrier Reef is to drive which costs $420 - $650 and takes 34h 43m.
The fastest way to get from Darwin to Great Barrier Reef is to fly which takes 6h 44m and costs $360 - $900.
The distance between Darwin and Great Barrier Reef is 1702 km. The road distance is 2353.8 km.
It takes approximately 6h 44m to get from Darwin to Great Barrier Reef, including transfers.
Yes, the driving distance between Darwin to Great Barrier Reef is 2354 km. It takes approximately 34h 43m to drive from Darwin to Great Barrier Reef.
What companies run services between Darwin, NT, Australia and Great Barrier Reef?
Qantas and Airnorth fly from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns (CNS) 4 times a day.
- Website
- qantas.com
Flights from Darwin International Airport to Cairns
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 32m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $340–900
Flights from Darwin International Airport to Cairns via Gove
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 30m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $420–850
Flights from Darwin International Airport to Cairns via Townsville
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 37m
- When
- Wednesday, Monday, and Friday
- Estimated price
- $420–850
- Website
- flyairnorth.com
Flights from Darwin International Airport to Cairns via Gove
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 30m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $420–850
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
Best ways to travel around Australia
Read the travel guide
10 amazing places to get away from it all in Australia
Read the travel guide
4 of the smartest ways to explore Australia
Read the travel guide