Rome2Rio

How to get fromDarwin to Great Barrier Reefby plane, ferry, bus, or train

Find Transport to Great Barrier Reef

See all options

There are 3 ways to get from Darwin to Great Barrier Reef by plane, ferry, bus, 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, ferry

    best
    1. Fly from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane DRW - CNS
    2. Take the ferry from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Great Barrier Reef Green Islandferry ferry
    8h 48m
    $493–1,013

  2. Bus, train, ferry

    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 to Cairnsbus bus
    5. Take the ferry from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Great Barrier Reef Green Islandferry ferry
    5d 13h
    $2,933–14,756

  3. Train, bus, ferry

    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 bus from Brisbane to Cairnsbus bus
    5. Take the ferry from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Great Barrier Reef Green Islandferry ferry
    5d 15h
    $4,978–16,536

Darwin to Great Barrier Reef by bus, foot, train, and ferry

Calendar1Weekly Services
Duration5d 13hAverage Duration
Ticket$2,933Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Darwin to Great Barrier Reef.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,728.9 km
  • Duration: 8h 48m

What companies run services between Darwin, NT, Australia and Great Barrier Reef, QLD, Australia?

There is no direct connection from Darwin to Great Barrier Reef. However, you can take the line 10 bus to Casuarina Bradshaw Terrace Terminus, take the line 3 bus to Henry Wrigley Dr, Airport Precinct, walk to Darwin-Airport-DRW airport, fly to Cairns (CNS), walk to Cairns Airport, take the shuttle to Cairns Base Hospital, walk to Cairns Hospital, take the line 110 bus to Cairns City bus station, platform 1, walk to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, take the ferry to Great Barrier Reef Green Island, then walk to Great Barrier Reef. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Darwin to Great Barrier Reef via Alice Springs, Adelaide, Adelaide, Brisbane, Ann Street Stop 7 at Anzac Square, Roma Street busway, platform 1, Brisbane, Cairns, Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, and Great Barrier Reef Green Island in around 5d 13h.

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