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How to get fromMagnetic Island to Cairnsby ferry, bus, train, car, or plane

Find Transport to Cairns

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There are 5 ways to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns by ferry, bus, train, car, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Ferry, bus

    best
    1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry ferry 1F
    2. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationbus bus Pm16
    7h 5m
    $50–270

  2. Ferry, train

    cheapest
    1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry ferry 1F
    2. Take the train from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationtrain train Spirit of Queensland
    8h 13m
    $46–1,496

  3. Ferry, drive

    1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry ferry 1F
    2. Drive from Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Cairnscar car
    4h 36m
    $60–285

  4. Ferry, fly

    1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry ferry
    2. Fly from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane TSV - CNS
    4h 31m
    $191–566

  5. Ferry, bus #2

    1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry ferry 1F
    2. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairnsbus bus Cairns
    7h 5m
    $65–325

Magnetic Island to Cairns by ferry and bus

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration7h 5mAverage Duration
Ticket$50Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 387.3 km
  • Duration: 7h 5m

What companies run services between Magnetic Island, QLD, Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

There is no direct connection from Magnetic Island to Cairns. However, you can take the ferry to Breakwater Ferry Terminal, walk to Townsville, then take the bus to Cairns Central Station. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Cairns Central Station via Breakwater Ferry Terminal, Breakwater Terminal, Flinders St at Townsville station, and Townsville in around 8h 13m.

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