What is the cheapest way to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns?

The cheapest way to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns is to ferry and bus which costs $60 - $280 and takes 7h 5m.

What is the fastest way to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns?

The fastest way to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns is to ferry and fly which takes 4h 12m and costs $190 - $600.

How far is it from Magnetic Island to Cairns?

The distance between Magnetic Island and Cairns is 310 km.

How do I travel from Magnetic Island to Cairns without a car?

The best way to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns without a car is to ferry and bus which takes 7h 5m and costs $60 - $280.

How long does it take to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns?

It takes approximately 4h 12m to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns, including transfers.

Where can I stay near Cairns?

There are 954+ hotels available in Cairns.

Magnetic Island to Cairns - 5 ways to travel via train, ferry, plane, and bus

How to get fromMagnetic Island to Cairns

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

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

Ferry, fly
best
1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry
2. Fly from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Cairns (CNS)plane TSV - CNS
4h 12m
$191–596
Ferry, train
cheapest
1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry 1F
2. Take the train from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationtrain Spirit of Queensland
8h 8m
$46–1,496
Ferry, bus
1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry 1F
2. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationbus Pm16
7h 5m
$60–280
Ferry, drive
1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry 1F
2. Drive from Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Cairnscar
4h 36m
$60–290
Ferry, bus #2
1. Take the ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Breakwater Ferry Terminalferry 1F
2. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairnsbus Cairns
7h 5m
$65–325

Magnetic Island to Cairns by ferry and bus

7Weekly Services

7h 5mAverage Duration

$60Cheapest Price

See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Magnetic Island to Cairns.

Launch map view

Distance: 310 km
Duration: 4h 12m

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 Breakwater Terminal, take the line 222 bus to Townsville Airport, walk to Townsville Airport (TSV) airport, fly to Cairns (CNS), walk to Cairns Airport, then take the shuttle to Cairns Base Hospital. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to Cairns Central Station via Breakwater Ferry Terminal and Townsville in around 7h 5m.

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.