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How to get fromMelbourne to Cairnsby plane, train, bus (Greyhound), car, or bus

Find Transport to Cairns

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There are 5 ways to get from Melbourne to Cairns by plane, train, bus (Greyhound), car, or bus

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 Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane MEL - CNS
    6h 4m
    $158–578

  2. Train

    1. Take the train from Southern Cross to Central Stationtrain train 622 / ...
    2. Take the train from Central Station to Roma Street Stationtrain train 31
    3. Take the train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationtrain train
    2d 4h
    $307–6,993

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Melbourne to Sydney Central Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Central Station to Brisbanebus bus
    3. Take the bus from Brisbane Coach Terminal to Cairnsbus bus
    2d 7h
    $524–958

  4. Drive 2,780.3 km

    1. Drive from Melbourne to Cairnscar car 2,780.3 km
    32h 30m
    $500–722

  5. Bus via Cabramatta

    1. Take the bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Liverpoolbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Chatswood to Brisbanebus bus
    3. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationbus bus
    2d 12h
    $442–611

Melbourne to Cairns by train

Calendar4Weekly Trains
Duration2d 4hAverage Duration
Ticket$307Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Melbourne to Cairns.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 2,339.8 km
  • Duration: 6h 4m

What companies run services between Melbourne, VIC, Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas fly from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns (CNS) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Southern Cross to Cairns Central Station via Central Station, Roma Street Station, and Roma Street in around 2d 4h.

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