Rome2Rio

How to get fromSan Francisco to Cairnsby plane, train, or shuttle

Find Transport to Cairns

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from San Francisco to Cairns by plane, train, or shuttle

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 San Francisco International Airport to Cairns

    best
    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane SFO - CNS
    22h 27m
    $614–2,217

  2. Shuttle to Sonoma County Airport, fly to Cairns

    cheapest
    1. Take a shuttle bus from San Francisco Pier 27 to Santa Rosa Airportshuttle bus
    2. Fly from Sonoma County Airport (STS) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane STS - CNS
    26h 55m
    $585–2,085

  3. Caltrain to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, fly to Cairns

    1. Take the train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to Santa Clara Caltrain Southboundtrain train
    2. Fly from Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane SJC - CNS
    25h 35m
    $767–2,620

  4. Fly Oakland International Airport to Cairns

    1. Fly from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane OAK - CNS
    25h 36m
    $808–2,711

  5. Train to Sacramento International Airport, fly to Cairns

    1. Take the train from Richmond to Sacramentotrain train
    2. Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane SMF - CNS
    29h 7m
    $845–2,789

  6. Fly San Francisco International Airport to Townsville Airport, train

    1. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Townsville Airport (TSV)plane plane SFO - TSV
    2. Take the train from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationtrain train
    29h 42m
    $661–3,319

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Cairns (CNS) flights

Calendar25Weekly Planes
Duration20h 26mAverage Duration
Ticket$642Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Francisco to Cairns.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 11,329.2 km
  • Duration: 22h 27m

What companies run services between San Francisco, CA, USA and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

United Airlines, Virgin Australia, and five other airlines fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Cairns (CNS) 4 times a day.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus 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