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How to get fromSydney Airport (SYD) to Cairnsby plane, train, bus (Greyhound), car, or bus

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There are 6 ways to get from Sydney Airport (SYD) 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 to Cairns

    best
    1. Fly from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane SYD - CNS
    4h 25m
    $130–550

  2. Train

    1. Take the train from Central Station to Roma Street Stationtrain train 31
    2. Take the train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationtrain train Spirit of Queensland
    41h 32m
    $241–6,752

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Central Station to Brisbanebus bus Brisbane
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane Coach Terminal to Cairnsbus bus Au050 / ...
    43h 58m
    $391–732

  4. Drive 2,407.4 km

    1. Drive from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Cairnscar car 2,407.4 km
    27h 50m
    $427–616

  5. Fly to Cooktown Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane SYD - CTN
    2. Take the bus from Cooktown to Cairnsbus bus
    11h 45m
    $282–740

  6. Bus via Chatswood

    1. Take the bus from Chatswood to Brisbanebus bus Pm12
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationbus bus Pm16
    2d 1h
    $361–528

Sydney Airport (SYD) to Cairns by train, subway, and bus

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration2d 1hAverage Duration
Ticket$361Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Cairns.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,977.7 km
  • Duration: 4h 25m

What companies run services between Sydney Airport (SYD), Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas fly from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cairns (CNS) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sydney International Airport to Cairns Central Station via Sydney Central Station, Central Station, Roma Street Station, and Roma Street in around 41h 32m.

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Want to know more about travelling around Australia

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