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

Find Transport to Cairns

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There are 5 ways to get from Sydney CBD 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 Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane SYD - CNS
    5h 48m
    $148–572

  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
    $243–6,757

  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 55m
    $403–755

  4. Drive 2,398.9 km

    1. Drive from Sydney CBD to Cairnscar car 2,398.9 km
    27h 44m
    $430–621

  5. 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
    $343–504

Sydney CBD to Cairns by train

Calendar4Weekly Trains
Duration41h 32mAverage Duration
Ticket$243Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Sydney CBD to Cairns.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,989.8 km
  • Duration: 5h 48m

What companies run services between Sydney CBD, NSW, 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 train from Wynyard Station to Cairns Central Station via Central Station, Roma Street Station, and Roma Street in around 41h 32m.

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