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How to get fromSydney 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 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
    40h 26m
    $240–6,749

  3. Bus via Brisbane

    1. Take the bus from Central Station to Brisbanebus bus Brisbane
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane Coach Terminal to Cairnsbus bus Au050 / ...
    42h 52m
    $369–696

  4. Drive 2,398 km

    1. Drive from Sydney to Cairnscar car 2,398 km
    27h 42m
    $426–615

  5. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Central Station to Brisbanebus bus Pm12
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationbus bus Pm16
    2d
    $379–542

Sydney to Cairns by train

Calendar4Weekly Trains
Duration40h 26mAverage Duration
Ticket$240Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

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

What companies run services between Sydney, NSW, Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas fly from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cairns (CNS) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a train from Central Station to Cairns Central Station via Roma Street Station and Roma Street in around 40h 26m.

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