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

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There are 8 ways to get from Sydney to Cooktown by plane, train, bus, bus (Greyhound), or car

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 Cooktown Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane SYD - CTN
    7h 41m
    $228–737

  2. Fly to Cairns, bus

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane SYD - CNS
    2. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    11h 43m
    $218–682

  3. Train, bus

    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
    3. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    46h 11m
    $310–6,859

  4. Bus via Brisbane

    1. Take the bus from Central Station to Brisbanebus bus
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    2d 1h
    $429–730

  5. Drive 2,700.7 km

    1. Drive from Sydney to Cooktowncar car 2,700.7 km
    31h 18m
    $488–705

  6. Train, bus via Central Station

    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
    3. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    46h 14m
    $310–6,859

  7. Train, bus via Palmer River

    1. Take the train from Central Station to Roma Street Stationtrain train 31
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane to Cairnsbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Cairns to Palmer Riverbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Palmer River to Cooktownbus bus
    2d 3h
    $430–1,024

  8. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Sydney Central Station to Brisbanebus bus
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane Coach Terminal to Cairnsbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    2d 5h
    $463–758

Sydney to Cooktown by train and bus

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration46h 11mAverage Duration
Ticket$310Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Sydney to Cooktown.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 2,166.5 km
  • Duration: 7h 41m

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

Virgin Australia, Hinterland Aviation, and two other airlines fly from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cooktown Airport (CTN) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Central Station to Cooktown via Brisbane, Brisbane Roma Street, and Cairns in around 2d 1h.

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