What is the cheapest way to get from Townsville to Cairns?

The cheapest way to get from Townsville to Cairns is to drive which costs $60 - $90 and takes 4h 9m.

What is the fastest way to get from Townsville to Cairns?

The fastest way to get from Townsville to Cairns is to fly which takes 2h 15m and costs $190 - $370.

Is there a direct bus between Townsville and Cairns?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Townsville and arriving at Cairns. Services depart five times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 5h 40m.

Is there a direct train between Townsville and Cairns?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Townsville and arriving at Cairns Central Station station. Services depart four times a week, and operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The journey takes approximately 6h 25m.

How far is it from Townsville to Cairns?

The distance between Townsville and Cairns is 291 km. The road distance is 344.8 km.

How do I travel from Townsville to Cairns without a car?

The best way to get from Townsville to Cairns without a car is to bus which takes 5h 40m and costs $50 - $130.

How long does it take to get from Townsville to Cairns?

It takes approximately 2h 15m to get from Townsville to Cairns, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Townsville to Cairns bus from?

Townsville to Cairns bus services, operated by Greyhound Australia, depart from Townsville station.

Where do I catch the Townsville to Cairns train from?

Townsville to Cairns train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, depart from Townsville station.

Train, bus or fly from Townsville to Cairns?

The best way to get from Townsville to Cairns is to fly which takes 2h 15m and costs $190 - $370. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $50 - $130 and takes 5h 40m, you could also train, which costs $45 - $1,300 and takes 6h 25m.

Where does the Townsville to Cairns bus arrive?

Townsville to Cairns bus services, operated by Greyhound Australia, arrive at Cairns station.

Where does the Townsville to Cairns train arrive?

Townsville to Cairns train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, arrive at Cairns Central Station.

Can I drive from Townsville to Cairns?

Yes, the driving distance between Townsville to Cairns is 345 km. It takes approximately 4h 9m to drive from Townsville to Cairns.

How do I get a train ticket from Townsville to Cairns?

Book your Townsville to Cairns train tickets online with 12go.asia.

How do I get a bus ticket from Townsville to Cairns?

Book your Townsville to Cairns bus tickets online with Omio and 12go.asia.

Where can I stay near Cairns?

There are 1004+ hotels available in Cairns.

Townsville to Cairns - 4 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and car

How to get fromTownsville to Cairns

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There are 4 ways to get from Townsville to Cairns by plane, bus (Greyhound), train, 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.

Fly
best
1. Fly from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Cairns (CNS)plane TSV - CNS
2h 15m
$190–370
Train
cheapest
1. Take the train from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationtrain Spirit of Queensland
6h 25m
$45–1,267
Bus
1. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairnsbus Cairns
5h 40m
$50–130
Drive 344.8 km
1. Drive from Townsville to Cairnscar 344.8 km
4h 9m
$62–90

Townsville to Cairns by bus

49Weekly Buses

5h 40mAverage Duration

$50Cheapest Price

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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Townsville to Cairns.

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Distance: 291.1 km
Duration: 2h 15m

What companies run services between Townsville, QLD, Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

Regional Express and Qantas fly from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Cairns (CNS) 5 times a day. Alternatively, Greyhound Australia operates a bus from Townsville to Cairns 4 times a day. Tickets cost $65–130 and the journey takes 5h 40m. Two other operators also service this route.

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Train operators

Bus operators

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