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

The cheapest way to get from Townsville to Cairns Central is to bus which costs $45 - $80 and takes 5h 36m.

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

The fastest way to get from Townsville to Cairns Central is to fly which takes 2h 26m and costs $190 - $360.

Is there a direct bus between Townsville and Cairns Central?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Townsville and arriving at Cairns. Services depart twice daily. The journey takes approximately 5h 28m.

Is there a direct train between Townsville and Cairns Central?

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 Central?

The distance between Townsville and Cairns Central is 294 km. The road distance is 344.8 km.

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

The best way to get from Townsville to Cairns Central without a car is to bus which takes 5h 36m and costs $45 - $80.

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

It takes approximately 2h 26m to get from Townsville to Cairns Central, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Townsville to Cairns Central bus from?

Townsville to Cairns Central bus services, operated by Premier Motor Service, depart from Townsville station.

Where do I catch the Townsville to Cairns Central train from?

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

Train, bus or fly from Townsville to Cairns Central?

The best way to get from Townsville to Cairns Central is to fly which takes 2h 26m and costs $190 - $360. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $45 - $80 and takes 5h 36m, you could also train, which costs $45 - $1,300 and takes 6h 26m.

Where does the Townsville to Cairns Central bus arrive?

Townsville to Cairns Central bus services, operated by Premier Motor Service, arrive at Cairns Central Station.

Where does the Townsville to Cairns Central train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Townsville to Cairns Central?

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

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

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

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

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

Where can I stay near Cairns Central?

There are 1010+ hotels available in Cairns Central.

Townsville to Cairns Central - 6 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and car

How to get fromTownsville to Cairns Central

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

There are 6 ways to get from Townsville to Cairns Central by plane, bus, train, car, or bus (Greyhound)

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 26m
$190–360
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairnsbus Au050 / ...
5h 36m
$45–80
Train
1. Take the train from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationtrain Spirit of Queensland
6h 26m
$45–1,267
Drive 344.8 km
1. Drive from Townsville to Cairns Centralcar 344.8 km
4h 9m
$61–89
Bus via Townsville
1. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationbus Pm16
5h 41m
$50–75
Bus via Townsville #2 (Greyhound)
1. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairnsbus Cairns
5h 49m
$65–130

Townsville to Cairns Central by train and foot

4Weekly Services

6h 26mAverage Duration

$45Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Townsville to Cairns Central.

Launch map view

Distance: 294 km
Duration: 2h 26m

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

Regional Express and Qantas fly from Townsville Airport (TSV) to Cairns (CNS) 5 times a day. Alternatively, FlixBus Australia operates a bus from Townsville to Cairns twice daily. Tickets cost $45–80 and the journey takes 5h 28m.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around Australia

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.