How to travel from Cairns to Ballarat, Australia

The distance between Cairns and Ballarat is around 2,457km (1,527 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the train which takes around 5h 40m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from Cairns to Ballarat by plane, train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BallaratCairns if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
💰 Cheapest
1
plane
+
train
+

Plane and Train

Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL) then take the train to Ballarat.

  • Duration5h 40m
  • Flight time3h 25m
  • Typical cost
    A$335($225)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
4 x train
+

Train

Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street, Central Station then Southern Cross and then to Ballarat.

  • Duration2 days 3h
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$465($315)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

3
4 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane, Sydney then Melbourne and then to Ballarat.

  • Duration2 days 12h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$510($340)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Ballarat.

  • Duration1 day 9h
  • Distance2,831km (1,759 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cairns and Ballarat

There are several options for getting from Cairns to Ballarat by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to fly and then take the train which costs around A$335 ($225) and will take around 5h 40m.

The distance between Cairns and Ballarat is around 2,457km (1,527 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 2,303km (1,431 miles)

It takes around 5h 40m to get from Cairns and Ballarat by plane and train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 9h to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Cairns to Ballarat is to fly and then take the train which takes around 5h 40m and will set you back approx A$335 ($225).

The cheapest way to travel between Cairns and Ballarat, if you exclude driving, is to fly and then take the train which will typically cost around A$335 ($225) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Cairns and Ballarat. It typically takes around 2 days 3h and departs 5 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Cairns to Ballarat. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Brisbane Roma Street, Central Station and Southern Cross. These services run 5 times a week and will take a minimum of 2 days 3h.

Queensland Rail Travel, NSW TrainLink, XPT and V-Line run train services between Cairns and Ballarat. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 2 days 3h, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Cairns and Ballarat. It typically takes around 2 days 12h and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Cairns to Ballarat. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 2 days 12h.

Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, Firefly Express and V-Line run regular bus services between Cairns and Ballarat. Buses run once daily and take around 2 days 12h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Cairns to Ballarat. We recommend that you fly from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL) then take the train to Ballarat. instead which will take 5h 40m.

The closest major airport to Ballarat is Avalon Airport (AVV) (AVV) which is approximately 75km (46 miles) from Ballarat. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) (MEL) and King Island Airport (KNS) (KNS) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Cairns and Ballarat. The distance is around 2,831km (1,759 miles) by road and it will take around 1 day 9h in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cairns to Ballarat is to fly and then take the train which takes, on average, 5h 40m and will usually cost around A$335 ($225).

How do I get from Cairns to Ballarat

Compare travel optionsbetween Cairns and Ballarat

Transport options from Cairns to Ballarat
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Plane and Train + 1 similar
5h 40m
A$335($225)
5 times a day2,457km (1,527 miles)
Fly to Avalon (AVV), Train7hrs
A$625($420)
twice daily2,892km (1,797 miles)
Train + 1 similar
2 days 3h
A$465($315)
5 times a week3,692km (2,294 miles)
Train via Brisbane Roma Street2 days 3h
A$465($315)
5 times a week3,692km (2,294 miles)
Bus
2 days 12h
A$510($340)
once daily4,080km (2,535 miles)
Drive
1 day 9h
A$375($255)
on demand2,831km (1,759 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Cairns and Ballarat

Train operators

Airlines

Bus companies

Airports near Ballarat

The following major airports near Ballarat offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.

AVV
Avalon Airport (AVV)
International Airport
Distance
75km (46 miles) from Ballarat
MEL
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
International Airport
Distance
87km (54 miles) from Ballarat
KNS
King Island Airport (KNS)
Domestic Airport
Distance
258km (160 miles) from Ballarat