How to travel from Cairns to Launceston, Australia
The distance between Cairns and Launceston is around 2,812km (1,748 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 5h 15m.
7 routes found
We've found 7 different ways to get from Cairns to Launceston by plane, bus, train, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Launceston → Cairns if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Launceston (LST).
- Duration5h 15m
- Flight time4h 40m
- Typical costA$580($390)
Qantas
+ 2 others1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Train, Ferry and Bus
Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street then Central Station and then to Southern Cross then take a ferry to Devonport then take the bus to Charles St Outside Hospital.
- Duration2 days 13h
- Departs5 times a week
- Typical costA$625($420)
Multiple operators
3 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Port Melbourne then take a ferry to Devonport then drive to Launceston.
- Duration1 day 20h
- Departstwice daily
- Typical costA$525($355)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cairns and Launceston
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Cairns to Launceston by plane, bus, train, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to drive and then take a ferry which costs around A$525 ($355) and will take around 1 day 20h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 5h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$580 ($390).
The distance between Cairns and Launceston is around 2,812km (1,748 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 2,729km (1,696 miles)
It takes around 5h 15m to get from Cairns and Launceston by plane.
The quickest way to get from Cairns to Launceston is to fly which takes around 5h 15m and will set you back approx A$580 ($390).
The cheapest way to travel between Cairns and Launceston is to drive and then take a ferry which will typically cost around A$525 ($355) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Cairns and Launceston. We recommend that you fly from Cairns (CNS) to Launceston (LST). instead which will take 5h 15m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Cairns and Launceston. We recommend that you fly from Cairns (CNS) to Launceston (LST). instead which will take 5h 15m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Cairns and Launceston. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and arrive at Launceston (LST) - via Melbourne (MEL). The flight takes around 4h 40m.
There is no direct flight from Cairns to Launceston. There is however a flight that goes via Melbourne (MEL). This services will take at least 5h 15m (not including layover time).
The flight from Cairns to Launceston typically takes around 4h 40m. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Launceston (LST).
The closest major airport to Launceston is Launceston Airport (LST) (LST) which is approximately 13km (8 miles) from Launceston. Devonport Airport (DPO) (DPO) and Hobart Airport (HBA) (HBA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Cairns to Launceston. We recommend that you fly from Cairns (CNS) to Launceston (LST). instead which will take 5h 15m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cairns to Launceston is to fly which takes, on average, 5h 15m and will usually cost around A$580 ($390).
Compare travel optionsbetween Cairns and Launceston
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 5h 15m | A$580($390) | 5 times a day | 2,812km (1,748 miles) |
| Plane and Bus | 6h 40m | A$635($430) | every 20 mins | 2,845km (1,768 miles) |
Train, Ferry and Bus + 3 similar | 2 days 13h | A$625($420) | 5 times a week | 4,120km (2,560 miles) |
| Train to Brisbane Roma Street, ferry and bus | 2 days 13h | A$625($420) | 5 times a week | 4,121km (2,561 miles) |
| Bus, Train and Ferry | 2 days 17h | A$625($420) | once daily | 4,439km (2,758 miles) |
| Bus to Brisbane, train and ferry | 2 days 20h | A$680($460) | once daily | 4,472km (2,779 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 1 day 20h | A$525($355) | twice daily | 3,352km (2,083 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Cairns and Launceston
Airlines
Qantas
Virgin Australia
Train operators
Queensland Rail Travel
NSW TrainLink
XPT
Bus companies
Redline
Premier Motor Service
Ferry operators
Spirit of Tasmania
Airports near Launceston
The following major airports near Launceston offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.
Launceston Airport (LST)
- Distance
- 13km (8 miles) from Launceston
Devonport Airport (DPO)
- Distance
- 66km (41 miles) from Launceston
Hobart Airport (HBA)
- Distance
- 159km (99 miles) from Launceston