How to travel from Cairns to Newcastle, Australia

The distance between Cairns and Newcastle is around 1,899km (1,180 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 25m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from Cairns to Newcastle 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 NewcastleCairns if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
💰 Cheapest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Newcastle (NTL).

  • Duration3h 25m
  • Flight time2h 40m
  • Typical cost
    A$200($135)
Operated byJetstar+ 2 others

1 similiar route

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

2
train
+
train
+

Train

Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street and then to Broadmeadow Station.

  • Duration1 day 12h
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$335($225)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

3
bus
+
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane and then to Newcastle.

  • Duration1 day 19h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$495($330)

1 similiar route

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

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Newcastle.

  • Duration1 day 3h
  • Distance2,291km (1,424 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cairns and Newcastle

There are several options for getting from Cairns to Newcastle by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to fly which costs around A$200 ($135) and will take around 3h 25m.

The distance between Cairns and Newcastle is around 1,899km (1,180 miles).

It takes around 3h 25m to get from Cairns and Newcastle by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 3h to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Cairns to Newcastle is to fly which takes around 3h 25m and will set you back approx A$200 ($135).

The cheapest way to travel between Cairns and Newcastle, if you exclude driving, is to fly which will typically cost around A$200 ($135) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Cairns and Newcastle. It typically takes around 1 day 12h and departs 5 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Cairns to Newcastle. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Brisbane Roma Street. These services run 5 times a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 12h.

Queensland Rail Travel and NSW TrainLink run train services between Cairns and Newcastle. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 1 day 12h, 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 Newcastle. It typically takes around 1 day 19h and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Cairns to Newcastle. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Brisbane and King George Square 2A. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 1 day 19h.

Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Cairns and Newcastle. Buses run once daily and take around 1 day 19h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Cairns and Newcastle. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and arrive at Newcastle (NTL). The flight takes around 2h 40m.

Yes there is a direct flight between Cairns and Newcastle with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 2h 40m.

Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia fly between Cairns and Newcastle. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Newcastle (NTL). These flights usually take around 2h 40m.

The flight from Cairns to Newcastle typically takes around 2h 40m. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Newcastle (NTL).

The closest major airport to Newcastle is Newcastle Airport (NTL) (NTL) which is approximately 14km (9 miles) from Newcastle. Sydney Airport (SYD) (SYD) and Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) (PQQ) 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 Newcastle. The distance is around 2,291km (1,424 miles) by road and it will take around 1 day 3h in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cairns to Newcastle is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 25m and will usually cost around A$200 ($135).

How do I get from Cairns to Newcastle

Compare travel optionsbetween Cairns and Newcastle

Transport options from Cairns to Newcastle
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
3h 25m
A$200($135)
5 times a day1,899km (1,180 miles)
Plane and Train6h 25m
A$285($190)
5 times a day2,153km (1,338 miles)
Train
1 day 12h
A$335($225)
5 times a week2,479km (1,540 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
1 day 19h
A$495($330)
once daily2,836km (1,762 miles)
Bus via Brisbane1 day 19h
A$325($220)
once daily2,858km (1,776 miles)
Drive
1 day 3h
A$305($205)
on demand2,291km (1,424 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Cairns and Newcastle

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Newcastle

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

NTL
Newcastle Airport (NTL)
Domestic Airport
Distance
14km (9 miles) from Newcastle
SYD
Sydney Airport (SYD)
International Airport
Distance
126km (78 miles) from Newcastle
PQQ
Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
195km (121 miles) from Newcastle