How to travel from Cairns to Port Fairy, Australia
The distance between Cairns and Port Fairy is around 2,878km (1,788 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 7h 25m.
6 routes found
We've found 6 different ways to get from Cairns to Port Fairy by plane, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Port Fairy → Cairns if you're planning a return trip.
Plane and Bus
Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Mount Gambier (MGB) then take the bus to Port Fairy Visitor Centre.
- Duration7h 25m
- Flight time4h 30m
- Typical costA$350($235)
Multiple operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Train
Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street, Central Station then Southern Cross and then to Warrnambool Station.
- Duration2 days 6h
- Departs5 times a week
- Typical costA$490($330)
Multiple train operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Train
Take the bus to Brisbane and then to Sydney then take the train to Adelaide Parklands then take the bus to Mount Gambier and then to Port Fairy Visitor Centre.
- Duration3 days 10h
- Departsonce a week
- Typical costA$945($635)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cairns and Port Fairy
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Cairns to Port Fairy by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to fly and then take the bus which costs around A$350 ($235) and will take around 7h 25m.
The distance between Cairns and Port Fairy is around 2,878km (1,788 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 2,412km (1,498 miles)
It takes around 7h 25m to get from Cairns and Port Fairy by plane and bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 12h to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Cairns to Port Fairy is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 7h 25m and will set you back approx A$350 ($235).
The cheapest way to travel between Cairns and Port Fairy, if you exclude driving, is to fly and then take the bus which will typically cost around A$350 ($235) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
Yes there is a train service that runs between Cairns and Port Fairy. It typically takes around 2 days 6h and departs 5 times a week.
There are no direct train services that runs from Cairns to Port Fairy. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Brisbane Roma Street, Central Station, Southern Cross and Warrnambool Station. These services run 5 times a week and will take a minimum of 2 days 6h.
Queensland Rail Travel, NSW TrainLink, XPT and V-Line run train services between Cairns and Port Fairy. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 2 days 6h, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Cairns and Port Fairy. We recommend that you fly from Cairns (CNS) to Mount Gambier (MGB) then take the bus to Port Fairy Visitor Centre. instead which will take 7h 25m.
Flights and Airlines
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Cairns to Port Fairy. We recommend that you fly from Cairns (CNS) to Mount Gambier (MGB) then take the bus to Port Fairy Visitor Centre. instead which will take 7h 25m.
The closest major airport to Port Fairy is Mount Gambier Airport (MGB) (MGB) which is approximately 146km (91 miles) from Port Fairy. Avalon Airport (AVV) (AVV) and Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) (MEL) 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 Port Fairy. The distance is around 3,079km (1,913 miles) by road and it will take around 1 day 12h in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cairns to Port Fairy is to fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 7h 25m and will usually cost around A$350 ($235).
Compare travel optionsbetween Cairns and Port Fairy
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plane and Bus + 1 similar | 7h 25m | A$350($235) | once daily | 2,878km (1,788 miles) |
| Plane and Train | 9h 10m | A$645($435) | 4 times a week | 3,036km (1,887 miles) |
Train + 1 similar | 2 days 6h | A$490($330) | 5 times a week | 3,882km (2,412 miles) |
| Train via Brisbane Roma Street | 2 days 6h | A$490($330) | 5 times a week | 3,882km (2,412 miles) |
Bus and Train | 3 days 10h | A$945($635) | once a week | 5,384km (3,346 miles) |
Drive | 1 day 12h | A$410($275) | on demand | 3,079km (1,913 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Cairns and Port Fairy
Airlines
Qantas
Regional Express
Virgin Australia
Train operators
Queensland Rail Travel
NSW TrainLink
XPT
Great Southern Rail - Indian Pacific
Bus companies
V-Line
Premier Motor Service
Stateliner
Airports near Port Fairy
The following major airports near Port Fairy offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.
Mount Gambier Airport (MGB)
- Distance
- 146km (91 miles) from Port Fairy
Avalon Airport (AVV)
- Distance
- 199km (124 miles) from Port Fairy
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
- Distance
- 242km (150 miles) from Port Fairy