How to travel from Cairns to Port Lincoln, Australia

The distance between Cairns and Port Lincoln is around 2,400km (1,491 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 4h 30m.

6 routes found

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

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

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Port Lincoln (PLO).

  • Duration4h 30m
  • Flight time4h 10m
  • Typical cost
    A$540($360)
Operated byJetstar+ 3 others
2
5 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane, Sydney, Albury then 85 Franklin St and then to Port Lincoln.

  • Duration3 days 4h
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$700($470)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

💰 Cheapest
3
train
+
train
+
bus
+

Train and Bus

Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street and then to Adelaide then take the bus to Port Lincoln.

  • Duration4 days 8h
  • Departsonce a week
  • Typical cost
    A$315($210)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

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

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Port Lincoln.

  • Duration1 day 12h
  • Distance3,207km (1,993 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

1 similiar route

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

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cairns and Port Lincoln

There are several options for getting from Cairns to Port Lincoln by plane, train, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the train and then take the bus which costs around A$315 ($210) and will take around 4 days 8h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 4h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$540 ($360).

The distance between Cairns and Port Lincoln is around 2,400km (1,491 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 2,211km (1,374 miles)

It takes around 4h 30m to get from Cairns and Port Lincoln by plane. 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 Lincoln is to fly which takes around 4h 30m and will set you back approx A$540 ($360).

The cheapest way to travel between Cairns and Port Lincoln, if you exclude driving, is to take the train and then take the bus which will typically cost around A$315 ($210) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Cairns and Port Lincoln. We recommend that you fly from Cairns (CNS) to Port Lincoln (PLO). instead which will take 4h 30m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Cairns and Port Lincoln. It typically takes around 3 days 4h and departs 3 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Cairns to Port Lincoln. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Brisbane, King George Square 2A, Sydney, Albury and 85 Franklin St. These services run 3 times a week and will take a minimum of 3 days 4h.

Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, Firefly Express, V/Line and Stateliner run regular bus services between Cairns and Port Lincoln. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 3 days 4h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Cairns and Port Lincoln. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and arrive at Port Lincoln (PLO) - via Adelaide (ADL). The flight takes around 4h 10m.

There is no direct flight from Cairns to Port Lincoln. There is however a flight that goes via Adelaide (ADL). This services will take at least 4h 30m (not including layover time).

The flight from Cairns to Port Lincoln typically takes around 4h 10m. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Port Lincoln (PLO).

The closest major airport to Port Lincoln is Port Lincoln Airport (PLO) (PLO) which is approximately 13km (8 miles) from Port Lincoln. Whyalla Airport (WYA) (WYA) and Adelaide Airport (ADL) (ADL) 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 Lincoln. The distance is around 3,207km (1,993 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 Lincoln is to fly which takes, on average, 4h 30m and will usually cost around A$540 ($360).

How do I get from Cairns to Port Lincoln

Compare travel optionsbetween Cairns and Port Lincoln

Transport options from Cairns to Port Lincoln
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly
4h 30m
A$540($360)
every 20 mins2,400km (1,491 miles)
Bus
3 days 4h
A$700($470)
3 times a week5,241km (3,257 miles)
Train and Bus + 1 similar
4 days 8h
A$315($210)
once a week4,974km (3,090 miles)
Bus and Train4 days 12h
A$330($220)
once a week5,291km (3,288 miles)
Drive + 1 similar
1 day 12h
A$605($405)
on demand3,207km (1,993 miles)
Train, Bus and Ferry3 days 1h
A$850($575)
once a week4,762km (2,959 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Cairns and Port Lincoln

Bus companies

Ferry operators

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Port Lincoln

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

PLO
Port Lincoln Airport (PLO)
Domestic Airport
Distance
13km (8 miles) from Port Lincoln
WYA
Whyalla Airport (WYA)
Domestic Airport
Distance
241km (150 miles) from Port Lincoln
ADL
Adelaide Airport (ADL)
International Airport
Distance
246km (153 miles) from Port Lincoln