The distance between Cairns and Sydney is around 1,988km (1,235 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 30m.
We've found 6 different ways to get from Cairns to Sydney 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 Sydney → Cairns if you're planning a return trip.
Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney (SYD).
Virgin Australia
+ 2 others1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street and then to Central Station.
Multiple train operators
Take the bus to Brisbane and then to Sydney.
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
There are several options for getting from Cairns to Sydney by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to fly and then take the train which costs around A$210 ($140) and will take around 6hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$275 ($185).
The distance between Cairns and Sydney is around 1,988km (1,235 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,944km (1,208 miles)
It takes around 3h 30m to get from Cairns and Sydney by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 4h to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Cairns to Sydney is to fly which takes around 3h 30m and will set you back approx A$275 ($185).
The cheapest way to travel between Cairns and Sydney, if you exclude driving, is to fly and then take the train which will typically cost around A$210 ($140) for a standard one-way ticket.
Yes there is a train service that runs between Cairns and Sydney. It typically takes around 1 day 15h and departs 5 times a week.
There are no direct train services that runs from Cairns to Sydney. 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 15h.
Queensland Rail Travel and NSW TrainLink run train services between Cairns and Sydney. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 1 day 15h, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Cairns and Sydney. It typically takes around 1 day 22h and departs once daily.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Cairns to Sydney. 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 22h.
Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Cairns and Sydney. Buses run once daily and take around 1 day 22h on average but will vary depending on you book with.
Yes you can fly from Cairns and Sydney. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and arrive at Sydney (SYD). The flight takes around 3hrs.
Yes there is a direct flight between Cairns and Sydney with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 3hrs.
Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar fly between Cairns and Sydney. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Sydney (SYD). These flights usually take around 3hrs.
The flight from Cairns to Sydney typically takes around 3hrs. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Sydney (SYD).
The closest major airport to Sydney is Sydney Airport (SYD) (SYD) which is approximately 28km (17 miles) from Sydney. Newcastle Airport (NTL) (NTL) and Orange Airport (OAG) (OAG) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Cairns and Sydney. The distance is around 2,414km (1,500 miles) by road and it will take around 1 day 4h in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cairns to Sydney is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 30m and will usually cost around A$275 ($185).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 3h 30m | A$275($185) | 5 times a day | 1,988km (1,235 miles) |
Plane and Train | 6hrs | A$210($140) | 5 times a day | 2,068km (1,285 miles) |
Train | 1 day 15h | A$350($235) | 5 times a week | 2,641km (1,641 miles) |
Bus + 1 similar | 1 day 22h | A$525($350) | once daily | 2,999km (1,863 miles) |
Bus via Brisbane | 1 day 22h | A$325($220) | once daily | 3,022km (1,878 miles) |
Drive | 1 day 4h | A$320($215) | on demand | 2,414km (1,500 miles) |
Virgin Australia
Qantas
Premier Motor Service
Transport NSW
Queensland Rail Travel
NSW TrainLink
The following major airports near Sydney offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.