How to travel from Cairns to Tamworth, Australia

The distance between Cairns and Tamworth is around 2,056km (1,278 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 4h 15m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Cairns to Tamworth 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 TamworthCairns if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Tamworth (TMW).

  • Duration4h 15m
  • Flight time3h 55m
  • Typical cost
    A$585($395)
Operated by

Qantas

+ 3 others
2
4 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane, Moree then Quirindi Station Coach Stop and then to Brisbane St At Kable Av.

  • Duration1 day 16h
  • Departstwice a week
  • Typical cost
    A$340($230)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

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

💰 Cheapest
3
train
+
train
+
bus
+

Train and Bus

Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street and then to Wauchope Station then take the bus to Tamworth Station Coach Stop.

  • Duration1 day 12h
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$285($195)
Operated by

Multiple operators

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Tamworth.

  • Duration24h 10m
  • Distance2,056km (1,278 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cairns and Tamworth

There are several options for getting from Cairns to Tamworth by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train and then take the bus which costs around A$285 ($195) and will take around 1 day 12h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 4h 15m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$585 ($395).

The distance between Cairns and Tamworth is around 2,056km (1,278 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,660km (1,031 miles)

It takes around 4h 15m to get from Cairns and Tamworth by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 24h 10m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Cairns to Tamworth is to fly which takes around 4h 15m and will set you back approx A$585 ($395).

The cheapest way to travel between Cairns and Tamworth, if you exclude driving, is to take the train and then take the bus which will typically cost around A$285 ($195) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Cairns and Tamworth. We recommend that you fly from Cairns (CNS) to Tamworth (TMW). instead which will take 4h 15m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Cairns and Tamworth. It typically takes around 1 day 16h and departs twice a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Cairns to Tamworth. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Brisbane, Moree, Moree Station Coach Bay and Quirindi Station Coach Stop. These services run twice a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 16h.

Premier Motor Service, Crisps Coaches, NSW TrainLink, Tamworth Buslines and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Cairns and Tamworth. Buses run twice a week and take around 1 day 16h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Cairns and Tamworth. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and arrive at Tamworth (TMW) - via Sydney (SYD). The flight takes around 3h 55m.

There is no direct flight from Cairns to Tamworth. There is however a flight that goes via Sydney (SYD). This services will take at least 4h 15m (not including layover time).

The flight from Cairns to Tamworth typically takes around 3h 55m. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Tamworth (TMW).

The closest major airport to Tamworth is Tamworth Airport (TMW) (TMW) which is approximately 8km (5 miles) from Tamworth. Armidale Airport (ARM) (ARM) and Sydney Airport (SYD) (SYD) 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 Tamworth. The distance is around 2,056km (1,278 miles) by road and it will take around 24h 10m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cairns to Tamworth is to fly which takes, on average, 4h 15m and will usually cost around A$585 ($395).

How do I get from Cairns to Tamworth

Compare travel optionsbetween Cairns and Tamworth

Transport options from Cairns to Tamworth
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly
4h 15m
A$585($395)
every 20 mins2,307km (1,433 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
1 day 16h
A$340($230)
twice a week2,805km (1,743 miles)
Bus via Brisbane1 day 19h
A$425($285)
4 times a week2,867km (1,781 miles)
Train and Bus
1 day 12h
A$285($195)
4 times a week2,443km (1,518 miles)
Drive
24h 10m
A$390($260)
on demand2,056km (1,278 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Cairns and Tamworth

Airlines

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Tamworth

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

TMW
Tamworth Airport (TMW)
Domestic Airport
Distance
8km (5 miles) from Tamworth
ARM
Armidale Airport (ARM)
Domestic Airport
Distance
90km (56 miles) from Tamworth
SYD
Sydney Airport (SYD)
International Airport
Distance
317km (197 miles) from Tamworth