How to travel from Launceston to Cairns, Australia
The distance between Launceston and Cairns is around 2,811km (1,747 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 4h 50m.
7 routes found
We've found 7 different ways to get from Launceston to Cairns by plane, bus, ferry, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Cairns → Launceston if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Launceston (LST) to Cairns (CNS).
- Duration4h 50m
- Flight time4h 20m
- Typical costA$385($260)
+ 2 others1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus, Ferry and Train
Take the bus to Devonport Interchange then take a ferry to Port Melbourne then take the train to Central Station then Brisbane and then to Cairns Central Station.
- Duration2 days 13h
- Departs5 times a week
- Typical costA$625($420)
Multiple operators
3 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Car and Ferry
Drive to Devonport then take a ferry to Port Melbourne then drive to Cairns.
- Duration1 day 20h
- Departstwice daily
- Typical costA$525($355)
Multiple operators
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Launceston and Cairns
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Launceston to Cairns by plane, bus, ferry, train and car. The cheapest option is to fly which costs around A$385 ($260) and will take around 4h 50m.
The distance between Launceston and Cairns is around 2,811km (1,747 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 2,729km (1,696 miles)
It takes around 4h 50m to get from Launceston and Cairns by plane.
The quickest way to get from Launceston to Cairns is to fly which takes around 4h 50m and will set you back approx A$385 ($260).
The cheapest way to travel between Launceston and Cairns is to fly which will typically cost around A$385 ($260) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Launceston and Cairns. We recommend that you fly from Launceston (LST) to Cairns (CNS). instead which will take 4h 50m.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Launceston and Cairns. We recommend that you fly from Launceston (LST) to Cairns (CNS). instead which will take 4h 50m.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Launceston and Cairns. Flights depart from Launceston (LST) and arrive at Cairns (CNS) - via Melbourne (MEL). The flight takes around 4h 20m.
There is no direct flight from Launceston to Cairns. There is however a flight that goes via Melbourne (MEL). This services will take at least 4h 50m (not including layover time).
The flight from Launceston to Cairns typically takes around 4h 20m. Flights depart from Launceston (LST) and and arrive into Cairns (CNS).
The closest major airport to Cairns is Cairns Airport (CNS) (CNS) which is approximately 5km (3 miles) from Cairns. Cooktown Airport (CTN) (CTN) and Palm Island Airport (PMK) (PMK) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Launceston to Cairns. We recommend that you fly from Launceston (LST) to Cairns (CNS). instead which will take 4h 50m.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Launceston to Cairns is to fly which takes, on average, 4h 50m and will usually cost around A$385 ($260).
Compare travel optionsbetween Launceston and Cairns
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 1 similar | 4h 50m | A$385($260) | 5 times a day | 2,811km (1,747 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 6h 40m | A$530($360) | every 20 mins | 2,846km (1,768 miles) |
Bus, Ferry and Train + 3 similar | 2 days 13h | A$625($420) | 5 times a week | 4,121km (2,561 miles) |
| Bus to Devonport Interchange, ferry and train | 2 days 13h | A$625($420) | 5 times a week | 4,119km (2,560 miles) |
| Bus to Devonport Interchange, ferry and train | 2 days 18h | A$625($420) | once daily | 4,445km (2,762 miles) |
| Bus to Devonport Interchange, ferry and train | 2 days 20h | A$680($460) | once daily | 4,476km (2,781 miles) |
Car and Ferry | 1 day 20h | A$525($355) | twice daily | 3,352km (2,083 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Launceston and Cairns
Airlines
Virgin Australia
Qantas
Train operators
XPT
NSW TrainLink
Queensland Rail Travel
Bus companies
Redline
Premier Motor Service
Ferry operators
Spirit of Tasmania
Airports near Cairns
The following major airports near Cairns offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.
Cairns Airport (CNS)
- Distance
- 5km (3 miles) from Cairns
Cooktown Airport (CTN)
- Distance
- 176km (109 miles) from Cairns
Palm Island Airport (PMK)
- Distance
- 221km (137 miles) from Cairns