How to travel from Mackay to Coffs Harbour, Australia

The distance between Mackay and Coffs Harbour is around 1,323km (822 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 16h 50m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Mackay to Coffs Harbour by 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 Coffs HarbourMackay if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
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train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street and then to Coffs Harbour Station.

  • Duration18h 35m
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$185($125)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

2
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane and then to Coffs Harbour.

  • Duration1 day 1h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$255($170)
Operated by

Premier Motor Service

🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Coffs Harbour.

  • Duration16h 50m
  • Distance1,331km (827 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Mackay and Coffs Harbour

There are several options for getting from Mackay to Coffs Harbour by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around A$185 ($125) and will take around 18h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 16h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$175 ($120).

The distance between Mackay and Coffs Harbour is around 1,323km (822 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,091km (678 miles)

It takes around 18h 35m to get from Mackay and Coffs Harbour by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 16h 50m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Mackay to Coffs Harbour is to drive which takes around 16h 50m and will set you back approx A$175 ($120).

The cheapest way to travel between Mackay and Coffs Harbour, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around A$185 ($125) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Mackay and Coffs Harbour. It typically takes around 18h 35m and departs 5 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Mackay to Coffs Harbour. 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 18h 35m.

Queensland Rail Travel and NSW TrainLink run train services between Mackay and Coffs Harbour. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 18h 35m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Mackay and Coffs Harbour. It typically takes around 1 day 1h and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Mackay to Coffs Harbour. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Brisbane. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 1 day 1h.

Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Mackay and Coffs Harbour. Buses run once daily and take around 1 day 1h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Mackay to Coffs Harbour. We recommend that you take the train to Brisbane Roma Street and then to Coffs Harbour Station. instead which will take 18h 35m.

The closest major airport to Coffs Harbour is Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) (CFS) which is approximately 3km (2 miles) from Coffs Harbour. Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) (PQQ) and Gold Coast Airport (OOL) (OOL) 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 Mackay and Coffs Harbour. The distance is around 1,331km (827 miles) by road and it will take around 16h 50m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Mackay to Coffs Harbour is to take the train which takes, on average, 18h 35m and will usually cost around A$185 ($125).

How do I get from Mackay to Coffs Harbour

Compare travel optionsbetween Mackay and Coffs Harbour

Transport options from Mackay to Coffs Harbour
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
18h 35m
A$185($125)
5 times a week1,323km (822 miles)
Bus
1 day 1h
A$255($170)
once daily1,634km (1,015 miles)
Drive
16h 50m
A$175($120)
on demand1,331km (827 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Mackay and Coffs Harbour

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Coffs Harbour

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

CFS
Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS)
Domestic Airport
Distance
3km (2 miles) from Coffs Harbour
PQQ
Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
128km (80 miles) from Coffs Harbour
OOL
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
International Airport
Distance
240km (149 miles) from Coffs Harbour