How to travel from Mackay to Kingscliff, Australia

The distance between Mackay and Kingscliff is around 944km (586 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly, then take the train, then take a tram and then take the bus which takes around 4h 50m.

6 routes found

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

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

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Bus, Plane and Train

Take the bus to Airlie Beach then fly from Proserpine (PPP) to Brisbane (BNE) then take the train to Helensvale station platform 1.

  • Duration7h 30m
  • Flight time1h 30m
  • Typical cost
    A$365($245)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

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

💰 Cheapest
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Train

Take the train to Brisbane Roma Street and then to Helensvale station platform 1.

  • Duration16h 30m
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$140($95)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

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Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane and then to Tweed Heads.

  • Duration19h 10m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$210($140)
Operated by

Premier Motor Service

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Bus and Train

Take the bus to Maroochydore and then to Brisbane then take the train to Helensvale station platform 1.

  • Duration20h 15m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$205($140)
Operated by

Multiple operators

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Drive

Drive to Kingscliff.

  • Duration13h 55m
  • Distance1,061km (660 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Mackay and Kingscliff

There are several options for getting from Mackay to Kingscliff by plane, train, tram, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around A$140 ($95) and will take around 16h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly, then take the train, then take a tram and then take the bus and arrive in approximately 4h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$245 ($165).

The distance between Mackay and Kingscliff is around 944km (586 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 907km (563 miles)

It takes around 4h 50m to get from Mackay and Kingscliff by plane, train, tram and bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 13h 55m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Mackay to Kingscliff is to fly, then take the train, then take a tram and then take the bus which takes around 4h 50m and will set you back approx A$245 ($165).

The cheapest way to travel between Mackay and Kingscliff, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around A$140 ($95) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Mackay and Kingscliff. It typically takes around 16h 30m and departs 5 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Mackay to Kingscliff. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Brisbane Roma Street, Helensvale station platform 1, Broadbeach South station and Griffith St at Coolangatta East. These services run 5 times a week and will take a minimum of 16h 30m.

Queensland Rail Travel and Translink QLD run train services between Mackay and Kingscliff. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 16h 30m, 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 Kingscliff. It typically takes around 19h 10m and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Mackay to Kingscliff. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Brisbane and Tweed Heads. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 19h 10m.

Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Mackay and Kingscliff. Buses run once daily and take around 19h 10m 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 Kingscliff. We recommend that you fly from Mackay (MKY) to Brisbane (BNE) then take the train to Helensvale station platform 1 then take a tram to Cavill Avenue station then take the bus to Kingscliff Coach Stop Pearl St. instead which will take 4h 50m.

The closest major airport to Kingscliff is Gold Coast Airport (OOL) (OOL) which is approximately 12km (7 miles) from Kingscliff. Ballina Byron Airport (BNK) (BNK) and Brisbane Airport (BNE) (BNE) 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 Kingscliff. The distance is around 1,061km (660 miles) by road and it will take around 13h 55m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Mackay to Kingscliff is to fly, then take the train, then take a tram and then take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 50m and will usually cost around A$245 ($165).

How do I get from Mackay to Kingscliff

Compare travel optionsbetween Mackay and Kingscliff

Transport options from Mackay to Kingscliff
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus, Plane and Train + 1 similar
7h 30m
A$365($245)
once daily1,233km (766 miles)
Plane, Train, Tram and Bus4h 50m
A$245($165)
4 times a day944km (586 miles)
Train
16h 30m
A$140($95)
5 times a week1,067km (663 miles)
Bus
19h 10m
A$210($140)
once daily1,280km (795 miles)
Bus and Train
20h 15m
A$205($140)
once daily1,287km (800 miles)
Drive
13h 55m
A$200($135)
on demand1,061km (660 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Mackay and Kingscliff

Airlines

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Kingscliff

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

OOL
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
International Airport
Distance
12km (7 miles) from Kingscliff
BNK
Ballina Byron Airport (BNK)
Domestic Airport
Distance
65km (40 miles) from Kingscliff
BNE
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
International Airport
Distance
105km (66 miles) from Kingscliff