How to travel from Mackay to Tamworth, Australia

The distance between Mackay and Tamworth is around 1,282km (797 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 20m.

6 routes found

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

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

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Mackay (MKY) to Tamworth (TMW).

  • Duration3h 20m
  • Flight time2h 45m
  • Typical cost
    A$325($220)
Operated by

Virgin Australia

+ 2 others

1 similiar route

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

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 3h
  • Departstwice a week
  • Typical cost
    A$295($200)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

💰 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.

  • Duration24h 45m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$205($140)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

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

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Tamworth.

  • Duration16h 35m
  • Distance1,331km (827 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Mackay and Tamworth

There are several options for getting from Mackay to Tamworth by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train and then take the bus which costs around A$205 ($140) and will take around 24h 45m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$325 ($220).

The distance between Mackay and Tamworth is around 1,282km (797 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,120km (696 miles)

It takes around 3h 20m to get from Mackay and Tamworth by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 16h 35m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Mackay to Tamworth is to fly which takes around 3h 20m and will set you back approx A$325 ($220).

The cheapest way to travel between Mackay and Tamworth, if you exclude driving, is to take the train and then take the bus which will typically cost around A$205 ($140) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Mackay and Tamworth. We recommend that you fly from Mackay (MKY) to Tamworth (TMW). instead which will take 3h 20m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Mackay and Tamworth. It typically takes around 1 day 3h and departs twice a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Mackay 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 3h.

Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, Crisps Coaches, NSW TrainLink and Tamworth Buslines run regular bus services between Mackay and Tamworth. Buses run twice a week and take around 1 day 3h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Mackay and Tamworth. Flights depart from Mackay (MKY) and arrive at Tamworth (TMW) - via Brisbane (BNE). The flight takes around 2h 45m.

There is no direct flight from Mackay to Tamworth. There is however a flight that goes via Brisbane (BNE). This services will take at least 3h 20m (not including layover time).

The flight from Mackay to Tamworth typically takes around 2h 45m. Flights depart from Mackay (MKY) 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 Mackay and Tamworth. The distance is around 1,331km (827 miles) by road and it will take around 16h 35m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Mackay to Tamworth is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 20m and will usually cost around A$325 ($220).

How do I get from Mackay to Tamworth

Compare travel optionsbetween Mackay and Tamworth

Transport options from Mackay to Tamworth
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
3h 20m
A$325($220)
every 4 hours1,282km (797 miles)
Bus and Plane6h 40m
A$385($260)
once daily2,045km (1,271 miles)
Bus
1 day 3h
A$295($200)
twice a week1,992km (1,238 miles)
Train and Bus + 1 similar
24h 45m
A$205($140)
4 times a week1,732km (1,076 miles)
Bus and Train1 day 7h
A$290($195)
4 times a week2,025km (1,258 miles)
Drive
16h 35m
A$250($170)
on demand1,331km (827 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Mackay and Tamworth

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

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