How to travel from Sydney to Cairns, Australia

The distance between Sydney and Cairns is around 1,992km (1,238 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3h 45m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from Sydney to Cairns 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 CairnsSydney if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS).

  • Duration3h 45m
  • Flight time3hrs
  • Typical cost
    A$275($185)
Operated by

Virgin Australia

+ 2 others

1 similiar route

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

2
train
+
train
+

Train

Take the train to Brisbane and then to Cairns Central Station.

  • Duration1 day 14h
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$350($235)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

3
bus
+
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane and then to Cairns Central Station.

  • Duration1 day 22h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$405($270)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

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

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Cairns.

  • Duration1 day 4h
  • Distance2,412km (1,499 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Sydney and Cairns

There are several options for getting from Sydney to Cairns by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train and then fly which costs around A$240 ($160) and will take around 6h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$275 ($185).

The distance between Sydney and Cairns is around 1,992km (1,238 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,944km (1,208 miles)

It takes around 3h 45m to get from Sydney and Cairns by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 4h to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Sydney to Cairns is to fly which takes around 3h 45m and will set you back approx A$275 ($185).

The cheapest way to travel between Sydney and Cairns, if you exclude driving, is to take the train and then fly which will typically cost around A$240 ($160) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Sydney and Cairns. It typically takes around 1 day 14h and departs 5 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Sydney to Cairns. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Brisbane. These services run 5 times a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 14h.

NSW TrainLink and Queensland Rail Travel run train services between Sydney and Cairns. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 1 day 14h, 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 Sydney and Cairns. It typically takes around 1 day 22h and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Sydney to Cairns. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Brisbane and Roma Street busway station. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 1 day 22h.

Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Sydney and Cairns. Buses run once daily and take around 1 day 22h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Sydney and Cairns. Flights depart from Sydney (SYD) and arrive at Cairns (CNS). The flight takes around 3hrs.

Yes there is a direct flight between Sydney and Cairns with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 3hrs.

Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar fly between Sydney and Cairns. Flights depart from Sydney (SYD) and and arrive into Cairns (CNS). These flights usually take around 3hrs.

The flight from Sydney to Cairns typically takes around 3hrs. Flights depart from Sydney (SYD) 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

Yes it is possible to drive from Sydney and Cairns. The distance is around 2,412km (1,499 miles) by road and it will take around 1 day 4h in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Sydney to Cairns is to fly which takes, on average, 3h 45m and will usually cost around A$275 ($185).

How do I get from Sydney to Cairns

Compare travel optionsbetween Sydney and Cairns

Transport options from Sydney to Cairns
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 1 similar
3h 45m
A$275($185)
5 times a day1,992km (1,238 miles)
Train and Plane6h 25m
A$240($160)
5 times a day2,069km (1,286 miles)
Train
1 day 14h
A$350($235)
5 times a week2,641km (1,641 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
1 day 22h
A$405($270)
once daily2,996km (1,862 miles)
Bus via Brisbane1 day 23h
A$325($220)
once daily3,025km (1,880 miles)
Drive
1 day 4h
A$320($215)
on demand2,412km (1,499 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Sydney and Cairns

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Cairns

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

CNS
Cairns Airport (CNS)
International Airport
Distance
5km (3 miles) from Cairns
CTN
Cooktown Airport (CTN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
176km (109 miles) from Cairns
PMK
Palm Island Airport (PMK)
Domestic Airport
Distance
221km (137 miles) from Cairns