The distance between Sydney and Mackay is around 1,734km (1,077 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 21hrs.
We've found 3 different ways to get from Sydney to Mackay 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 Mackay → Sydney if you're planning a return trip.
Take the train to Brisbane and then to Mackay.
Multiple train operators
Take the bus to Brisbane and then to Mackay.
There are several options for getting from Sydney to Mackay by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around A$255 ($170) and will take around 1 day 3h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 21hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$230 ($155).
The distance between Sydney and Mackay is around 1,734km (1,077 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,415km (879 miles)
It takes around 1 day 3h to get from Sydney and Mackay by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 21hrs to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Sydney to Mackay is to drive which takes around 21hrs and will set you back approx A$230 ($155).
The cheapest way to travel between Sydney and Mackay, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around A$255 ($170) for a standard one-way ticket.
Yes there is a train service that runs between Sydney and Mackay. It typically takes around 1 day 3h and departs 5 times a week.
There are no direct train services that runs from Sydney to Mackay. 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 3h.
NSW TrainLink and Queensland Rail Travel run train services between Sydney and Mackay. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 1 day 3h, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Sydney and Mackay. It typically takes around 1 day 9h and departs once daily.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Sydney to Mackay. 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 9h.
Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Sydney and Mackay. Buses run once daily and take around 1 day 9h on average but will vary depending on you book with.
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Sydney to Mackay. We recommend that you take the train to Brisbane and then to Mackay. instead which will take 1 day 3h.
The closest major airport to Mackay is Mackay Airport (MKY) (MKY) which is approximately 4km (2 miles) from Mackay. Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) (HTI) and Cairns Airport (CNS) (CNS) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Sydney and Mackay. The distance is around 1,734km (1,077 miles) by road and it will take around 21hrs in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Sydney to Mackay is to take the train which takes, on average, 1 day 3h and will usually cost around A$255 ($170).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Train | 1 day 3h | A$255($170) | 5 times a week | 1,931km (1,200 miles) |
Bus | 1 day 9h | A$375($250) | once daily | 2,175km (1,351 miles) |
Drive | 21hrs | A$230($155) | on demand | 1,734km (1,077 miles) |
Qantas
Virgin Australia
NSW TrainLink
Queensland Rail Travel
Premier Motor Service
The following major airports near Mackay offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.