How to travel from Sydney to Mackay, Australia

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.

3 routes found

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 MackaySydney if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
train
+
train
+

Train

Take the train to Brisbane and then to Mackay.

  • Duration1 day 3h
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$255($170)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

2
bus
+
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane and then to Mackay.

  • Duration1 day 9h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$375($250)
🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Mackay.

  • Duration21hrs
  • Distance1,734km (1,077 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Sydney and 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.

Train travel

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.

Bus travel

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.

Flights and Airlines

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.

Drive yourself

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).

How do I get from Sydney to Mackay

Compare travel optionsbetween Sydney and Mackay

Transport options from Sydney to Mackay
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
1 day 3h
A$255($170)
5 times a week1,931km (1,200 miles)
Bus
1 day 9h
A$375($250)
once daily2,175km (1,351 miles)
Drive
21hrs
A$230($155)
on demand1,734km (1,077 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Sydney and Mackay

Airlines

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Mackay

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

MKY
Mackay Airport (MKY)
Domestic Airport
Distance
4km (2 miles) from Mackay
HTI
Hamilton Island Airport (HTI)
Domestic Airport
Distance
91km (57 miles) from Mackay
CNS
Cairns Airport (CNS)
International Airport
Distance
596km (370 miles) from Mackay