The distance between Tamworth and Cairns is around 2,057km (1,278 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 4h 50m.
We've found 5 different ways to get from Tamworth to Cairns 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 Cairns → Tamworth if you're planning a return trip.
Fly from Tamworth (TMW) to Cairns (CNS).
Qantas
+ 2 othersTake the bus to Quirindi Station Coach Stop, Moree Station Coach Bay then Brisbane and then to Cairns Central Station.
Multiple bus operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Take the bus to Wauchope Station Coach Stop then take the train to Brisbane and then to Cairns Central Station.
Multiple operators
There are several options for getting from Tamworth to Cairns by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then take the train which costs around A$285 ($195) and will take around 1 day 12h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 4h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$715 ($480).
The distance between Tamworth and Cairns is around 2,057km (1,278 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,660km (1,031 miles)
It takes around 4h 50m to get from Tamworth and Cairns by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 24h 10m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Tamworth to Cairns is to fly which takes around 4h 50m and will set you back approx A$715 ($480).
The cheapest way to travel between Tamworth and Cairns, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus and then take the train which will typically cost around A$285 ($195) for a standard one-way ticket.
There is no train service that runs between Tamworth and Cairns. We recommend that you fly from Tamworth (TMW) to Cairns (CNS). instead which will take 4h 50m.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Tamworth and Cairns. It typically takes around 1 day 18h and departs twice a week.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Tamworth to Cairns. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Quirindi Station Coach Stop, Moree Station Coach Bay, Moree and Brisbane. These services run twice a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 18h.
Tamworth Buslines, NSW TrainLink, Crisps Coaches, Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Tamworth and Cairns. Buses run twice a week and take around 1 day 18h on average but will vary depending on you book with.
Yes you can fly from Tamworth and Cairns. Flights depart from Tamworth (TMW) and arrive at Cairns (CNS) - via Sydney (SYD). The flight takes around 4h 10m.
There is no direct flight from Tamworth to Cairns. There is however a flight that goes via Sydney (SYD). This services will take at least 4h 50m (not including layover time).
The flight from Tamworth to Cairns typically takes around 4h 10m. Flights depart from Tamworth (TMW) 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.
Yes it is possible to drive from Tamworth and Cairns. The distance is around 2,057km (1,278 miles) by road and it will take around 24h 10m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Tamworth to Cairns is to fly which takes, on average, 4h 50m and will usually cost around A$715 ($480).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fly | 4h 50m | A$715($480) | twice daily | 2,306km (1,433 miles) |
Bus + 1 similar | 1 day 18h | A$340($230) | twice a week | 2,811km (1,747 miles) |
Bus via Port Macquarie Coach Stop, Gordon St | 1 day 21h | A$425($285) | 4 times a week | 2,872km (1,785 miles) |
Bus and Train | 1 day 12h | A$285($195) | 4 times a week | 2,443km (1,518 miles) |
Drive | 24h 10m | A$390($260) | on demand | 2,057km (1,278 miles) |
NSW TrainLink
Tamworth Buslines
Crisps Coaches
Premier Motor Service
Qantas
Link Airways
Queensland Rail Travel
The following major airports near Cairns offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.