How to travel from Townsville to Mackay, Australia

The distance between Townsville and Mackay is around 338km (210 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 1h 10m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Townsville to Mackay 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 MackayTownsville if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Townsville (TSV) to Mackay (MKY).

  • Duration1h 10m
  • Flight time55min
  • Typical cost
    A$255($175)
Operated by

Qantas

💰 Cheapest
2
train
+

Train

Take the train to Mackay.

  • Duration4h 40m
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$59($40)
Operated by

Queensland Rail Travel

3
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Mackay.

  • Duration6h 10m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$82($55)
Operated byGreyhound Australia+ 1 others

1 similiar route

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

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Mackay.

  • Duration5h 25m
  • Distance391km (243 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Townsville and Mackay

There are several options for getting from Townsville to Mackay by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around A$59 ($40) and will take around 4h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 1h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$255 ($175).

The distance between Townsville and Mackay is around 338km (210 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 324km (201 miles)

It takes around 1h 10m to get from Townsville and Mackay by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 25m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Townsville to Mackay is to fly which takes around 1h 10m and will set you back approx A$255 ($175).

The cheapest way to travel between Townsville and Mackay, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around A$59 ($40) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Townsville and Mackay. It typically takes around 4h 40m and departs 5 times a week.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Townsville and Mackay with no changeovers required. The train runs 5 times a week and takes 4h 40m.

Queensland Rail Travel run train services between Townsville and Mackay. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 4h 40m, 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 Townsville and Mackay. It typically takes around 6h 10m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Townsville and Mackay with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 6h 10m.

Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Townsville and Mackay. Buses run once daily and take around 6h 10m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Townsville and Mackay. Flights depart from Townsville (TSV) and arrive at Mackay (MKY). The flight takes around 55min.

Yes there is a direct flight between Townsville and Mackay with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 55min.

Qantas fly between Townsville and Mackay. Flights depart from Townsville (TSV) and and arrive into Mackay (MKY). These flights usually take around 55min.

The flight from Townsville to Mackay typically takes around 55min. Flights depart from Townsville (TSV) and and arrive into Mackay (MKY).

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 Townsville and Mackay. The distance is around 391km (243 miles) by road and it will take around 5h 25m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Townsville to Mackay is to fly which takes, on average, 1h 10m and will usually cost around A$255 ($175).

How do I get from Townsville to Mackay

Compare travel optionsbetween Townsville and Mackay

Transport options from Townsville to Mackay
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly
1h 10m
A$255($175)
hourly338km (210 miles)
Train
4h 40m
A$59($40)
5 times a week371km (231 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
6h 10m
A$82($55)
once daily438km (272 miles)
Bus via Bowen6h 40m
A$80($54)
once daily437km (272 miles)
Drive
5h 25m
A$52($35)
on demand391km (243 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Townsville and Mackay

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

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