Adelaide to Cairns from undefined140: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Adelaide to Cairns: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$140 - PlaneBest price

2131.2 kmDistance

4h 28m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Adelaide to Cairns with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Traveling From Adelaide to Cairns

The journey from Adelaide to Cairns presents a captivating shift from the serene, wine-filled landscapes of South Australia to the vibrant, tropical allure of Far North Queensland.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cairns

Cairns boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Cairns Esplanade

• Lively waterfront with stunning ocean views.

• Packed with restaurants and recreational activities.

Port Douglas

• Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

• Boutique shops and upscale dining options.

Kuranda

• Enchanting village in the rainforest.

• Famous for its scenic railway and markets.

Best Times To Visit Cairns's Attractions

Timing your visits can elevate your Cairns experience, allowing for a more relaxed exploration.

Great Barrier Reef

Early mornings during weekdays offer fewer crowds and calm waters.

Daintree Rainforest

Visit during the dry season (May to October) for optimal weather conditions.

Cairns Esplanade

Evenings provide a vibrant atmosphere with sunset views and local events.

Cairns Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cairns enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Understanding these patterns helps you choose the best times to visit for outdoor activities, avoiding heavy rains and humidity.

Culinary Journey in Cairns

At Ochre Restaurant, indulge in the rich flavors of native Australian ingredients with dishes like kangaroo fillet served alongside lemon myrtle and quandong chutney, offering a bold contrast to Adelaide's famed wine and cheese scene. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with stunning views of the Coral Sea, elevates the dining experience to a level that truly reflects the tropical essence of Cairns.

Adelaide - Cairns operators

Explore transport companies operating between Adelaide and Cairns, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights

Website

jetstar.com

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration

Estimated price

130-550

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Cairns (CNS) via Brisbane

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

240-750

Website

qantas.com

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration

3h 2m

Estimated price

230-750

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Cairns (CNS) via Townsville

Average Duration

6h 5m

Estimated price

320-950

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Cairns (CNS) via Brisbane

Average Duration

6h 22m

Estimated price

390-1200

Website

virginaustralia.com

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration

3h 10m

Estimated price

180-650

Plane from Adelaide (ADL) to Cairns (CNS) via Brisbane

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

240-750

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

1800 703 357

Website

journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Adelaide to Brisbane

Average Duration

48h 8m

Estimated price

2100-4400

Contact phone

1800 872 467

Website

queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration

24h 45m

Estimated price

110-4100

Train from Brisbane to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration

24h 45m

Estimated price

110-4100

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

1800 800 007

Website

vline.com.au

Bus from 85 Franklin St to Albury

Average Duration

14h 5m

Estimated price

10-15

Contact phone

1300 473946

Website

greyhound.com.au

Bus from Albury to Central Station

Average Duration

7h 40m

Estimated price

60-140

Contact phone

1300 730 740

Website

fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Albury station to Central Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

35-55

Contact phone

13 34 10

Website

premierms.com.au

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration

29h 30m

Estimated price

120-170

Adelaide to Cairns: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Adelaide and Cairns offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an epic road trip from Adelaide to Cairns, covering a distance of 2986.9 km. 💰 Experience the flexibility of travel by car, with prices ranging from $370 to $550 for the Adelaide to Cairns route. 🌴 Arrive in tropical Cairns after approximately 34 hours and 17 minutes of driving. Dive into the vibrant city's attractions, from the Great Barrier Reef to the lush rainforests, and savor the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on your unforgettable Australian road trip.

Average price

$370 - $550

🚂 Starting from Adelaide station, travelers can embark on a scenic train journey towards Cairns City. The trip includes transfers at Central station and Roma Street, taking around 3 days and 10 hours in total. 🌿 Experience the diverse landscapes of Australia as you glide through the countryside on the train operated by Journey Beyond - Great Southern. 💰 Fares for the Adelaide to Cairns City train range from $2251 to $8505, offering different options for travelers looking to kick off this unique and leisurely cross-country adventure by rail.

Departure Point

Adelaide station

Arrival Point

Cairns Central Station

🌏 Flying from Adelaide to Cairns is a convenient and time-saving journey, with direct flights taking approximately 3 hours. Airlines like Jetstar, Regional Express, Virgin Australia, and Qantas provide options for this route. 🌴 Once you land in Cairns Airport, you'll have travelled 4 hours and 28 minutes from Adelaide. This tropical destination offers a perfect mix of lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and the Great Barrier Reef waiting to be explored. 💸 The cost of flights between Cairns and Adelaide can range from $144 to $567, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability.

Departure Point

Adelaide Airport

Arrival Point

Cairns Airport

🚌 The journey from Adelaide to Cairns by bus is an extensive one, taking approximately 2 days and 20 hours with multiple transfers along the way. 🌴 Route 1 consists of 3 transfers over 3 days and 11 hours, covering a distance of 3,761 km. Beginning in Adelaide, travelers will pass through Albury, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane before reaching their final destination in Cairns.

Departure Point

85 Franklin St station

Arrival Point

Cairns Central Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Adelaide to Cairns.

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The distance between Adelaide and Cairns is approximately 2137.2 km by air and 2987.1 km by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: It takes around 5 hours and 41 minutes to reach Cairns from Adelaide by plane, around 34 hours and 17 minutes by car, but train and bus travel times are not provided.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Adelaide to Cairns is by flying. It takes approximately 5 hours and 41 minutes and costs between $140 and $320.

The prices for traveling from Adelaide to Cairns by train range from $423 to $1721. If you choose to travel by bus, the prices vary from $221 to $454.

To travel from Adelaide to Cairns without using public transportation, you can drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 2986.9 km, and it takes approximately 34 hours and 17 minutes to drive from Adelaide to Cairns City. The cost of this trip by car can range from $370 to $550, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.

To travel from Adelaide to Cairns without a car, there are a few options available. The quickest and most convenient option is to take a flight, which takes approximately 5 hours and 41 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes about 2 days and 21 hours. The bus journey is longer but can be more economical. Another option is to take a train via Sydney, which also takes approximately 2 days and 21 hours.

Yes, there is a link between Adelaide and Cairns. However, there is no direct train or bus service between the two cities. The train journey takes approximately 2 days and 21 hours, with transfers at Central Station and Brisbane Roma Street. Similarly, the bus journey also takes around 2 days and 21 hours, with transfers at Albury and Brisbane. Alternatively, the fastest option is to travel by plane, which takes around 5 hours and 41 minutes.

The flight between Adelaide and Cairns typically takes around 3 hours. The prices for this flight can vary, with fares ranging from $142 to $312.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Cairns. Cairns City alone has over 712 hotels to choose from, with prices starting at $73.