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Cairns to Alice Springs from undefined3291: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cairns, Australia
to
Alice Springs, Australia

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$3291 - DriveBest price
2349 kmDistance
8h 4m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cairns to Alice Springs 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.

Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
8h  4m
Estimated price
329-784
Recommended
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
24h  13m
Estimated price
3291-3292
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 2349 km
Duration: 8h 4m

See more options

Company
Premier Motor Service
Bus
Average Duration
81h 
Estimated price
388-857
Company
Queensland Rail Travel
Train
Average Duration
82h 
Estimated price
739-7268
Company
Various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
120h 
Estimated price
2357-5002
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
122h 
Estimated price
2528-3290

Cairns - Alice Springs operators

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

Plane
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Alice Springs (ASP)

Average Duration
8h 4m
Estimated price
329-784

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Alice Springs (ASP)

Average Duration
7h 40m
Estimated price
3299-7840

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Alice Springs (ASP)

Average Duration
8h 15m
Estimated price
7841-7842
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Alice Springs (ASP)

Average Duration
7h 20m
Estimated price
7843-7844
Website
flybonza.com

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Alice Springs (ASP)

Average Duration
7h 40m
Estimated price
7843-7844
Bus
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
premierms.com.au

Bus from Cairns Central Station to Alice Springs

Average Duration
81h
Estimated price
388-857
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Cairns Central Station to Alice Springs

Average Duration
81h
Estimated price
388-72684
Train
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Cairns Central Station to Alice Springs

Average Duration
82h
Estimated price
739-7268
Contact phone
1800 703 357
Website
journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Adelaide Parklands to Alice Springs

Average Duration
22h
Estimated price
8576-8578
Drive

Drive from Cairns to Alice Springs

Average Duration
24h 13m
Estimated price
3291-3292

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

Traveling between Cairns and Alice Springs 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.

🚗 Experience the ultimate adventure as you journey 1459 miles from Cairns to Alice Springs by car, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes of Queensland and the Northern Territory. 💰 Depending on your preferences, the prices for this road trip range from $290 to $430, allowing flexibility to customize your journey with accommodation, dining, and exploration along the way.
Average price
$290 - $430
🌄 Traveling from Cairns to Alice Springs by train offers a unique perspective as you traverse through diverse landscapes and experience the vast beauty of the Australian Outback. The journey takes approximately 3 days and 22 hours, allowing for a leisurely exploration of the country's interior. 💰 The prices of train tickets between Cairns and Alice Springs can vary, with fares ranging from $739 to $7268. Despite the extended duration and transfers involved, the train offers a comfortable and scenic way to travel between these two iconic Australian destinations.
Departure Point
Cairns Central Station
Arrival Point
Alice Springs station
🛫 Flying from Cairns Airport to Alice Springs Airport is a convenient way to travel, even though there are no direct flights available. The journey typically takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes with one stopover. 🌏 The total flight duration from Cairns to Alice Springs is approximately 8 hours and 4 minutes. With varying prices ranging from $329 to $784, travelers can find a suitable flight that fits their budget and schedule. Overall, this journey promises stunning aerial views and a smooth travel experience.
Departure Point
Cairns Airport
Arrival Point
Alice Springs Airport. The quickest flight takes 6h 30m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Be prepared for at least one stopover, often in either Brisbane or Sydney, which can extend your travel time to around 6h 30m to 8h 4m; check your itinerary closely for connection times to avoid missing your onward flight.
• Upon arrival at Alice Springs Airport, the airport is quite small and easy to navigate; simply follow the signs to the arrivals area where you can find baggage claim and transportation options including shuttles and taxis.
• Expect taxi fares from Alice Springs Airport to the city center to be around AUD $20 to $30; for added convenience, consider using rideshare apps like Uber, which can offer competitive rates and are easy to book from the airport.
🌵 The total travel time from Cairns to Alice Springs by bus, including transfers, averages approximately 3 days and 17 hours. Passengers can relax and enjoy the diverse landscapes of Australia as they make their way through various regions on this extended route. 💰 Prices for bus tickets between Alice Springs and Cairns can range from $388 to $857, offering options for different travel budgets. Whether seeking an adventurous trip or a budget-friendly journey, this bus route provides a unique opportunity to explore the diverse scenery of the Australian outback.
Departure Point
Cairns Central Station
Arrival Point
Alice Springs station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cairns to Alice Springs.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Cairns and Alice Springs is 1458.1 km. By train, it takes approximately to reach Alice Springs from Cairns. By taking a bus and then a train, the travel time is . By plane, it takes 8 hours and 4 minutes to reach Alice Springs from Cairns. By car, it takes 24 hours and 13 minutes to drive from Cairns to Alice Springs.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cairns to Alice Springs is to drive, which takes approximately 24 hours and 13 minutes and costs between $290 and $430. However, this is also the longest travel time. If time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes around 8 hours and 4 minutes and costs between $330 and $800.
The prices for train travel between Cairns and Alice Springs can range from $722 to $2374. Alternatively, taking a bus from Alice Springs to Cairns can cost anywhere from $342 to $889.
To get from Cairns to Alice Springs without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The distance between the two cities is approximately 2348.0 km, and it takes about 24 hours and 13 minutes to drive from Cairns to Alice Springs. The cost of driving can vary between $290 and $430, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle type.
To travel from Cairns to Alice Springs without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 3 days and 18 hours and the fares range from $340 to $900. Another option is to fly, which takes around 8 hours and 4 minutes with ticket prices ranging from $330 to $800. If you prefer a longer journey, you can also consider taking a train via Sydney, which takes about 3 days and 22 hours and costs between $700 and $2,400.
Yes, there is a link between Cairns and Alice Springs. However, there is no direct train or bus service between the two cities. To travel by train, you would need to take a train from Cairns Central Station to Alice Springs, with transfers in Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide. This journey takes approximately 3 days and 22 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cairns to Alice Springs, with transfers in Brisbane, Sydney, Albury, and Adelaide. This journey takes approximately 3 days and 18 hours.
The flight duration from Cairns to Alice Springs typically takes around 7 hours with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available between the two cities. The cost of a flight between Alice Springs and Cairns can vary, with prices ranging from $335 to $755.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Alice Springs. With over 23 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options to suit their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels start at $17 per night, ensuring that there is an option for every traveler's budget.