Cairns to Melbourne from $111: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$111 - PlaneBest price

2346 kmDistance

5h 19m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cairns to Melbourne 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 Cairns to Melbourne

This journey takes you from the tropical landscapes and laid-back lifestyle of Cairns to the vibrant culture and bustling streets of Melbourne, offering a captivating contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Melbourne

Melbourne boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character.

Fitzroy

• Known for its eclectic street art.

• Home to vibrant cafes and boutiques.

Southbank

• Offers stunning views of the Yarra River.

• Features a lively arts and dining scene.

St Kilda

• Famous for its beach and lively promenade.

• Known for the iconic Luna Park amusement park.

Best Times To Visit Melbourne's Attractions

Timely visits to Melbourne’s attractions can enhance your experience and minimize wait times.

Federation Square

Visit early on weekdays for a quieter atmosphere and fewer visitors.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Late afternoon offers a serene environment with picturesque sunset views.

Melbourne Zoo

Opt for a mid-week visit to enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Melbourne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate with four distinct seasons, making it essential to plan your wardrobe accordingly. Spring and autumn typically offer the most pleasant weather for exploring, while sudden changes can occur, so being prepared for varying conditions enhances your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

For a taste of Melbourne's culinary scene, try the sophisticated flavors of a traditional parma at a local pub like The Old Bar, offering a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere that differs from Cairns' casual dining. Melbourne's emphasis on local ingredients and innovative twists elevates the dining experience, contrasting beautifully with Cairns' focus on fresh seafood.

Cairns - Melbourne operators

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

Plane Show flights

Website

qantas.com

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

3h 26m

Estimated price

130-600

Website

jetstar.com

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

3h 27m

Estimated price

100-500

Website

virginaustralia.com

Plane from Cairns (CNS) to Melbourne (MEL)

Average Duration

3h 25m

Estimated price

130-550

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

1800 872 467

Website

queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Street

Average Duration

24h 45m

Estimated price

110-4100

Train from Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration

14h 12m

Estimated price

55-90

Train from Central Station to Southern Cross

Average Duration

10h 50m

Estimated price

50-160

Contact phone

131 500

Website

transportnsw.info

Train from Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration

14h 12m

Estimated price

55-90

Train from Sydney Central Railway Station to Southern Cross

Average Duration

10h 48m

Estimated price

50-160

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

13 34 10

Website

premierms.com.au

Bus from Cairns Central Station to Brisbane Roma Street

Average Duration

29h 5m

Estimated price

120-170

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Central Station

Average Duration

17h 45m

Estimated price

70-100

Bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration

12h

Estimated price

80-190

Contact phone

1300 473946

Website

greyhound.com.au

Bus from Brisbane to Central Station

Average Duration

14h

Estimated price

85-200

Contact phone

1300 730 740

Website

fireflyexpress.com.au

Bus from Central Station to Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Average Duration

11h 35m

Estimated price

35-65

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

Traveling between Cairns and Melbourne 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 exciting road trip from tropical Cairns to vibrant Melbourne, covering a distance of 2830.8 km. 💰 Plan your budget accordingly, as the cost of the journey by car ranges from $350 to $550. ⏱️ Set aside approximately 33 hours and 25 minutes for this epic adventure, allowing for leisurely stops to stretch your legs, explore charming towns along the way, and create unforgettable memories on the road.

Average price

$350 - $550

🌏 Begin your adventure at Cairns Central Station and enjoy the comfort of Queensland Rail Travel services as you traverse through Queensland and New South Wales. 💰 Ticket prices for the Cairns to Melbourne train range from $219 to $4278, offering a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Departure Point

Cairns Central Station

Arrival Point

Southern Cross station

🛫 Flying from Cairns to Melbourne is convenient with a direct flight that takes only 3 hours and 25 minutes. Multiple airlines such as Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar operate flights on this route. ✈️ The total flying time from Cairns to Melbourne is around 5 hours and 19 minutes, making it a relatively quick journey between the two Australian cities. 🎫 Prices for flights between Melbourne and Cairns can vary, ranging from $111 to $402, providing flexibility for travelers based on their budget and preferences.

Departure Point

Cairns Airport

Arrival Point

Melbourne Airport

🌿 The journey typically spans around 2 days and 8 hours, allowing for diverse sights along the way as you travel through beautiful landscapes from tropical Cairns to bustling Melbourne. Premier Motor Service and Firefly Express are the main operators for this route. 💸 Ticket prices for the Cairns to Melbourne bus ride range from $248 to $562, offering flexibility to suit your budget.

Departure Point

Cairns Central Station

Arrival Point

Southern Cross Coach Terminal station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cairns to Melbourne.

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The distance between Cairns and Melbourne is approximately 2338 km by air and 2831 km by road. By plane, it typically takes around 5 hours and 14 minutes to travel between the two cities.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient way to travel from Cairns to Melbourne is by flying. It takes approximately 5 hours and 14 minutes and costs between $100 and $360.

The prices for traveling from Cairns to Melbourne vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking a train can cost anywhere from $217 to $484, while a bus ticket ranges from $214 to $349.

To travel from Cairns to Melbourne without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The road distance between the two cities is around 2831 km, and the journey can take approximately 33 hours and 25 minutes. Rental car prices can range from $350 to $550, depending on the vehicle and rental duration.

The best way to travel from Cairns to Melbourne without a car is to take the train and night train, which takes approximately 2 days and 3 hours. This option can cost between $210 and $490. Alternatively, you could choose to fly, which takes about 5 hours and 14 minutes and costs between $100 and $360. Another option is to take a bus via Cabramatta, which can take around 2 days and 8 hours and costs between $210 and $350.

Unfortunately, there is no direct train or bus link between Cairns and Melbourne. However, there are options available with transfers. The train journey takes approximately 2 days and 3 hours, with transfers at Brisbane and Central Station. The bus journey takes around 2 days and 9 hours, with transfers at Brisbane and Sydney.

The flight between Cairns and Melbourne typically takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes. However, it is important to note that flight durations can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and airline schedules. As for the cost, the prices for a flight between Melbourne and Cairns can range from $104 to $351, depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors.

There are a wide range of options available for accommodations near Melbourne. With over 1744 hotels to choose from, travelers can find options to fit various budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in Melbourne start at $80 per night, offering affordable options for those looking for budget-friendly accommodation.