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Perth to Cairns from $210: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Perth, Australia
to
Cairns, Australia

How to Get from Perth to Cairns: 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.

$210 - PlaneBest price
3462.7 kmDistance
7h 3m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Perth 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  3m
Estimated price
$213-504
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  3m
Estimated price
$210-550
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 3462.7 km
Duration: 7h 3m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
57h  9m
Estimated price
$650-1000
Company
Journey Beyond - Indian Pacific
Train
Average Duration
115h 
Estimated price
$728-9095
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
115h  23m
Estimated price
$770-5278
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
120h 
Estimated price
$788-5415
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
127h  7m
Estimated price
$2604-13691
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Perth to Cairns

This route takes you from the expansive deserts and vibrant city life of Perth to the lush rainforests and stunning coastal beauty of Cairns, offering travelers two distinct landscapes and experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cairns

Cairns showcases vibrant neighborhoods each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Cairns Esplanade
• Stunning waterfront views and walkways
• Lively markets and dining options nearby
Port Douglas
• Charming village atmosphere with boutique shops
• Close to the Great Barrier Reef
James Street
• Trendy cafes and art galleries abound
• Ideal for local dining experiences

Best Times To Visit Cairns's Attractions

Maximize your Cairns experience by timing your visits to top attractions thoughtfully.

Great Barrier Reef
Visit early morning for fewer crowds and optimal snorkeling conditions.
Daintree Rainforest
Plan a weekday visit to enjoy peace and avoid weekend tourists.
Cairns Night Markets
Check out the markets on a Thursday for a lively atmosphere and great deals.

Cairns Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cairns experiences a tropical climate, featuring warm temperatures year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons; planning your visit during the dry months from May to October can greatly enhance your travel experience by avoiding heavy rainfall and humidity.

Dining in Cairns: A Culinary Delight

Don't miss trying the famous local dish, barramundi, at the intimate restaurant Ochre, where Indigenous ingredients meet contemporary flavors; the fresh seafood and vibrant tropical atmosphere provide a refreshing contrast to the metropolitan dining scene you would find in Perth.

Perth - Cairns operators

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

Plane
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Perth Airport to Cairns Airport

Average Duration
4h 25m
Estimated price
AU$220-650

Plane from Perth Airport to Cairns Airport via Brisbane

Average Duration
7h 52m
Estimated price
AU$280-950

Plane from Perth Airport to Cairns Airport via Darwin

Average Duration
8h 30m
Estimated price
AU$280-950
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Perth Airport to Cairns Airport

Average Duration
4h 35m
Estimated price
AU$230-700

Plane from Perth Airport to Cairns Airport via Brisbane

Average Duration
8h 15m
Estimated price
AU$230-700
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Perth Airport to Cairns Airport

Average Duration
4h 25m
Estimated price
AU$220-650
Train
Contact phone
1800 703 357
Website
journeybeyondrail.com.au

Train from Perth to Sydney Central Station

Average Duration
74h
Estimated price
AU$550-5000

Train from Sydney Central Station to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
24h 45m
Estimated price
AU$110-4100
Contact phone
131 500
Website
transportnsw.info

Train from Central Station to Roma Street

Average Duration
14h 12m
Estimated price
AU$55-90
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
24h 45m
Estimated price
AU$110-4100
Bus
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Central Station to Brisbane

Average Duration
14h
Estimated price
AU$85-200

Bus from Brisbane to Cairns

Average Duration
30h
Estimated price
AU$170-420
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
premierms.com.au

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
29h 30m
Estimated price
AU$120-170

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

Traveling between Perth 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 Perth to Cairns, covering a distance of 5281.9 km. 💰 Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the cost-effective journey, with car travel prices ranging from $650 to $1000. 🏖️ Arrive in Cairns City after approximately 2 days and 9 hours of driving, ready to immerse yourself in the tropical paradise of Far North Queensland. Explore the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Average price
$650 - $1000
💸 Prices for this train trip from Perth to Cairns typically range from $728 to $9095, offering various options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Departure Point
Perth station
Arrival Point
Cairns Central Station
🌴 Experience a seamless journey from Perth to Cairns with a quick direct flight lasting just 4 hours and 25 minutes. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas are the airlines that offer this convenient route. 🛫 With a total travel time of 7 hours and 3 minutes, travellers can easily navigate from the west coast to the tropical paradise of Cairns. 💸 Ticket prices between Cairns and Perth are budget-friendly, ranging from $213 to $504.
Departure Point
Perth Airport
Arrival Point
Cairns Airport

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Perth to Cairns.

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The distance between Perth and Cairns is approximately 3461.7 km. By train, it can take a considerable amount of time to reach Cairns from Perth. Taking a train and then a bus via Adelaide is an option, but the exact travel time is not provided. The quickest way to reach Cairns from Perth is by plane, which takes about 7 hours and 3 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Perth to Cairns is by plane. It takes approximately 7 hours and 3 minutes and costs between $220 and $470, depending on the airline and time of booking.
The prices of a train between Perth and Cairns can range from $716 to $3748, depending on the class and type of ticket.
To get from Perth to Cairns without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance is approximately 5281.9 km, and it takes about 2 days and 9 hours to complete the journey. However, it is important to note that prices for this journey vary, ranging from $650 to $1000.
To travel from Perth to Cairns without a car, the best option is to take a train and bus route via Adelaide. This journey typically takes about 4 days and 17 hours. The cost of this trip can range from $600-$3,000.
No, there is no direct train link between Perth and Cairns. However, there are train services available that involve transfers. The journey takes approximately 4 days and 19 hours, with transfers at Central Station and Brisbane Roma Street. The services are operated by Journey Beyond - Indian Pacific and Queensland Rail Travel.
The flight between Perth and Cairns typically takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes. The price range for a flight between these two cities can vary from $223 to $464, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Cairns. With over 712 hotels to choose from, visitors have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in Cairns start at $73 per night, offering affordable options for travelers.