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Sydney to Cairns from $102: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Sydney, Australia
to
Cairns, Australia

How to Get from Sydney 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.

$102 - PlaneBest price
1970 kmDistance
5h 37m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sydney 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
5h  37m
Estimated price
$102-384
Recommended
route map
Distance: 1970 km
Duration: 5h 37m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
8h  37m
Estimated price
$116-491
Company
NSW TrainLink, Queensland Rail Travel
Train
Average Duration
39h  57m
Estimated price
$166-4189
Company
Greyhound Australia, Premier Motor Service
Bus
Average Duration
49h  1m
Estimated price
$192-266
Company
Greyhound Australia, Premier Motor Service
Bus
Average Duration
44h  32m
Estimated price
$209-370
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
28h  20m
Estimated price
$300-450
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Traveling From Sydney to Cairns

The journey from Sydney to Cairns offers a fascinating contrast, transitioning from the bustling urban landscape of Australia's largest city to the laid-back, tropical vibe of Cairns, where the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests await.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cairns

Cairns boasts vibrant neighborhoods that cater to diverse interests.

Cairns City
• Close to the Esplanade and Lagoon.
• Bustling with shops, cafes, and nightlife.
Edge Hill
• Features charming cafes and local boutiques.
• Offers scenic views of the rainforest.
Port Douglas
• Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Known for stunning beaches and luxury resorts.

Best Times To Visit Cairns's Attractions

Timing your visits to Cairns's attractions can elevate your experience.

Great Barrier Reef
Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and calm waters.
Daintree National Park
Late afternoon offers a serene atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
Cairns Esplanade
Weekdays are quieter, providing a relaxed vibe to explore.

Cairns Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cairns boasts a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity, making it an appealing destination throughout the year; however, the dry season from May to October offers the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Be mindful that the wet season, from November to April, brings heavier rainfall and potential cyclones, which might influence your travel plans.

Dining Recommendation in Cairns

When in Cairns, try the local specialty, barramundi fish tacos, at the relaxed Waterbar & Grill; the fresh local seafood paired with tropical flavors embodies the laid-back coastal lifestyle. Unlike Sydney's bustling, high-end restaurants, this venue offers stunning waterfront views and a casual vibe that invites you to savor your meal in a tropical paradise.

Sydney - Cairns operators

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

Plane
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
3h 3m
Estimated price
AU$110-550

Plane from Sydney (SYD) via Brisbane to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
4h 54m
Estimated price
AU$170-650
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
3h 10m
Estimated price
AU$110-550

Plane from Sydney (SYD) via Brisbane to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
4h 48m
Estimated price
AU$110-550
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
3h 3m
Estimated price
AU$95-490

Plane from Sydney (SYD) via Brisbane to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
AU$95-490
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
131 500
Website
https://transportnsw.info/

Train from Central Station to Hamilton Station

Average Duration
2h 39m
Estimated price
AU$4-8
Contact phone
131 500
Website
https://transportnsw.info/

Train from Central Station to Roma Street

Average Duration
14h 12m
Estimated price
AU$55-90
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
https://www.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
https://www.greyhound.com.au/

Bus from Central Station to Brisbane

Average Duration
14h
Estimated price
AU$85-200
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
https://premierms.com.au/

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Station

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

Bus from Central Station to Brisbane Roma Street

Average Duration
18h 35m
Estimated price
AU$70-100

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

Traveling between Sydney 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 stretching over 2400 km from Sydney to Cairns, offering breathtaking views and diverse landscapes along the way. 💰 The cost of driving from Sydney to Cairns can range from $300 to $450, making it an affordable way to experience the stunning East Coast of Australia. 🌴 Explore tropical wonders and pristine beaches as you journey for approximately 28 hours from the bustling city of Sydney to the laid-back paradise of Cairns by car.
Average price
$300 - $450
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Sydney to Cairns, taking you through the beautiful landscapes of eastern Australia. Despite the lack of a direct route, you'll enjoy a leisurely trip with services departing from Central Station. 🌿 Sit back, relax, and witness the ever-changing scenery as you make your way to Cairns via Roma Street. The journey may take almost 40 hours, including transfers, but the experience of traveling by train is truly one-of-a-kind. 🌞 Arrive at Cairns Central Station feeling refreshed after your adventurous rail voyage. With fares ranging from $166 to $4189, you can choose your preferred class for a comfortable and memorable train trip across the continent.
Departure Point
Central Station
Arrival Point
Cairns Central Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• For your train journey via the Spirit of Queensland, enjoy their onboard catering services which include a selection of meals and snacks available through the licensed cafe, offering fresh and local produce. Consider pre-ordering special meals if you have dietary restrictions for a seamless dining experience.
• The Spirit of Queensland provides three seating options: Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class. Economy Class features reclining seats in a spacious setting, Business Class offers a more comfortable configuration with extra amenities like complimentary drinks, and First Class provides the ultimate luxury with wider seats and exclusive dining services. Choose based on your budget and desired comfort level.
• Travel on the Spirit of Queensland or Queensland Rail's tilt train. Check train schedules and book tickets at Queensland Rail's website. Additionally, consider visiting Cairns Airport’s transport page for local transport options and schedules.
🛫 Flying from Sydney to Cairns is a convenient and quick option, with direct flights taking approximately 3 hours. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas are popular airlines that offer flights between these two cities. 🌴 Once you land in Cairns, you can expect a flight duration of around 5 hours and 37 minutes from Sydney. 💸 When it comes to booking your flight, prices can vary between $102 and $384 for the journey between Cairns and Sydney.
Departure Point
Sydney Airport
Arrival Point
Cairns Airport
🚌 **Embark on a scenic bus journey from Sydney to Cairns,** with services operated by Greyhound Australia. 🌅 The route involves transfers and takes approximately 44 hours and 32 minutes to reach your destination. 🛤️ **The adventure spans over 2,463 km,** crossing picturesque landscapes. 🌴 Experience the convenience of a two-step journey, with the first leg from Sydney to Brisbane and the final stretch from Brisbane to Cairns, both on Greyhound Australia buses.
Departure Point
Central Station
Arrival Point
Cairns Central Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Sydney to Cairns.

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The distance between Sydney and Cairns is approximately 1971 km by air and 2426 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes approximately 39 hours and 57 minutes to reach Cairns from Sydney. By flying, taking a train to Newcastle first, the travel time is about 8 hours and 43 minutes. By plane alone, the travel time is around 5 hours and 37 minutes. Driving from Cairns to Sydney takes approximately 28 hours and 20 minutes, while using a bus takes about 45 hours and 20 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Sydney to Cairns is to fly. It takes approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes and costs between $100 and $340.
When traveling from Sydney to Cairns, the prices for a train ticket vary between $171 and $327. On the other hand, if you prefer taking a bus, the prices range from $177 to $257.
To travel from Sydney to Cairns without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 2427 km, and it takes around 28 hours and 20 minutes to complete the drive. Be prepared for fuel costs and tolls, and expect to spend around $300 to $450 on car rental and other expenses for the journey.
To travel from Sydney to Cairns without a car, the best option is to take a train or fly. Taking the train from Sydney to Cairns takes approximately 39 hours and 57 minutes and costs between $170 and $330. Alternatively, flying is faster, with a travel time of about 5 hours and 37 minutes, and costing between $100 and $340. There is also the option of taking a bus, which takes 45 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $170 and $260.
Yes, there is a link between Sydney and Cairns but there is no direct train or bus service available. The train journey from Sydney to Cairns takes approximately 39 hours and 57 minutes, with transfers in Brisbane. Alternatively, the bus journey takes around 45 hours and 20 minutes, also with transfers in Brisbane.
The flight duration between Sydney and Cairns is approximately 3 hours. However, flight prices may vary from $102 to $333, depending on the airline and the time of year.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Cairns. With over 711 hotels to choose from, travelers have a wide range of choices. Prices start at $73, ensuring that there are options for every budget.