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Townsville to Cairns from $30: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Townsville, Australia
to
Cairns, Australia

How to Get from Townsville 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.

$30 - Bus via Townsville City Stop ABest price
284.3 kmDistance
2h 16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Townsville 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
2h  16m
Estimated price
$107-244
Recommended
Company
Queensland Rail Travel
Train
Average Duration
6h  18m
Estimated price
$23-850
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 284.3 km
Duration: 2h 16m

See more options

Company
Greyhound Australia
Bus
Average Duration
5h  40m
Estimated price
$30-85
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
6h  48m
Estimated price
$32-48
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  9m
Estimated price
$40-65
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Traveling From Townsville to Cairns

The journey from Townsville to Cairns reveals striking differences, from Townsville's urban charm and rich history to Cairns' vibrant tropical lifestyle and access to the Great Barrier Reef.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cairns

Cairns offers diverse neighborhoods, each showcasing its distinct vibe and attractions.

Cairns City
• Bustling markets and lively restaurants.
• Close to the Esplanade for stunning views.
Freshwater
• Quaint village feel with lush surroundings.
• Great access to scenic walking trails.
Palm Cove
• Beautiful beachside views and luxury resorts.
• Ideal spot for relaxation and spa treatments.

Best Times To Visit Cairns's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience in Cairns' top attractions.

Great Barrier Reef
Early morning visits offer clearer waters and fewer crowds.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Weekdays are quieter, providing a more peaceful journey through nature.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Visit in the morning for a serene atmosphere before crowds arrive.

Cairns Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cairns enjoys a tropical climate, featuring warm temperatures year-round and a distinct wet and dry season. The best times to explore this vibrant city are during the dry season from May to October, when the weather enhances your travel experience with lower humidity and clearer skies.

Dining Recommendation in Cairns

Make sure to try the local seafood dish, barramundi, at Ochre Restaurant, where the flavors are elevated with native Australian ingredients. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the Esplanade provide a unique backdrop that sets Cairns apart from the more laid-back dining scene in Townsville.

Townsville - Cairns operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Townsville (TSV) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
150-340
Website
rex.com.au

Plane from Townsville (TSV) to Cairns (CNS)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
95-230
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
greyhound.com.au

Bus from Townsville to Cairns

Average Duration
5h 40m
Estimated price
40-85
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
premierms.com.au

Bus from Townsville to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
5h 40m
Estimated price
30-45
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Townsville to Cairns Central Station

Average Duration
6h 18m
Estimated price
23-850

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

Traveling between Townsville 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 a picturesque road trip from Townsville to Cairns, covering a distance of 349.2 km. Admire the stunning coastal views and lush landscapes along the way, making for a scenic journey that lasts approximately 4 hours and 9 minutes. 💸 Budget-friendly travel options are available, with car rental prices ranging from $40 to $65 for the Townsville to Cairns route. Enjoy the flexibility of stopping at charming towns, roadside eateries, and natural attractions as you make your way towards Cairns, soaking in the beauty of Tropical North Queensland.
Average price
$40 - $65
🚆 Hop aboard the direct train service departing from Townsville to Cairns Central Station, running five times a week. The scenic journey will take you through the lush landscapes of Queensland in approximately 6 hours and 18 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for the train between Townsville and Cairns range from $23 to $850, offering different fare options to suit your budget and preferences. Experience this enjoyable and cost-effective way to travel between these two vibrant cities in North Queensland.
Departure Point
Townsville station
Arrival Point
Cairns Central Station
🛫 Flying from Townsville to Cairns is a convenient option for travelers, with a direct flight taking just 55 minutes. Regional Express and Qantas are the airlines that operate this route. 🌴 The flight from Townsville to Cairns offers stunning aerial views of the coastline and tropical landscapes, adding to the overall travel experience. The flight duration typically is 2 hours and 16 minutes. 💸 Prices for flights between Townsville and Cairns can vary, ranging from $107 to $244 depending on the airline and time of booking.
Departure Point
Townsville Airport
Arrival Point
Cairns Airport
🚌 Hop on a direct Greyhound Australia bus from Townsville to Cairns, departing four times a day for a comfortable journey that takes around 5 hours and 40 minutes. 💰 Prices for the bus ride between Townsville and Cairns range from $30 to $85, making it an affordable and convenient option for your travel within Queensland.
Departure Point
Townsville station
Arrival Point
Cairns station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Townsville to Cairns.

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The distance between Townsville and Cairns is approximately 284.9 km by road, which takes about 4 hours and 9 minutes by car. By train, it takes around 6 hours and 18 minutes to reach Cairns from Townsville. If you prefer to fly, the travel time by plane is approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes. Alternatively, if you choose to take the bus, it takes about 5 hours and 40 minutes to travel from Townsville to Cairns.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Townsville to Cairns is by bus, which takes approximately 6 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $30 and $50. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option, taking only 2 hours and 16 minutes and costing between $110 and $260.
When traveling from Townsville to Cairns, the prices for a train ticket can range from $28 to $50. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Cairns to Townsville can vary from $30 to $110.
To get from Townsville to Cairns without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 349.2 km. It typically takes around 4 hours and 9 minutes to drive from Townsville to Cairns. The cost of driving may vary depending on fuel prices, but it usually ranges from $40 to $65.
The best way to travel from Townsville to Cairns without a car is by bus, which takes approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes and costs between $30 and $110. Another option is to fly, which takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes and costs between $110 and $260. Additionally, you could consider taking the train, which takes about 6 hours and 18 minutes and costs between $28 and $50.
Yes, there is a direct link between Townsville and Cairns. You can take a train operated by Queensland Rail Travel, which departs from Townsville station and arrives at Cairns Central Station. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 18 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a bus operated by Greyhound Australia, which departs from Townsville and arrives at Cairns station. The bus journey takes approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes.
The flight between Townsville and Cairns typically takes around 55 minutes. The prices for a flight between the two cities can range from $112 to $254.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Cairns. With over 711 hotels to choose from, visitors have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Cairns start at $73, making it accessible for different types of travelers.