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Duration 2 days 3h
Distance 2396.7 km
Average price $504
Frequency 3/week

Trip overview

The train between Sydney and Cairns takes 2 days 3h. The train runs, on average, 3 times per week from Sydney to Cairns. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.

Train

  1. Central Station
  2. Roma Street
  3. Cairns
40h 26m
$155 - $6,749

Sydney to Cairns train times

Trains run three times a week between Sydney and Cairns. The service departs Sydney at 14:47 in the afternoon, which arrives into Cairns at 17:05. All services require a transfer at Roma Street Station, Platform 3 and take an average of 2 days 3h. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.

Frequently asked questions

Want to know about travelling from Sydney to Cairns? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport?, What is the quickest option?, How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.

No, there is no direct train from Sydney station to Cairns station. However, there are services departing from Central Station and arriving at Cairns Central Station via Roma Street. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 40h 26m.

More details

The distance between Sydney and Cairns is 1990 km. The road distance is 2396.7 km.

Get driving directions

Sydney to Cairns train services, operated by NSW TrainLink XPT, depart from Central Station.

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Sydney to Cairns train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, arrive at Cairns Central Station.

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There are 989+ hotels available in Cairns.

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