There are 3 ways to get from Cairns to Cooktown by plane, bus, or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Cairns to Cooktown by bus
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Cairns to Cooktown is to drive which costs $45 - $70 and takes 5h 29m.
The fastest way to get from Cairns to Cooktown is to fly which takes 2h 8m and costs $110 - $500.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Cairns and arriving at Cooktown. Services depart six times a week, and operate Monday to Saturday. The journey takes approximately 4h 45m.
The distance between Cairns and Cooktown is 189 km. The road distance is 238.5 km.
The best way to get from Cairns to Cooktown without a car is to bus which takes 4h 45m and costs $70 - $110.
It takes approximately 2h 8m to get from Cairns to Cooktown, including transfers.
Cairns to Cooktown bus services, operated by Trans North Bus & Coach, depart from Cairns station.
The best way to get from Cairns to Cooktown is to fly which takes 2h 8m and costs $110 - $500. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $70 - $110 and takes 4h 45m.
Cairns to Cooktown bus services, operated by Trans North Bus & Coach, arrive at Cooktown station.
Yes, the driving distance between Cairns to Cooktown is 239 km. It takes approximately 5h 29m to drive from Cairns to Cooktown.
What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Cooktown, QLD, Australia?
Hinterland Aviation flies from Cairns (CNS) to Cooktown Airport (CTN) 3 times a day. Alternatively, Trans North Bus & Coach operates a bus from Cairns to Cooktown 6 times a week. Tickets cost $70–110 and the journey takes 4h 45m.
- Website
- hinterlandaviation.com.au
Flights from Cairns to Cooktown Airport
- Ave. Duration
- 45 min
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $60–430
- Phone
- +61 7 3036 2070
- Website
- transnorthbus.com.au
Bus from Cairns to Cooktown
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 45m
- Frequency
- 6 times a week
- Estimated price
- $70–110
- Website
- https://www.transnorthbus.com.au/
- Book at
- https://www.tnbc.com.au/
Want to know more about travelling around Australia
Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
Related travel guides
10 amazing places to get away from it all in Australia
Read the travel guide
4 of the smartest ways to explore Australia
Read the travel guide
More Questions & Answers
There are 27+ hotels available in Cooktown.


