Rome2Rio

How to get fromCairns to Rottnest Islandby plane, ferry, train or bus

Find Transport to Rottnest Island

See all options

There are 3 ways to get from Cairns to Rottnest Island by plane, ferry, train, or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly, ferry

    best
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Perth Airport (PER)planeCNS - PER
    2. Take the ferry from Fremantle B Shed to Rottnest Islandferry
    9h 4m
    $408–991

  2. Train, ferry

    1. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Roma Streettrain
    2. Take the train from Roma Street Station to Central Stationtrain
    3. Take the train from Sydney Central Station to Perthtrain
    4. Take the ferry from Barrack Street Jetty to Rottnest Islandferry
    4d 22h
    $1,045–15,031

  3. Bus, train, ferry

    1. Take the bus from Cairns Central Station to Brisbane Roma Streetbus
    2. Take the train from Brisbane to Adelaidetrain
    3. Take the train from Adelaide Parklands to Perthtrain
    4. Take the ferry from Barrack Street Jetty to Rottnest Islandferry
    5d 9h
    $3,169–12,927

Cairns to Rottnest Island by train, foot, and ferry

Calendar1Weekly Services
Duration4d 22hAverage Duration
Ticket$1,045Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

What companies run services between Cairns, QLD, Australia and Rottnest Island, WA, Australia?

There is no direct connection from Cairns to Rottnest Island. However, you can take the shuttle to Cairns Airport, walk to Cairns (CNS) airport, fly to Perth Airport (PER), walk to Airport Central Stn Platform 1, take the train to Perth Stn Platform 7, take the train to Fremantle Stn Platform 1, walk to Fremantle B Shed, then take the ferry to Rottnest Island. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cairns Central Station to Rottnest Island via Roma Street, Roma Street Station, Central Station, Sydney Central Station, Perth, and Barrack Street Jetty in around 4d 22h.

Transport is disrupted due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Read more

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry operators

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

Trips from Cairns

Trips to Rottnest Island

Popular routes