What is the cheapest way to get from Mackay to Cairns?

The cheapest way to get from Mackay to Cairns is to drive which costs $130 - $190 and takes 8h 42m.

What is the fastest way to get from Mackay to Cairns?

The fastest way to get from Mackay to Cairns is to fly which takes 5h 15m and costs $220 - $500.

Is there a direct bus between Mackay and Cairns?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Mackay and arriving at Cairns Central Station station. Services depart twice daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 12h 10m.

Is there a direct train between Mackay and Cairns?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Mackay and arriving at Cairns Central Station station. Services depart four times a week, and operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The journey takes approximately 11h 27m.

How far is it from Mackay to Cairns?

The distance between Mackay and Cairns is 604 km. The road distance is 731.1 km.

How do I travel from Mackay to Cairns without a car?

The best way to get from Mackay to Cairns without a car is to train which takes 11h 27m and costs $35 - $2,700.

How long does it take to get from Mackay to Cairns?

It takes approximately 5h 15m to get from Mackay to Cairns, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Mackay to Cairns bus from?

Mackay to Cairns bus services, operated by Premier Motor Service, depart from Mackay station.

Where do I catch the Mackay to Cairns train from?

Mackay to Cairns train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, depart from Mackay station.

Train, bus or fly from Mackay to Cairns?

The best way to get from Mackay to Cairns is to fly which takes 5h 15m and costs $220 - $500. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $35 - $2,700 and takes 11h 27m, you could also bus, which costs $100 - $270 and takes 12h 10m.

Where does the Mackay to Cairns bus arrive?

Mackay to Cairns bus services, operated by Premier Motor Service, arrive at Cairns Central Station.

Where does the Mackay to Cairns train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Mackay to Cairns?

Yes, the driving distance between Mackay to Cairns is 731 km. It takes approximately 8h 42m to drive from Mackay to Cairns.

Where can I stay near Cairns?

There are 979+ hotels available in Cairns.

Mackay to Cairns - 4 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and car

There are 4 ways to get from Mackay to Cairns by plane, train, bus (Greyhound), 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.

Fly
best
1. Fly from Mackay (MKY) to Cairns (CNS)plane MKY - CNS
5h 15m
$220–500
Train
cheapest
1. Take the train from Mackay to Cairns Central Stationtrain Spirit of Queensland
11h 27m
$35–2,652
Bus
1. Take the bus from Mackay to Cairns Central Stationbus Pm16
12h 10m
$100–270
Drive 731.1 km
1. Drive from Mackay to Cairnscar 731.1 km
8h 42m
$132–190

Mackay to Cairns by train

4Weekly Trains

11h 27mAverage Duration

$35Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Mackay to Cairns.

Launch map view

Distance: 604 km
Duration: 5h 15m

What companies run services between Mackay, QLD, Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

Qantas and Virgin Australia fly from Mackay (MKY) to Cairns (CNS) every 3 hours. Alternatively, Queensland Rail Travel operates a train from Mackay to Cairns Central Station 4 times a week. Tickets cost $35–2,652 and the journey takes 11h 27m.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

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