Rome2Rio

How to get fromMelbourne to Cooktownby plane, train, bus, bus (Greyhound) or car

Find Transport to Cooktown

See all options

There are 7 ways to get from Melbourne to Cooktown by plane, train, bus, 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.

  1. Fly Melbourne Airport to Cooktown Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane MEL - CTN
    6h 42m
    $228–783

  2. Fly Melbourne Airport to Cairns, bus

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane MEL - CNS
    2. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    11h 54m
    $218–538

  3. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Southern Cross to Central Stationtrain train 622 / ...
    2. Take the train from Central Station to Roma Street Stationtrain train 31
    3. Take the train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationtrain train
    4. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    2d 10h
    $292–7,103

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal/Spencer St to Central Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Central Station to Brisbanebus bus
    3. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    2d 14h

  5. Drive 3,036 km

    1. Drive from Melbourne to Cooktowncar car 3,036 km
    36h 27m
    $577–833

  6. Fly Essendon Fields Airport to Cooktown Airport

    1. Fly from Essendon Fields Airport (MEB) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane MEB - CTN
    20h 19m
    $266–970

  7. Bus via Campbellfield

    1. Take the bus from Campbellfield to Central Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Central Station to Brisbanebus bus
    3. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    2d 20h
    $516–720

Melbourne to Cooktown by train and bus

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration2d 10hAverage Duration
Ticket$292Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

What companies run services between Melbourne, VIC, Australia and Cooktown, QLD, Australia?

Jetstar, Hinterland Aviation, and two other airlines fly from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cooktown Airport (CTN) 3 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal/Spencer St to Cooktown via Central Station, Brisbane, Brisbane Roma Street, and Cairns in around 2d 14h.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus 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

More Questions & Answers

Trips from Melbourne

Trips to Cooktown

Popular routes