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

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There are 6 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 to Cooktown Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane MEL - CTN
    7h 32m
    $268–743

  2. Fly 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 59m
    $228–608

  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
    $377–7,103

  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 13h
    $526–905

  5. Drive 3,036 km

    1. Drive from Melbourne to Cooktowncar car 3,036 km
    36h 8m
    $553–798

  6. 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
    $517–721

Melbourne to Cooktown by train and bus

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration2d 10hAverage Duration
Ticket$377Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Melbourne to Cooktown.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 2,504.7 km
  • Duration: 7h 32m

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

Qantas, Hinterland Aviation, and two other airlines fly from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cooktown Airport (CTN) 5 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 13h.

Airlines
Train operators
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