What is the cheapest way to get from Mount Isa to Cairns?

The cheapest way to get from Mount Isa to Cairns is to drive which costs $190 - $290 and takes 12h 43m.

What is the fastest way to get from Mount Isa to Cairns?

The fastest way to get from Mount Isa to Cairns is to fly which takes 3h 23m and costs $360 - $900.

Is there a direct bus between Mount Isa and Cairns?

No, there is no direct bus from Mount Isa to Cairns station. However, there are services departing from Mount Isa and arriving at Cairns Central Station via Townsville. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 18h 30m.

Is there a direct train between Mount Isa and Cairns?

No, there is no direct train from Mount Isa station to Cairns station. However, there are services departing from Mount Isa station and arriving at Cairns Central Station via Townsville. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 28h 5m.

How far is it from Mount Isa to Cairns?

The distance between Mount Isa and Cairns is 796 km. The road distance is 1098.4 km.

How do I travel from Mount Isa to Cairns without a car?

The best way to get from Mount Isa to Cairns without a car is to bus which takes 18h 30m and costs $180 - $380.

How long does it take to get from Mount Isa to Cairns?

It takes approximately 3h 23m to get from Mount Isa to Cairns, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Mount Isa to Cairns bus from?

Mount Isa to Cairns bus services, operated by Greyhound Australia, depart from Mount Isa station.

Where do I catch the Mount Isa to Cairns train from?

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

Train, bus or fly from Mount Isa to Cairns?

The best way to get from Mount Isa to Cairns is to fly which takes 3h 23m and costs $360 - $900. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $180 - $380 and takes 18h 30m, you could also train, which costs $150 - $5,000 and takes 28h 5m.

Where does the Mount Isa to Cairns bus arrive?

Mount Isa to Cairns bus services, operated by Greyhound Australia, arrive at Townsville station.

Where does the Mount Isa to Cairns train arrive?

Mount Isa to Cairns train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, arrive at Townsville station.

Can I drive from Mount Isa to Cairns?

Yes, the driving distance between Mount Isa to Cairns is 1098 km. It takes approximately 12h 43m to drive from Mount Isa to Cairns.

Where can I stay near Cairns?

There are 979+ hotels available in Cairns.

Mount Isa to Cairns - 5 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and car

There are 5 ways to get from Mount Isa to Cairns by plane, bus (Greyhound), train, car, 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.

Fly
best
1. Fly from Mount Isa Airport (ISA) to Cairns (CNS)plane ISA - CNS
3h 23m
$364–878
Train
cheapest
1. Take the train from Mount Isa station to Townsville stationtrain Inlander
2. Take the train from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationtrain Spirit of Queensland
28h 5m
$153–4,952
Bus
1. Take the bus from Mount Isa to Townsvillebus Townsville
2. Take the bus from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationbus Pm16
18h 30m
$188–374
Drive 1,098.4 km
1. Drive from Mount Isa to Cairnscar 1,098.4 km
12h 43m
$196–283
Bus, train
1. Take the bus from Mount Isa to Townsvillebus Townsville
2. Take the train from Townsville to Cairns Central Stationtrain Spirit of Queensland
19h 33m
$184–1,600

Mount Isa to Cairns by bus

3Weekly Buses

18h 30mAverage Duration

$188Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Mount Isa to Cairns.

Launch map view

Distance: 795.9 km
Duration: 3h 23m

What companies run services between Mount Isa, QLD, Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?

Regional Express and Qantas fly from Mount Isa Airport (ISA) to Cairns (CNS) once daily. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Mount Isa to Cairns Central Station via Townsville in around 18h 30m.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

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