There are 4 ways to get from Rockhampton to Cairns by plane, train, bus 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.
Rockhampton to Cairns by train
The train journey time between Rockhampton and Cairns is around 16h 19m and covers a distance of around 1030 km. Operated by Queensland Rail Travel, the Rockhampton to Cairns train service departs from Rockhampton and arrives in Cairns Central Station. Typically four trains run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Rockhampton to Cairns is to train which costs $110 - $230 and takes 16h 19m.
The quickest way to get from Rockhampton to Cairns is to fly which costs $280 - $850 and takes 5h 44m.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Rockhampton George Street and arriving at Cairns Central Station station. Services depart twice daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 16h 35m.
Yes, there is a direct train departing from Rockhampton and arriving at Cairns Central Station station. Services depart four times a week, and operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The journey takes approximately 16h 19m.
The distance between Rockhampton and Cairns is 872 km. The road distance is 1068.9 km.
The best way to get from Rockhampton to Cairns without a car is to train which takes 16h 19m and costs $110 - $230.
It takes approximately 5h 44m to get from Rockhampton to Cairns, including transfers.
Rockhampton to Cairns bus services, operated by Premier Motor Service, depart from Rockhampton George Street station.
Rockhampton to Cairns train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, depart from Rockhampton station.
The best way to get from Rockhampton to Cairns is to fly which takes 5h 44m and costs $280 - $850. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $110 - $230 and takes 16h 19m, you could also bus, which costs $90 - $310 and takes 16h 35m.
- Distance: 871.7 km
- Duration: 5h 44m
What companies run services between Rockhampton, QLD, Australia and Cairns, QLD, Australia?
Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar fly from Rockhampton to Cairns hourly. Alternatively, Queensland Rail Travel operates a train from Rockhampton to Cairns Central Station 4 times a week. Tickets cost $110 - $230 and the journey takes 16h 19m.
- Website
- qantas.com
Flights from Rockhampton to Cairns via Brisbane
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 20m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $380 - $850
Flights from Rockhampton to Cairns via Mackay, Townsville
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 30m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Estimated price
- $420 - $900
Flights from Rockhampton to Cairns via Mackay, Brisbane
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 47m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $420 - $900
Flights from Rockhampton to Cairns via Brisbane, Townsville
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 27m
- When
- Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- $420 - $900
Flights from Rockhampton to Cairns via Brisbane, Sydney
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 35m
- When
- Friday
- Estimated price
- $420 - $900
- Website
- virginaustralia.com
Flights from Rockhampton to Cairns via Brisbane
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 36m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $390 - $850
Flights from Rockhampton to Cairns via Brisbane, Sydney
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 5m
- When
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- $390 - $850
- Phone
- 1800 872 467
- Website
- queenslandrailtravel.com.au
Train from Rockhampton to Cairns Central Station
- Ave. Duration
- 16h 19m
- Frequency
- 4 times a week
- Estimated price
- $110 - $230
- Book at
- https://queenslandrailtravel-booking.opendestinations.com/BookingSite/rail/search
- Website
- https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/
- Schedules at
- https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Pages/Timetable.aspx
- Economy-B-Quick fare
- $110 - $160
- Economy-A-Choice Fare
- $160 - $230
- Phone
- +61 2 4423 5233 (call 13 34 10 within Australia)
- reservations@premierms.com.au
- Website
- premierms.com.au
Bus from Rockhampton George Street to Cairns Central Station
- Ave. Duration
- 16h 35m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $90 - $200
- Website
- Premier Motor Service
Greyhound Australia is the country’s only long-distance bus operator running services in all states and territories. Greyhound Australia has been operating for 110 years and is the leading bus company in Australia. The extensive network now covers most of the Australian mainland, although service is limited in Western Australia with just a single route to Broome. Buses are equipped for long journeys, with free WiFi, air-conditioning, full disability access, USB chargers, reclining seats and an onboard bathroom.
Contact Details
- Phone
- 1300 473946
- Website
- greyhound.com.au
Bus from Rockhampton to Cairns
- Ave. Duration
- 16h 40m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $160 - $310
- Website
- https://www.greyhound.com.au/
- Schedules at
- https://www.greyhound.com.au/timetables
- Early Bird
- $160 - $240
- Advantage
- $190 - $280
- Premium
- $200 - $310
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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.
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Read the travel guideMore Questions & Answers
There is no direct flight from Rockhampton Airport to Cairns Airport. The quickest flight takes 4h 35m and has one stopover.
Rockhampton to Cairns bus services, operated by Premier Motor Service, arrive at Cairns Central Station.
Rockhampton to Cairns train services, operated by Queensland Rail Travel, arrive at Cairns Central Station.
Yes, the driving distance between Rockhampton to Cairns is 1069 km. It takes approximately 14h 15m to drive from Rockhampton to Cairns.
Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas offer flights from Rockhampton Airport to Cairns Airport.
There are 239+ hotels available in Cairns. Prices start at $150 AUD per night.
The best way to get from Rockhampton to Rockhampton Airport is to taxi which takes 4 min and costs $12 - $15.