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How to Travel from

Melbourne Airport to Cairns

by Plane, Route or Car

Melbourne Airport
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Cairns
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Melbourne Airport
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Cairns
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Six ways to Travel from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

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Transport providers

Bus operators

Transport for NSW

Phone:
131 500
Website:
transportnsw.info/
Train from Central Station to Roma
Ave. Duration:
14h 6m
Frequency:
Twice daily
Estimated price:
$10.33–$28.26

Firefly Express

Phone:
1300 730 740
Website:
fireflyexpress.com.au
Bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Central
Ave. Duration:
11h 10m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$34.78–$48.91

Greyhound Australia

Phone:
1300 473946
Website:
greyhound.com.au/
Bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Central
Ave. Duration:
12h
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$70.65–$173.91
Bus from Central Station to Brisbane
Ave. Duration:
14h
Frequency:
3 times a day
Estimated price:
$76.09–$184.78

Trans North Bus & Coach

Phone:
+61 7 3036 2070
Website:
transnorthbus.com.au/
Bus from Cooktown to Cairns
Ave. Duration:
4h 30m
Frequency:
6 times a week
Estimated price:
$41.30–$59.78

Premier Motor Service

Phone:
13 34 10
Website:
premierms.com.au/
Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns
Ave. Duration:
29h 30m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$108.70–$163.04
Bus from Central Station to Brisbane
Ave. Duration:
18h 35m
Frequency:
Once daily
Estimated price:
$65.22–$92.39

Airlines

Jetstar

Website:
jetstar.com/
Plane from Melbourne Airport to Cairns
Ave. Duration:
3h 17m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$81.52–$315.22
Plane from Melbourne Airport to Townsville
Ave. Duration:
3h
Frequency:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Estimated price:
$108.70–$369.57

Qantas

Website:
qantas.com/
Plane from Melbourne Airport to Cairns
Ave. Duration:
3h 18m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$81.52–$510.87
Plane from Melbourne Airport to Townsville
Ave. Duration:
3h 2m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$108.70–$597.83

Virgin Australia

Website:
virginaustralia.com
Plane from Melbourne Airport to Cairns
Ave. Duration:
3h 30m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$103.26–$347.83
Plane from Melbourne Airport to Townsville
Ave. Duration:
5h 32m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$163.04–$652.17

Hinterland Aviation

Website:
hinterlandaviation.com.au/
Plane from Melbourne Airport to Cooktown
Ave. Duration:
5h 20m
Frequency:
Every day
Estimated price:
$130.43–$760.87

Train operators

NSW TrainLink XPT

Phone:
131 500
Website:
transportnsw.info/regional
Train from Broadmeadows Station to Central
Ave. Duration:
10h 36m
Frequency:
Twice daily
Estimated price:
$39.13–$152.17

Queensland Rail Travel

Phone:
1800 872 467
Website:
queenslandrailtravel.com.au/
Train from Roma Street to Cairns
Ave. Duration:
25h 20m
Frequency:
4 times a week
Estimated price:
$51.09–$3,689.22

Questions and Answers

What is the cheapest way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns?

The cheapest way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns is to fly which costs $81.52 - $260.87 and takes 4h 30m.

What is the fastest way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns?

The fastest way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns is to fly which takes 4h 30m and costs $81.52 - $260.87 .

Is there a direct bus between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Cairns?

No, there is no direct bus from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns station. However, there are services departing from Melbourne Airport T1 Skybus/Arrival Dr and arriving at Cairns Central Station via Southern Cross Coach Terminal, Central Station, King George Square, 1d and Brisbane Roma Street. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 2 days 10h.

How far is it from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns?

The distance between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Cairns is 2320 km. The road distance is 2801.5 km.

How do I travel from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns without a car?

The best way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns without a car is to night train and train which takes 2 days 5h and costs $97.83 - $3913.04 .

How long does it take to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns?

It takes approximately 4h 30m to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns bus from?

Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns bus services, operated by Firefly Express, depart from Southern Cross Coach Terminal station.

Train, bus or fly from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns?

The best way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns is to fly which takes 4h 30m and costs $81.52 - $260.87 . Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $228.26 - $543.48 and takes 2 days 10h, you could also train, which costs $97.83 - $3913.04 and takes 2 days 5h.

Where does the Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns bus arrive?

Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns bus services, operated by Firefly Express, arrive at Central Station.

What is the time difference between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Cairns?

Cairns is 1h behind Melbourne Airport (MEL). It is currently 18:09 in Melbourne Airport (MEL) and 17:09 in Cairns.

Can I drive from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns?

Yes, the driving distance between Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns is 2802 km. It takes approximately 33h 13m to drive from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Cairns.

Where can I stay near Cairns?

There are 861+ hotels available in Cairns. Prices start at $69.35 per night.
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