How to get from Sydney to Cairns

Compare Buses and Flights with just one click and find the best one for you
Search your destination Millions of deals worldwide
Compare results Save up to 70%
Find the right bus for you Easy and transparent

What is the best way to travel from Sydney to Cairns?

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Buses and Flights to Cairns from Sydney. Look at different modes of transportation, search for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 1 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Flight is the cheapest and fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
48h 50m
£147
£150
1
Flight
3h 10m
£54
£139
221

What is the cheapest way to reach Cairns from Sydney?

You can reach Cairns with just £54 by taking a Flight from Virgin Australia, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Thursday
from £99
Friday
from £62
Saturday
from £73
Sunday
from £54
Monday
from £66
Tuesday
from £100
Wednesday

    Cheapest Flights Thursday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £99
  • Virgin Australia
    4h 40m
    0
    06:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    11:10
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £106
  • Virgin Australia
    5h 10m
    0
    06:00
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    11:10
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £107
  • Qantas Airways
    7h 30m
    0
    15:15
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    22:45
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £115
  • Qantas Airways
    7h 0m
    0
    15:45
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    22:45
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £115

    Cheapest Flights Friday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £62
  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    08:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    11:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £92
  • Qantas Airways
    6h 20m
    0
    16:25
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    22:45
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £114
  • Air Niugini
    10h 45m
    0
    07:45
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    18:30
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Air Niugini
    Economy
    from £327
  • Alliance Airlines
    13h 35m
    0
    18:25
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    08:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from £336
  • Cheapest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    48h 50m
    0
    17:20
    Sydney
    Central Coach Station
    18:10
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £147

    Cheapest Flights Saturday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £73
  • Virgin Australia
    5h 10m
    0
    06:00
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    11:10
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £103
  • Qantas Airways
    6h 30m
    0
    08:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    15:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £114
  • IndiGo Airlines
    12h 15m
    0
    20:15
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    08:30
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    IndiGo Airlines
    Economy
    from £114
  • Alliance Airlines
    26h 30m
    0
    10:50
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    13:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from £478
  • Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    48h 50m
    0
    17:20
    Sydney
    Central Coach Station
    18:10
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £147

    Cheapest Flights Sunday

  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    08:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    11:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £54
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £55
  • Qantas Airways
    5h 10m
    0
    13:00
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    18:10
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £112
  • LAN Airlines
    3h 10m
    0
    10:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    13:40
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    LAN Airlines
    Economy
    from £119
  • Alliance Airlines
    13h 35m
    0
    18:25
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    08:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from £391
  • Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    48h 50m
    0
    17:20
    Sydney
    Central Coach Station
    18:10
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £155

    Cheapest Flights Monday

  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    15:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    18:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £66
  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    15:15
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    18:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £76
  • IndiGo Airlines
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    IndiGo Airlines
    Economy
    from £101
  • Qantas Airways
    5h 15m
    0
    17:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    22:45
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £143
  • LAN Airlines
    3h 10m
    0
    10:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    13:40
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    LAN Airlines
    Economy
    from £158

    Cheapest Flights Tuesday

  • Jetstar Airways
    12h 20m
    0
    20:45
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    09:05
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £100
  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    08:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    11:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £102
  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    12:40
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    15:55
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £102
  • Jetstar Airways
    10h 55m
    0
    06:05
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    17:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £105
  • Qantas Airways
    9h 0m
    0
    06:00
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    15:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £125

What are the fastest trips from Sydney to Cairns?

You can get to Cairns from Sydney in just 3h 10m with a Flight from Jetstar Airways. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Thursday
from 3h 10m
Friday
from 3h 10m
Saturday
from 3h 10m
Sunday
from 3h 10m
Monday
from 3h 10m
Tuesday
from 3h 15m
Wednesday

    Fastest Flights Thursday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £99
  • Virgin Australia
    4h 40m
    0
    06:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    11:10
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £106
  • Virgin Australia
    5h 10m
    0
    06:00
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    11:10
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £107
  • Qantas Airways
    7h 0m
    0
    15:45
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    22:45
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £115
  • Qantas Airways
    7h 30m
    0
    15:15
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    22:45
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £115

    Fastest Flights Friday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £62
  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    08:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    11:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £92
  • Qantas Airways
    6h 20m
    0
    16:25
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    22:45
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £114
  • Air Niugini
    10h 45m
    0
    07:45
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    18:30
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Air Niugini
    Economy
    from £327
  • Alliance Airlines
    13h 35m
    0
    18:25
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    08:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from £336
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    48h 50m
    0
    17:20
    Sydney
    Central Coach Station
    18:10
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £147

    Fastest Flights Saturday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £73
  • Virgin Australia
    5h 10m
    0
    06:00
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    11:10
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £103
  • Qantas Airways
    6h 30m
    0
    08:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    15:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £114
  • IndiGo Airlines
    12h 15m
    0
    20:15
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    08:30
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    IndiGo Airlines
    Economy
    from £114
  • Alliance Airlines
    26h 30m
    0
    10:50
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    13:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from £478
  • Fastest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    48h 50m
    0
    17:20
    Sydney
    Central Coach Station
    18:10
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £147

    Fastest Flights Sunday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £55
  • LAN Airlines
    3h 10m
    0
    10:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    13:40
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    LAN Airlines
    Economy
    from £119
  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    08:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    11:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £54
  • Qantas Airways
    5h 10m
    0
    13:00
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    18:10
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £112
  • Alliance Airlines
    13h 35m
    0
    18:25
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    08:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Alliance Airlines
    Economy
    from £391
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    48h 50m
    0
    17:20
    Sydney
    Central Coach Station
    18:10
    Cairns
    Bus Stop
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £155

    Fastest Flights Monday

  • Jetstar Airways
    3h 10m
    0
    15:15
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    18:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £76
  • IndiGo Airlines
    3h 10m
    0
    06:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    09:20
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    IndiGo Airlines
    Economy
    from £101
  • LAN Airlines
    3h 10m
    0
    10:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    13:40
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    LAN Airlines
    Economy
    from £158
  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    15:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    18:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £66
  • Qantas Airways
    5h 15m
    0
    17:30
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport
    22:45
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £143

    Fastest Flights Tuesday

  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    08:10
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    11:25
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £102
  • Virgin Australia
    3h 15m
    0
    12:40
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    15:55
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Virgin Australia
    Economy
    from £102
  • Qantas Airways
    9h 0m
    0
    06:00
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    15:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Qantas Airways
    Economy
    from £125
  • Jetstar Airways
    10h 55m
    0
    06:05
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    17:00
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £105
  • Jetstar Airways
    12h 20m
    0
    20:45
    Sydney Airport
    Sydney Airport - Domestic Terminal
    09:05
    Cairns Airport
    Cairns Airport
    0
    Jetstar Airways
    Economy
    from £100
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Sydney to Cairns

What are the most popular stations in Sydney and Cairns?

In Sydney, you will usually depart from Central Station, Fish Market Train Station or Central Coach Station, while in Cairns you will be arriving at Pier Point, City Centre Bus station or Bus Stop, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Cairns from Sydney? With 5 connections between 1 Flight and Bus operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Sydney and Cairns, you can pay as low as £54 with a Flight from Virgin Australia.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Flight from Jetstar Airways: you will get to Cairns in just 3h 10m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Sydney and Cairns are Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways and Qantas Airways, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Sydney and Cairns is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Alexandria or to Edge Hill, and look at flights from Sydney Airport, and landing at Cairns Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Sydney to Cairns?

The most popular companies between Sydney and Cairns, are Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways and Qantas Airways. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: FlixBus

Airlines: Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways, Qantas Airways and 4 more.

All you need to know when you travel from Sydney to Cairns

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Sydney to Cairns. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Sydney to Cairns

How can I reach Cairns from Sydney?

Every day, there are on average 5 connections between Flight and Bus, with which you can get to Cairns from Sydney.

How far is Cairns from Sydney?

The distance between Sydney and Cairns is 1,960.9 km.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Sydney and Cairns?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 53 kgs of CO2, a train 69 kgs, a car 333 kgs, and a flight 482 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Sydney to Cairns?

You can get to Cairns with just £54 by taking a Flight from Virgin Australia.

What is the fastest way to get from Sydney to Cairns?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Cairns in just 3h 10m with a Flight from Jetstar Airways.

More routes to Sydney and to Cairns

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Sydney and to Cairns. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

The CheckMyBus App

Free Download

App Store
CheckMyBus App
Close
GPDR CheckMyBus shield

We value your privacy!

To

show

you

the

best

bus

deals,

we

and

our

partners

use

technical,

analytical,

and

marketing

cookies

for

ads

personalisation.

We

remember

your

anonymized

details

to

provide

a

personalized

experience.