Sydney to Cairns Distance
Driving Distance
2,451 km (1,523 miles)
Drive time: ~32 hours 41 minutes
Straight Line
1,961 km (1,219 miles)
As the crow flies
Note: Distances are estimates. For exact routing, use Google Maps or your GPS.
Route Map
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Travel Comparison
| Method | Distance | Time | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | 2,451 km (1,523 miles) | 32 hours 41 minutes | $294 |
| Flying | 1,961 km (1,219 miles) | 2 hours 57 minutes | $344 |
| Train | 2,574 km (1,599 miles) | 17 hours 9 minutes | $329 |
Note: Times and costs are estimates and may vary based on specific routes, traffic, and service providers.
Calculate Another Route
As the crow flies
Did You Know?
This epic road trip would take 1 days of continuous driving!
Route Overview
The drive from Sydney to Cairns is a domestic route within Australia. This long-distance route traverses multiple regions and major highway systems. This journey typically requires 4 days of driving with overnight stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
The driving distance from Sydney to Cairns is approximately 2,451 km (1,523 miles). The journey takes around 32 hours 41 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Under normal traffic conditions, driving from Sydney to Cairns takes approximately 32 hours 41 minutes. This estimate includes typical highway speeds and accounts for brief rest stops on longer journeys.
As the crow flies, the direct distance from Sydney to Cairns is 1,961 km (1,219 miles). This represents the shortest possible distance between the two cities.
For this 2,451 km (1,523 miles) journey, flying is typically more practical due to the long driving time of 32 hours 41 minutes.
About Sydney
Sydney is a major city in Australia with a population of 5,557,233. Located at coordinates -33.87°N, 151.21°E, it serves as an important cultural and economic center in the region.
About Cairns
Cairns is a prominent city in Australia with a population of 153,075. Situated at coordinates -16.92°N, 145.77°E, it's known for its significant role in the country's economy and culture.
Disclaimer: Distances shown are estimates based on straight-line calculations and typical road routing patterns. Actual driving distances may vary depending on the specific route taken, road conditions, and local geography. For precise turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates, please use Google Maps or a GPS navigation system.