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How to get fromMackay to Cooktownby plane, train, bus, or car

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There are 7 ways to get from Mackay to Cooktown 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.

  1. Fly Mackay to Cooktown Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Mackay (MKY) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane MKY - CTN
    8h 28m
    $251–872

  2. Train, bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Mackay to Cairns Central Stationtrain train Spirit of Queensland
    2. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus Cairns
    17h 12m
    $157–2,762

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Mackay to Cairnsbus bus Au050 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus Cairns
    17h 50m
    $190–279

  4. Drive  1,033.7 km

    1. Drive from Mackay to Cooktowncar car 1,033.7 km
    12h 20m
    $215–310

  5. Fly Mackay to Cairns, bus

    1. Fly from Mackay (MKY) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane MKY - CNS
    2. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus
    9h 44m
    $349–665

  6. Drive to Moranbah Airport, fly to Cooktown Airport

    1. Drive from Mackay to Moranbah Airport (MOV)car car
    2. Fly from Moranbah Airport (MOV) to Cooktown Airport (CTN)plane plane MOV - CTN
    6h 48m
    $418–870

  7. Bus via Mackay

    1. Take the bus from Mackay to Cairns Central Stationbus bus Pm16
    2. Take the bus from Cairns to Cooktownbus bus Cairns
    17h 55m
    $187–264

Mackay to Cooktown by train and bus

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration17h 12mAverage Duration
Ticket$157Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Mackay to Cooktown.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 776.8 km
  • Duration: 8h 28m

What companies run services between Mackay, QLD, Australia and Cooktown, QLD, Australia?

Qantas, Jetstar, and two other airlines fly from Mackay (MKY) to Cooktown Airport (CTN) 4 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Mackay to Cooktown via Cairns and Cairns in around 17h 50m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around Australia

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