Brisbane to Cairns Bus

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From the Sunshine State's capital to the heart of Tropical North Queensland, this journey showcases the diversity of Queensland's coast.

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The Brisbane to Cairns journey is one of the most popular and iconic coach journeys in Australia.  Covering the near entire length of Queensland, linking beaches, regional cities, island gateways, it showcases some of the country’s most iconic natural attractions.  A Brisbane to Cairns journey offers the opportunity to experience the diversity of Queensland from south to north, with each region highlighting a different side of the state.

The route passes through some of Queensland’s best known coastal destinations, including Noosa, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Mackay, Airlie Beach and Townsville.  For travellers taking a Bus from Brisbane to Cairns, the journey provides access to destinations ranging from the calm waters of Hervey Bay and K’gari (Fraser Island) to the Whitsunday Islands and the tropical coastline of North Queensland.  Along the way, there are countless opportunities to experience the communities, landscapes and attractions that have made Queensland such a popular destination for generations.

At the northern end of the route sits Cairns, one of Australia’s premier tourism destinations.  Often regarded as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns attracts visitors from around the world looking to experience reef adventures, tropical islands, ancient rainforests and the relaxed lifestyle of the Far North.  Whether you’re planning a reef trip, visiting nearby Port Douglas or simply exploring the Esplanade and waterfront precinct, a Brisbane to Cairns bus journey places you within easy reach of some of Australia’s most remarkable natural wonders.

The route is also a popular choice for travellers planning the journey in reverse, with a Bus from Cairns to Brisbane connecting Tropical North Queensland back to the state’s south-east corner.  No matter your journey’s direction, Greyhound Australia provides an easy way to explore the East Coast at your own pace.

For those planning a Bus to Cairns, onboard WiFi, USB charging and air-conditioned comfort help make the journey more enjoyable, allowing you to stay connected while taking in one of Australia’s most memorable travel experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the bus trip from Brisbane to Cairns take?

The bus trip from Brisbane to Cairns takes 31.4 hours.
The bus ticket from Brisbane to Cairns starts from $289.00. All our fares come in two tiers – Early Bird and Flexible – with prices varying based on how far in advance you are making a booking. You can find the most up-to-date pricing for your trip by using the booking form above or for more information on the different types of fares visit our Compare Fares page.
You can pay for your bus ticket from Brisbane to Cairns by debit/credit card or digital wallet such as Google and Apple pay. We also offer buy now pay later services such as Zip Money.
You can track your Greyhound coach from Brisbane to Cairns in real time using our Coach Tracker. Just enter your service number or select your stop to see live location updates and any changes to your expected arrival.
The earliest daily departure from Brisbane to Cairns leaves at 12:00pm. Check our timetable for the most current schedule, as departure times can vary by season.
The last coach of the day from Brisbane to Cairns departs at 2:00pm.
No printing needed - simply show your e-ticket on your phone or tablet prior to boarding.
Coaches on the Brisbane to Cairns route come with reclining seats, onboard toilets, and air conditioning, with select services also offering free Wi-Fi and USB charging outlets. Seat selection can be added when you book. See our coach features page for what’s available on your specific service.
You can bring one carry-on bag (up to 8kg) plus two checked bags (up to 20kg each) at no extra cost on the Brisbane to Cairns route. Need to bring more? Extra bags can be added for $10 each, up to two additional pieces. Prams and wheelchairs travel free regardless of your baggage total. Full details are on our baggage page.
Brisbane and Cairns are approximately 1,928km from each other.
Greyhound Australia’s coaches are designed to support passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. If you’re travelling with Greyhound and need mobility or travel assistance, please get in touch with us so our team can help you plan and book your trip.

All our buses come with free WiFi, USB chargers, air-conditioning, reclining leather seats, and a restroom.

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