Cairns to Brisbane Bus

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The bus from Cairns to Brisbane connects the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays and Queensland's vibrant riverside capital.

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Stretching the length of Queensland’s coastline, the journey from Cairns to Brisbane is one of Australia’s great travel experiences.  From Tropical North Queensland to the state’s vibrant capital, the route passes through some of the country’s most recognisable destinations.

A Bus from Cairns to Brisbane travels through many of Queensland’s most popular regions, including Mission Beach, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay and the Sunshine Coast.  Along the route, travellers can access world famous destinations such as the Whitsunday Islands, K’gari (Fraser Island), Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef, making it an ideal way to experience more of Queensland in a single journey.

The final destination is Brisbane, a city known for its riverside lifestyle, cultural attractions and year-round outdoor living. From South Bank and the City Botanic Gardens to QAGOMA, Howard Smith Wharves and the Story Bridge, Brisbane offers a mix of arts, dining and entertainment that continues to attract visitors from around Australia and beyond. Whether you’re arriving for a short stay or continuing your travels, the city serves as a natural gateway to South East Queensland.

Travelling with Greyhound Australia makes it easy to experience the journey in comfort. Air-conditioned coaches, comfortable reclining seats and a generous 40kg checked baggage allowance provide plenty of flexibility for longer trips, while allowing travellers to bring everything they need for an extended Queensland adventure.  A Greyhound bus Cairns service offers a relaxed alternative to flying, giving travellers the opportunity to experience the changing landscapes and destinations that make this route so popular.

Whether you’re travelling north on a Brisbane to Cairns bus or heading south from Cairns, this route remains one of Australia’s most iconic coach journeys, connecting some of the country’s most memorable destinations in a single adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The bus trip from Cairns to Brisbane takes 35.0 hours.
The bus ticket from Cairns to Brisbane 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 Cairns to Brisbane 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 Cairns to Brisbane 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 Cairns to Brisbane leaves at 7:00am. Check our timetable for the most current schedule, as departure times can vary by season.
The last coach of the day from Cairns to Brisbane departs at 3:00pm.
No printing needed - simply show your e-ticket on your phone or tablet prior to boarding.
Coaches on the Cairns to Brisbane 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 Cairns to Brisbane 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.
Cairns and Brisbane are approximately 1,980km 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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