Cairns to Sydney Bus

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From Tropical North Queensland to Sydney Harbour, the bus from Cairns to Sydney showcases the best of Australia's East Coast.

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The Australian East Coast is one of the world’s great travel routes, and the Cairns to Sydney journey brings together many of its most iconic destinations. From Tropical North Queensland to the shores of Sydney Harbour, the route spans thousands of kilometres of coastline, connecting reef experiences, rainforest landscapes, beach towns, regional cities and two of the country’s most famous destinations.

Unlike a point-to-point trip, this journey is often about the stops along the way. The Cairns to Sydney bus travels through destinations including Townsville, Airlie Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour and Newcastle, giving travellers access to some of the highlights of Australia’s East Coast. Whether it’s sailing through the Whitsundays, exploring K’gari, relaxing in Byron Bay or discovering the Mid North Coast, every section of the route offers something different.

Because there is so much to see between Cairns and Sydney, many travellers choose to break the journey into multiple stops. The East Coast Travel Pass provides the flexibility to hop on and off throughout the network, allowing you to spend more time in the destinations that interest you most before continuing south. From tropical Queensland and coastal New South Wales to Australia’s largest city, it’s one of the most popular ways to experience the East Coast at your own pace.

Sydney provides a spectacular finish to the journey. From the Harbour Bridge and Opera House to Bondi Beach, Circular Quay and the historic laneways of The Rocks, the city brings together iconic landmarks, waterfront experiences and world-class dining. The bus from Cairns to Sydney arrives close to the heart of the city, making it easy to continue exploring after completing one of Australia’s most memorable overland journeys.

For travellers taking the Cairns to Sydney bus, the experience is about far more than the destination. Greyhound Australia connects more than 50 destinations along the East Coast, making it easy to build your own adventure. Onboard WiFi, USB charging and seat selection help keep the journey comfortable, while the flexibility to stop and explore along the way means you can experience as much or as little of the coastline as you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The bus trip from Cairns to Sydney takes 48.0 hours.
The bus ticket from Cairns to Sydney starts from $599.00. 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 Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney departs at 7:00am.
No printing needed - simply show your e-ticket on your phone or tablet prior to boarding.
Coaches on the Cairns to Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney are approximately 3,011km 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.