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Cairns to Townsville Bus

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The bus from Cairns to Townsville links rainforest scenery, coastal communities and one of Queensland's most vibrant waterfront cities.

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From the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef to the hub of North Queensland, the journey from Cairns to Townsville showcases some of the region’s most spectacular coastal scenery. A Cairns to Townsville journey connects two of Tropical North Queensland’s most important destinations, linking reef, rainforest and regional Queensland along the way.

One of the highlights of travelling south is experiencing the communities and landscapes that define this part of the state.  A Cairns to Townsville bus passes through destinations including Mission Beach, known for its laid back atmosphere and palm fringed coastline, and Innisfail, home to some of Australia’s most impressive Art Deco architecture.  Combined with lush rainforest backdrops, tropical farmland and coastal scenery, the journey offers plenty to take in before reaching your destination.

As North Queensland’s largest city, Townsville is known for its waterfront lifestyle, year-round sunshine and close connection to some of the region’s most popular attractions. Visitors can explore The Strand, discover marine life at Reef HQ Aquarium, hike to the top of Castle Hill for spectacular panoramic views, or take a short ferry ride to Magnetic Island.  A bus from Cairns to Townsville provides easy access to a city that serves as both a major regional centre and a gateway to North Queensland adventures.

With comfortable reclining seats, onboard WiFi and USB charging available throughout the journey, travelling on a Greyhound Cairns to Townsville journey makes it easy to relax, stay connected and enjoy everything North Queensland has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the bus trip from Cairns to Townsville take?
The bus trip from Cairns to Townsville takes 5.7 hours.
The bus ticket from Cairns to Townsville starts from $70.00. 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 Townsville 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 Townsville 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 Townsville 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 Townsville 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 Townsville 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 Townsville 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 Townsville are approximately 352km from each other.
Greyhound operates from Bus Stop, Platform 1, Cairns Railway Station, 142 Bunda St, Cairns QLD and stops at Sealink Terminal, 2 Sir Leslie Thiess Dr, Townsville QLD.. To learn more about Greyhound bus stops click the link here.
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.