Townsville to Cairns Bus

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The Townsville to Cairns bus connects two gateways to the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland.

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Connecting the hub of North Queensland with the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, travelling from Townsville to Cairns is a journey that showcases some of the region’s most iconic tropical landscapes.  A Townsville to Cairns bus provides a convenient way to explore one of Australia’s most spectacular stretches of coastline.

As North Queensland’s largest city, Townsville is known for its waterfront precinct, easy access to Magnetic Island and its role as a major regional centre.  From here, the journey north takes travellers through vibrant coastal communities, lush farmland and tropical scenery that makes this part of Queensland so unique.

For many visitors, Cairns is the ultimate holiday destination. Widely recognised as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the city is also the starting point for exploring the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas and the Atherton Tablelands.  A bus from Townsville to Cairns offers an easy way to reach Tropical North Queensland’s most popular tourism hub, with opportunities to experience reef adventures, rainforest escapes and island getaways all within easy reach.

The journey itself passes through several well known North Queensland destinations, including Mission Beach, famous for its palm fringed coastline and relaxed atmosphere, and Innisfail, home to some of Australia’s most impressive Art Deco architecture. Travellers can sit back and enjoy the changing scenery along the way, with onboard WiFi and air-conditioned comfort helping make the trip more enjoyable.

Whether you are planning a tropical holiday, continuing your travels through Queensland or simply heading north for a change of pace, Townsville to Cairns bus offers a comfortable and straightforward way to experience the best of North Queensland.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The bus trip from Townsville to Cairns takes 5.7 hours.
The bus ticket from Townsville to Cairns starts from $43.00. 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 Townsville 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 Townsville 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 Townsville to Cairns leaves at 8:00am. Check our timetable for the most current schedule, as departure times can vary by season.
The last coach of the day from Townsville to Cairns departs at 5:00pm.
No printing needed - simply show your e-ticket on your phone or tablet prior to boarding.
Coaches on the Townsville 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 Townsville 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.
Townsville and Cairns are approximately 352km 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.