Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Victoria St | Cheapest | ||||
| Bus | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Victoria St | Fastest | ||||
| Bus | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Victoria St | No tags | ||||
| Bus | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Victoria St | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 10:00 PM AEST.
Get from Cairns to Mackay
The journey takes about 16 hours, and with fares starting at just R 1 743, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Compare bus companies
Based on 2391 reviews, the company was rated 4.2 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Greyhound Australia ticket prices on this trip start at R 1 743
Greyhound Australia Cairns Mackay recent customer reviews
I enjoyed the ride and I am so excited to see the place that I have been exploring but I am hot in the bus
Virisila T.
bus comes on time, the driver is kind and really helpful:)
Milla Z.
Im a big person. So the seat belt did not fit. And I wasnt comfortable.
Kevin L.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cairns to Mackay by bus
Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from Cairns to Mackay?
The cheapest bus tickets from Cairns to Mackay start at R 1 743. The average price for this route is around R 2 532. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Cairns to Mackay?
The average bus journey time from Cairns to Mackay is 16h, covering a distance of 591 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 12h and is operated by Greyhound Australia.
Which bus companies service the Cairns to Mackay route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 3 buses available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Cairns to Mackay?
The earliest bus departs from Cairns to Mackay at 07:00. And the latest bus departs at 15:00.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Cairns to Mackay?
A bus trip from Cairns to Mackay produces an estimated 15 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Cairns to Mackay was searched and found on 21 Dec 2025 with a price of R 1 662To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Cairns to Mackay as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 1 662 to R 3 274 for a bus ticket from Cairns to Mackay based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 1 662, which is on 2025-12-21.
