Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | Victoria St | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Cheapest | ||||
| Bus | Victoria St | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Fastest | ||||
| Bus | Victoria St | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | No tags | ||||
| Bus | Victoria St | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | No tags | ||||
| Bus | Victoria St | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Last Friday at 9:39 AM AEST.
Get from Mackay to Cairns
The journey takes about 16 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 2 022, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Compare bus companies
Based on 2389 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 2 022
Greyhound Australia Mackay Cairns recent customer reviews
I would recommend greyhound Australia to everyone, I was on a schedule to be in Cairns, to catch a plane. Greyhound Australia came through with flying colours.
Norman S.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Mackay to Cairns 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 Mackay to Cairns?
The cheapest bus tickets from Mackay to Cairns start at R 2 022. The average price for this route is around R 2 625. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Mackay to Cairns?
The average bus journey time from Mackay to Cairns is 16h 30m, covering a distance of 591 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 12h 10m and is operated by Greyhound Australia.
Which bus companies service the Mackay to Cairns route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 2 buses available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Mackay to Cairns?
The earliest bus departs from Mackay to Cairns at 02:55. And the latest bus departs at 07:50.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Mackay to Cairns?
A bus trip from Mackay to Cairns 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 Mackay to Cairns was searched and found on 14 Dec 2025 with a price of R 2 497To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Mackay to Cairns as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 2 497 to R 3 348 for a bus ticket from Mackay to Cairns based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 2 507, which is on 2025-12-18.
