Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | Sydney Central Station Forecourt Coach Bay 5&6 | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Cheapest | ||||
| Bus | Sydney Central Station Forecourt Coach Bay 5&6 | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Fastest |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 5:58 PM AEDT.
Get from Sydney to Cairns
The journey takes about 1 day, 23 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 8 452, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Compare bus companies
Based on 2388 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 8 452
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Sydney 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 Sydney to Cairns?
The cheapest bus tickets from Sydney to Cairns start at R 8 452. The average price for this route is around R 9 731. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Sydney to Cairns?
The average bus journey time from Sydney to Cairns is 1d 23h, covering a distance of 1963 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 1d 22h and is operated by Greyhound Australia.
Which bus companies service the Sydney 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 Sydney to Cairns?
The earliest bus departs from Sydney to Cairns at 19:00. And the latest bus departs at 22:30.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Sydney to Cairns?
A bus trip from Sydney to Cairns produces an estimated 49 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 Sydney to Cairns was searched and found on 15 Dec 2025 with a price of R 9 461To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Sydney to Cairns as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 9 461 to R 12 527 for a bus ticket from Sydney to Cairns based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 9 464, which is on 2025-12-18.
