Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | Townsville | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Cheapest | ||||
| Bus | Townsville | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Fastest | ||||
| Bus | Townsville | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:33 PM AEST.
Get from Townsville to Cairns
The journey takes about 5 hours 40 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 848, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
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Users have shared positive experiences with the bus service, highlighting its punctuality and cleanliness. Passengers appreciated the spacious seating and attentive drivers who ensured a safe journey. The availability of free Wi-Fi was also noted positively by some travelers. However, there were mentions of non-functional USB ports and water issues in the toilet facilities as minor drawbacks.
Greyhound Australia Townsville Cairns recent customer reviews
On time, pleasant driver, clean bus. It would have been good to hear a little about what we were seeing.. overseas person had no idea we were travelling through cane fields.
Jeanette S.
The bus was in time, the driver was kind and drove safely for the whole time. Sits are comfortable. Only negative point is that there was no water in the toilet so it was not useable.
Milena P.
The bus driver Peter was a wonderful and very friendly driver ! From Townsville to Cairns! He was kind and looking after everyone very well ! He deserves 5 stars 🤩
Katja F.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Townsville 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 Townsville to Cairns?
The cheapest bus tickets from Townsville to Cairns start at R 848. The average price for this route is around R 1 001. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Townsville to Cairns?
The average bus journey time from Townsville to Cairns is 5h 40m, covering a distance of 282 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 5h 40m and is operated by Greyhound Australia.
Which bus companies service the Townsville to Cairns 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 Townsville to Cairns?
The earliest bus departs from Townsville to Cairns at 08:00. And the latest bus departs at 17:00.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Townsville to Cairns?
A bus trip from Townsville to Cairns produces an estimated 7 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 Townsville to Cairns was searched and found on 13 Dec 2025 with a price of R 981To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Townsville to Cairns as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 981 to R 3 428 for a bus ticket from Townsville to Cairns based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 981, which is on 2025-12-13.
