How far is Cairns from Mackay?

About 367 miles (592 km) separate Cairns and Mackay.

What are the best sights and things to do in Mackay?

Once in Mackay, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Eungella National Park, Finch Hatton Gorge, Cape Hillsborough National Park, Bluewater Lagoon and Botanic Gardens.

Bus Cairns to Mackay from $97 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Cairns to Mackay on November 10
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		3:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	23h 15m	2:15pm	Victoria St	CheapestFastest

Next departures for Cairns to Mackay on November 11
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		3:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	23h 15m	2:15pm	Victoria St	CheapestFastest
		3:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	23h 15m	2:15pm	Victoria St	No tags

Next departures for Cairns to Mackay on November 14
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	23h 15m	2:15pm	Victoria St	Cheapest
7:00am	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	12h 25m	7:25pm	Victoria St	Fastest
3:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	23h 15m	2:15pm	Victoria St	No tags
3:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	23h 15m	2:15pm	Victoria St	No tags
7:00am	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	16h	11:00pm	Victoria St	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:41 AM AEST.

Get from Cairns to Mackay

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 23 hours 15 minutes and with fares starting at just $114, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

23h 15mAverage Duration

367 milesDistance

15kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Greyhound Australia

4/52,342 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi3.8

Based on 2342 reviews, the company was rated 4.2 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the wifi. Greyhound Australia ticket prices on this trip start at $114

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.

March 10, 2025

bus comes on time, the driver is kind and really helpful:)

Milla Z.

January 3, 2021

Im a big person. So the seat belt did not fit. And I wasnt comfortable.

Kevin L.

February 21, 2020

AU bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Cairns to Mackay by bus

How far is Cairns from Mackay?
What are the best sights and things to do in Mackay?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11/08

$127

11/09

$158

Today

$157

11/11

$128

11/12

No data

11/13

$97

11/14

$125

11/15

No data

The cheapest trip from Cairns to Mackay was searched and found on Nov 13, 2025 with a price of $97

To 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 $97 to $177 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 $97 which is on 2025-11-13.

Top traveled bus routes

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