Brisbane to Cairns Bus

From the Sunshine State’s capital to the heart of Tropical North Queensland, this journey showcases the diversity of Queensland’s coast.

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The Brisbane to Cairns journey is one of Australia’s great coastal routes, connecting Queensland’s capital with the tropical north.

The route passes through some of Queensland’s best-known coastal destinations, including Noosa, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Mackay, Airlie Beach and Townsville. Take the time to explore more places along the way, or choose Express when reaching Cairns sooner better suits your trip.

At the northern end of the route is Cairns, one of Australia’s premier tourism destinations and a gateway to Tropical North Queensland. From here, travellers can explore the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and destinations including Port Douglas, with plenty to experience across the wider region.

Travelling on a Brisbane to Cairns bus gives you more choice in how you travel Queensland’s coast. With air-conditioned coaches, reclining seats and included seat selection, you can choose the journey that suits your trip and arrive ready to experience more of Tropical North Queensland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the bus trip from Brisbane to Cairns take?

The bus trip from Brisbane to Cairns takes 30h.
The bus ticket from Brisbane to Cairns starts from $284.00. All our fares come in two tiers – Early Bird and Flexible – with prices varying based on how far in advance you are making a booking. You can find the most up-to-date pricing for your trip by using the booking form above or for more information on the different types of fares visit our Compare Fares page.
You can pay for your bus ticket from Brisbane to Cairns by debit/credit card or digital wallet such as Google and Apple pay. We also offer buy now pay later services such as Zip Money.
You can track your Greyhound coach from Brisbane to Cairns in real time using our Coach Tracker. Just enter your service number or select your stop to see live location updates and any changes to your expected arrival.
The earliest daily departure from Brisbane to Cairns leaves at 12:00pm. Check our timetable for the most current schedule, as departure times can vary by season.
The last coach of the day from Brisbane to Cairns departs at 2:00pm.
No printing needed - simply show your e-ticket on your phone or tablet with a form of i.d to the bus driver prior to boarding.
Coaches on the Brisbane to Cairns route come with reclining seats, onboard toilets, and air conditioning, with select services also offering free Wi-Fi and USB charging outlets. Seat selection can be added when you book. See our coach features page for what’s available on your specific service.
You can bring one carry-on bag (up to 8kg) plus two checked bags (up to 20kg each) at no extra cost on the Brisbane to Cairns route. Need to bring more? Extra bags can be added for $10 each, up to two additional pieces. Prams and wheelchairs travel free regardless of your baggage total. Full details are on our baggage page.
Brisbane and Cairns are approximately 1,928km from each other.
Greyhound Australia’s coaches are designed to support passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. If you’re travelling with Greyhound and need mobility or travel assistance, please get in touch with us so our team can help you plan and book your trip.

All Greyhound coaches feature reclining seats, USB charging ports, individual reading lights and air conditioning for a comfortable journey. Complimentary WiFi is also available on East Coast services. For more information, visit our Travel Information page.

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