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) | CheapestFastest | ||||
| 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 11:53 AM AEST.
Get from Mackay to Cairns
The journey takes about 13 hours 50 minutes, and with fares starting at just $160, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Compare bus companies
Based on 2370 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 WiFi. Greyhound Australia ticket prices on this trip start at $160
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 schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary 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 from $160. The average price for this route is around $254. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Mackay to Cairns?
The average bus travel time from Mackay to Cairns is 13h 50m, covering a distance of 591 km. The quickest bus can get 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 are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Mackay to Cairns?
The earliest bus departs from Mackay to Cairns at 2:55am. And the latest bus departs at 7:50am.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Mackay to Cairns?
A bus trip from Mackay to Cairns generates an estimated 15 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.
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 Dec 4, 2025 with a price of $243To 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 $243 to $265 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 $243 which is on 2025-12-04.
