Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Townsville | CheapestFastest | ||||
| Bus | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Townsville | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:20 PM AEST.
Get from Cairns to Townsville
The journey takes about 5 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 900, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
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According to user feedback, the bus service is appreciated for its friendly drivers and onboard amenities such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Additionally, passengers enjoyed a brief stopover during their journey.
Greyhound Australia Cairns Townsville recent customer reviews
The greyhound bus was very clean, the driver was efficient with luggage arrangement and with seat allocation. The only negative was the luggage area was wet from recent rain and maybe previous luggage however I’m not sure how this could be avoided.
Tracee H.
There was an accident on the highway south of Tully which caused an unavoidable delay.
Alex B.
We enjoyed the air-conditioned, wifi and a little stopver.
Wilma A.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cairns to Townsville by bus
How much does a bus ticket from Cairns to Townsville cost?
The bus ticket price from Cairns to Townsville starts at R 900. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Cairns to Townsville is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the bus ride from Cairns to Townsville?
The average travel time between Cairns and Townsville is around 5h 30m, although the fastest bus will take about 5h 30m. This is the time it takes to travel the 284 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily bus connections are there between Cairns and Townsville?
The number of buses from Cairns to Townsville can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Cairns to Townsville by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which bus companies travel from Cairns to Townsville?
When taking the bus from Cairns to Townsville, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound Australia.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Cairns to Townsville was searched and found on 29 Nov 2025 with a price of R 854To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Cairns to Townsville as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 854 to R 3 686 for a bus ticket from Cairns to Townsville based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 854, which is on 2025-11-29.
