How much is the bus ticket from Brisbane to Cairns?

The cheapest bus tickets from Brisbane to Cairns start from $190. The average price for this route is around $413. 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 Brisbane to Cairns?

The average bus trip duration from Brisbane to Cairns is 1d 9h, covering a distance of 860 miles (1387 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 1d 6h and is operated by Greyhound Australia .

Which bus companies service the Brisbane to Cairns route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 6 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Brisbane to Cairns?

The earliest bus departs from Brisbane to Cairns at 7:35am. And the latest bus departs at 2:00pm.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Brisbane to Cairns?

A bus trip from Brisbane to Cairns generates an estimated 35 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

Bus Brisbane to Cairns from $182 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Brisbane to Cairns on January 11
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:35am	BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT	1d 12h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Cheapest
Bus	8:30am	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 11h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Fastest
Bus	8:30am	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 11h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	No tags
Bus	7:35am	BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT	1d 12h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	No tags

Next departures for Brisbane to Cairns on January 12
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:35am	BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT	1d 12h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Cheapest
Bus	8:30am	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 11h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Fastest
Bus	8:30am	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 11h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	No tags
Bus	8:30am	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 11h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	No tags
Bus	8:30am	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 11h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	No tags

Next departures for Brisbane to Cairns on January 13
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	7:35am	BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT	1d 12h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Cheapest
	Bus	8:30am	Brisbane Coach Terminal, Parkland Cres	1d 11h	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Fastest

Next departures for Brisbane to Cairns on January 14
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	7:35am	BRISBANE DOMESTIC AIRPORT	1d 15h	10:40pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	CheapestFastest

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 8:05 PM AEST.

Get from Brisbane to Cairns

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 1 day, 9 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just $190, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

6bus per day

1d 9hAverage Duration

860 milesDistance

35kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Greyhound Australia

4/52,432 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi3.8

Based on 2432 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 $190

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Brisbane 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 Brisbane to Cairns?
The cheapest bus tickets from Brisbane to Cairns start from $190. The average price for this route is around $413. 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 Brisbane to Cairns?
The average bus trip duration from Brisbane to Cairns is 1d 9h, covering a distance of 860 miles (1387 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 1d 6h and is operated by Greyhound Australia.
Which bus companies service the Brisbane to Cairns route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 6 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Brisbane to Cairns?
The earliest bus departs from Brisbane to Cairns at 7:35am. And the latest bus departs at 2:00pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Brisbane to Cairns?
A bus trip from Brisbane to Cairns generates an estimated 35 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

01/09

$479

01/10

$464

Today

$434

01/12

$435

01/13

$433

01/14

$406

01/15

$436

01/16

$330

The cheapest trip from Brisbane to Cairns was searched and found on Jan 16, 2026 with a price of $330

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Brisbane to Cairns, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $330 to $543 for a bus ticket from Brisbane to Cairns based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $330 which is on 2026-01-16.