The route at a glance
The Brisbane–Cairns corridor.
The Brisbane to Cairns coach route is one of the great Australian road journeys, tracing approximately 1,700 km of Queensland coastline from the state capital to the gateway of the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef. Greyhound Australia, FlixBus and Premier Motor Service all operate services on this corridor, stopping at Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine (for Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays), Bowen, Townsville and Ingham before arriving in Cairns. The journey takes between 24 and 29 hours, meaning at least one overnight leg. Most travellers break the trip into two or more stages, and Greyhound's Hop-On Hop-Off passes let you pause anywhere along the Queensland coast and reboard a later service.
Typical calling points
- BrisbaneQLD
- ChermsideQLD
- AspleyQLD
- BurpengaryQLD
- MooloolabaQLD
- MaroochydoreQLD
- TewantinQLD
- CairnsQLD
Typical stops on this corridor. Actual calling points vary by operator and service.
Journey essentials
- Onboard
- Wi-Fi · Toilet · USB charging · Wheelchair access
- Luggage
- 1 × 40kg checked bag
- Overnight option
- Available on this corridor
Compare operators
Who runs this route.
FlixBus Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingEco-friendly40kg luggageConnecting service, change at Bundaberg Depot.
Bookon FlixBus AustraliaFrom$100Services
Depart Arrive Runs 1:30 PM 6:25 PM+1 Daily Premier Motor Service
Overnight serviceToilet20kg luggageCheaper on a pass. Premier Motor Service Value Passes: from $255 for this corridor, $52 under the direct fare.Bookon Premier Motor ServiceFrom$307Services
Depart Arrive Runs 2:00 PM 7:30 PM+1 Daily Greyhound Australia
Overnight serviceWi-FiToiletUSB chargingWheelchair accessEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon Greyhound AustraliaFrom$555Services
Depart Arrive Runs 2:00 PM 8:00 PM+1 Daily
Fares are indicative. Live pricing may vary by date and availability. AusBus earns a small commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you.
Spotted an error or a missing operator on this route? Let us know.
Day bus or night bus?
Choosing your departure.
Daytime coaches let you watch the country roll past and break the trip at meal stops. FlixBus Australia runs a daytime service on this route.
Board in the evening, sleep through the drive and arrive the next morning, saving a night's accommodation. Overnight services here are run by Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia. Bring a neck pillow and layers, as the air-conditioning runs cool.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
A Greyhound Hop-On Hop-Off pass is almost always better value than a point-to-point ticket if you plan any stops along the way. Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays and Townsville for Magnetic Island are the two most popular overnight breaks. If you are doing the journey straight through, the leg from Mackay to Townsville is particularly scenic along the coast. Book your Brisbane departure well in advance during summer (December to February) when backpacker traffic peaks. Pack a travel pillow, eye mask and more snacks than you think you will need, as rest stop facilities become more limited the further north you go.
Worth timing your trip for
What's on in Cairns
JulyCairns, QLDCairns Indigenous Art FairFour to five days in mid-July
AugustCairns, QLDCairns FestivalLate August to early September (approx. 10 days)
Route FAQs
Brisbane to Cairns, answered.
- The full journey is approximately 24 to 29 hours depending on the operator and stops. Most travellers choose to break the trip into two or more legs at towns along the Queensland coast.
- Point-to-point fares start from around $100 to $150. Greyhound's Hop-On Hop-Off passes offer better value if you plan to stop at Airlie Beach, Townsville or other points along the coast.
- Greyhound Australia, FlixBus Australia and Premier Motor Service all operate services on this corridor. Compare departure times and fares above to find the best option for your travel date.
- Yes. Greyhound's Hop-On Hop-Off pass lets you alight at any stop and reboard a later service. Popular stopovers include Airlie Beach (Whitsundays), Townsville (Magnetic Island ferry) and Mission Beach.
- Key stops include Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine (for Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays), Bowen, Townsville, Ingham and Innisfail, arriving at Cairns Coach Terminal on Lake Street.
Keep going
Onward from Cairns.
Continuing past Cairns? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
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