The route at a glance
The Brisbane–Townsville corridor.
Brisbane to Townsville is the long Queensland coastal corridor: 1,360 kilometres of the Bruce Highway, taking around 22 hours including rest stops. Greyhound and Premier Motor Service run through services with overnight legs; FlixBus runs selected segments. Most travellers break the journey rather than ride straight through, with Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach and Mackay being the popular intermediate stops.
Typical calling points
- BrisbaneQLD
- ChermsideQLD
- AspleyQLD
- BurpengaryQLD
- MooloolabaQLD
- MaroochydoreQLD
- TewantinQLD
- TownsvilleQLD
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$87Services
Depart Arrive Runs 1:30 PM 1:05 PM+1 Daily Greyhound Australia
Overnight serviceWi-FiToiletUSB chargingWheelchair accessEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon Greyhound AustraliaFrom$241Services
Depart Arrive Runs 12:00 PM 12:40 PM+1 Daily 2:00 PM 2:20 PM+1 Daily Premier Motor Service
Overnight serviceToilet20kg luggageCheaper on a pass. Premier Motor Service Value Passes: from $255 for this corridor, $24 under the direct fare.Bookon Premier Motor ServiceFrom$279Services
Depart Arrive Runs 2:00 PM 1:35 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.
Riding straight through Brisbane to Townsville is rare and rarely a good idea: 22 hours on a coach is uncomfortable, and you skip the towns most people actually want to visit (Fraser Island access at Hervey Bay, the Whitsundays at Airlie Beach). A Greyhound or Premier multi-stop pass works out cheaper than three or four single tickets if you plan to break the journey. Cyclone season (December to April) regularly disrupts the Bruce Highway around Tully, Cardwell and Ingham; build a flexible day into northern Queensland travel during these months. The Brisbane departure point is Roma Street Coach Terminal; Townsville arrival is the new South Townsville coach terminal.
Route FAQs
Brisbane to Townsville, answered.
- About 22 hours through-service. Most travellers break the journey over two or three days, stopping at Hervey Bay, Airlie Beach or Mackay.
- Through-fares start from around $87 one-way. Multi-stop passes with Greyhound or Premier are usually better value if you plan to break the journey.
- The Spirit of Queensland tilt train is faster (24 hours) and more comfortable but significantly more expensive and runs every other day. Buses run daily and are better value.
- Roma Street Coach Terminal, integrated with Roma Street rail station, the central interchange for all of Brisbane.
- Yes, Greyhound and Premier both run through services without requiring a transfer. Most travellers prefer to break the journey rather than ride straight through.
Keep going
Onward from Townsville.
Continuing past Townsville? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
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