The route at a glance
The Cairns–Atherton corridor.
Cairns to Atherton climbs from the tropical coast up onto the Atherton Tablelands, the cool highland plateau behind Cairns known for its rainforest, crater lakes and waterfalls. Trans North Bus & Coach runs the 80-kilometre trip, which takes about an hour and 50 minutes as the road winds up the range. It is the main scheduled coach link between Cairns and the Tablelands, with a couple of services a day. For travellers without a car, it is the practical way up to the region's waterfall circuit and produce trail.
Typical calling points
- CairnsQLD
- SmithfieldQLD
- KurandaQLD
- MareebaQLD
- AthertonQLD
Typical stops on this corridor. Actual calling points vary by operator and service.
Journey essentials
- Departures
- 2 per day
- Onboard
- Wheelchair access
Compare operators
Who runs this route.
Trans North Bus & Coach
2 departures/dayWheelchair accessEco-friendlyOn Trans North Route 850 Cairns–Atherton service (Mon-Sat).
Pay on board. Hail and ride, cash fares only. Bookings are not taken on this service, so pay the driver as you board; no seat is reserved in advance.Services
Depart Arrive Runs 10:00 AM 11:50 AM Mon–Sat 4:00 PM 5:50 PM Mon–Sat
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.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
This is a hail-and-ride service and bookings are not taken, so carry cash and pay the driver as you board. The road gains a lot of altitude, so the Tablelands are noticeably cooler than Cairns; bring a layer even in the tropics. Services are limited to a couple a day and none run on Sundays or public holidays, so check the Trans North timetable, and if you are exploring the waterfalls and lakes, plan your return before you set out.
Route FAQs
Cairns to Atherton, answered.
- About an hour and 50 minutes for the 80-kilometre climb up onto the Tablelands, depending on stops.
- Trans North Bus & Coach operates the scheduled service between Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands.
- No. Trans North runs this route as a hail-and-ride service and does not take bookings for it. Fares are cash only, paid to the driver as you board. Other Trans North routes, such as Cairns to Cooktown and Cairns to Karumba, can be booked.
- Trans North's service is listed as wheelchair accessible. Confirm access and any assistance you need with the operator when booking.
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