The route at a glance
The Cairns–Cooktown corridor.
The Cairns to Cooktown bus is a regional intercity coach corridor of 323 kilometres. Coach journey time is around 4 hours and 45 minutes, with rest stops dictated by each operator's timetable. Trans North Bus & Coach runs the corridor; check their timetable for departure times and seat availability. Book at least a week ahead during school holidays and long weekends; fares rise quickly close to the departure date.
Typical calling points
- CairnsQLD
- SmithfieldQLD
- KurandaQLD
- MareebaQLD
- BiboohraQLD
- Mt MolloyQLD
- Mt CarbineQLD
- Palmer RiverQLD
- LakelandQLD
- HelenvaleQLD
- CooktownQLD
Typical stops on this corridor. Actual calling points vary by operator and service.
Journey essentials
- Departures
- 1 per day
- Onboard
- Wheelchair access
Compare operators
Who runs this route.
Trans North Bus & Coach
1 departure/dayWheelchair accessEco-friendlyOn Trans North Cairns–Cooktown inland service (Mon/Wed/Fri).
Bookon Trans North Bus & CoachFrom$108Services
Depart Arrive Runs 6:30 AM 11:15 AM 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.
Mid-week departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are typically cheaper than Friday afternoon or Sunday services. Booking three to four days ahead is usually enough outside school holidays. Arrive at the terminal at least 15 minutes before departure. Most operators begin boarding 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time and won't hold the coach for late passengers. Check the operator's luggage policy before you travel. Most include one checked bag (typically 20 kg) and one carry-on, but allowances vary by carrier and additional bags usually attract a fee.
Route FAQs
Cairns to Cooktown, answered.
- Around 4 hours and 45 minutes for a typical scheduled service. Travel time can vary by 30 minutes or more depending on the operator, the number of intermediate stops, and traffic on the day.
- The coach route is about 323 kilometres. The coach covers it in around 4 hours and 45 minutes, allowing for stops.
- Fares start from around $108 one-way. Booking three to four days ahead usually gets you the lowest fare. Same-day bookings on long-haul corridors can run double the advance-purchase price during school holidays.
- Trans North Bus & Coach operates services on this route. Use the operator comparison above to see which suits your travel date, budget and preferences for amenities like Wi-Fi, USB charging and onboard toilets.
- Yes. Trans North Bus & Coach runs a direct service on this corridor, so you can travel Cairns to Cooktown without changing coaches. Check the timetable above for current departure times.
- Services on this route offer wheelchair access. Amenities vary by operator and vehicle, so check the specific service when you book.
- Last-minute seats are sometimes available, but never guaranteed, particularly on Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and during school holidays. Booking online a few days ahead is strongly recommended and almost always cheaper.
- Most operators include one checked bag (typically up to 20 kg) and one carry-on bag in the ticket price. Additional bags usually attract a fee. Check the specific operator's luggage policy at the time of booking.
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