The route at a glance
The Cairns–Townsville corridor.
The Cairns to Townsville coach route connects two of Queensland's most important tropical cities over 350 km of the Bruce Highway corridor. Greyhound Australia, FlixBus and Premier Motor Service all run services on this busy northern Queensland link, with the journey taking around four to five hours including stops. The route passes through Mission Beach junction, Cardwell and Ingham before arriving at Townsville, the largest city in northern Queensland and the ferry gateway to Magnetic Island. It is one of the most frequently travelled legs on the Queensland coach network and a natural stepping stone for travellers working their way up or down the coast.
Typical calling points
- CairnsQLD
- GordonvaleQLD
- BabindaQLD
- InnisfailQLD
- MourilyanQLD
- SilkwoodQLD
- El ArishQLD
- 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
Compare operators
Who runs this route.
FlixBus Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon FlixBus AustraliaFrom$32Services
Depart Arrive Runs 8:15 AM 1:30 PM Daily Greyhound Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingWheelchair accessEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon Greyhound AustraliaFrom$74Services
Depart Arrive Runs 7:00 AM 1:00 PM Daily 11:00 AM 4:30 PM Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun 3:00 PM 8:30 PM Daily Premier Motor Service
Toilet20kg luggageBookon Premier Motor ServiceFrom$84Services
Depart Arrive Runs 7:25 AM 1:00 PM 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.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
Morning departures from Cairns give you a full afternoon in Townsville, enough time to catch the ferry to Magnetic Island for a few hours and return the same day. If you are continuing south after Townsville, Greyhound, FlixBus and Premier all run regular onward connections. Book ahead during the July school holidays when both cities see peak domestic tourism and coach seats sell out quickly on popular departure times.
Route FAQs
Cairns to Townsville, answered.
- Approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on the service and intermediate stops.
- Fares typically start from $32 to $55. Advance purchase fares across all operators offer the best value; last-minute tickets cost more.
- Greyhound Australia, FlixBus Australia and Premier Motor Service all operate services on this route.
- Services stop at the Mission Beach junction turn-off on the Bruce Highway rather than the beach itself, which requires a short onward local transfer or taxi.
- Yes. This sector is included in Greyhound's Hop-On Hop-Off pass, and you can board or alight at any scheduled stop.
Keep going
Onward from Townsville.
Continuing past Townsville? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
Related routes