Answer first
- Operators
- Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia
- Cheapest known fare
- $381 with Premier Motor Service, the operator's published fare for this corridor.
- Journey time
- About 39h 15m
- Distance
- 2,009 km by road
- Booking
- Booking is direct with the operator, not through AusBus.
The route at a glance
The Grafton–Cairns corridor.
The Grafton to Cairns bus is a multi-leg outback coach run of 2,009 kilometres along the Pacific and Bruce Highways connecting NSW and QLD. Through-services take around 39 hours and 15 minutes, and most travellers break the journey at a midway stop rather than ride straight through. Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia run scheduled services on this corridor, giving you a choice of departure times and price points. Hop-on hop-off passes can work out cheaper than buying segments individually if you plan to stop along the way.
Journey essentials
- Onboard
- Wi-Fi · Toilet · USB charging · Wheelchair access
- Luggage
- 1 × 40kg checked bag
Compare operators
Who runs this route.
Premier Motor Service
Toilet20kg luggageSold as a single ticket; the journey may involve a transfer at a hub.
Bookon Premier Motor ServiceFrom$381Services
Depart Arrive Runs 4:40 AM 7:30 PM+1 Daily Greyhound Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingWheelchair accessEco-friendly40kg luggageSold as a single ticket; the journey may involve a transfer at a hub.
Bookon Greyhound AustraliaFrom$696Services
Depart Arrive Runs 4:45 AM 8:00 PM+1 Daily 7:15 AM 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.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
Book at least seven days ahead during school holidays, the Easter long weekend, and the Christmas–New Year period. Long-haul corridors fill quickly during these windows and same-day fares can be double the advance-purchase price. 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. Pack snacks and a refillable water bottle. Rest stop options on regional corridors are sparse, particularly between major towns. Check the operator's luggage policy before you travel. Most include one checked bag (40 kg) and one carry-on, but allowances vary by carrier and additional bags usually attract a fee.
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
Grafton to Cairns, answered.
- Around 39 hours and 15 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 2,009 kilometres. The coach covers it in around 39 hours and 15 minutes, allowing for stops.
- Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia operate 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. Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia run direct services on this corridor, so you can travel Grafton to Cairns without changing coaches. Check the timetable above for current departure times.
- Services on this route offer Wi-Fi, an onboard toilet, USB charging and wheelchair access. Amenities vary by operator and vehicle, so check the specific service when you book.
- Not currently scheduled on this corridor. Most services run during the day with a meal stop midway. Check the timetable above for current departure times.
- 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 (up to 40 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.
Keep going
Onward from Cairns.
Continuing past Cairns? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
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