The route at a glance
The Kempsey–Brisbane corridor.
The Kempsey to Brisbane bus is a regional intercity coach corridor of 491 kilometres along the Pacific Highway connecting NSW and QLD. Coach journey time is around 8 hours and 49 minutes, with rest stops dictated by each operator's timetable. Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, NSW TrainLink and FlixBus Australia run scheduled services on this corridor, giving you a choice of departure times and price points. Book at least a week ahead during school holidays and long weekends; fares rise quickly close to the departure date.
Typical calling points
- KempseyNSW
- MacksvilleNSW
- Nambucca HeadsNSW
- UrungaNSW
- Coffs HarbourNSW
- WoolgoolgaNSW
- GraftonNSW
- BrisbaneQLD
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.
NSW TrainLink
ToiletWheelchair access40kg luggageBookon NSW TrainLinkFrom$53FlixBus Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon FlixBus AustraliaFrom$60Services
Depart Arrive Runs 12:10 AM 8:40 AM Daily 12:10 AM 9:10 AM Daily Premier Motor Service
Toilet20kg luggageBookon Premier Motor ServiceFrom$92Services
Depart Arrive Runs 2:15 AM 12:20 PM Daily Greyhound Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingWheelchair accessEco-friendly40kg luggagerestored after bogus-no-service deletion 2026-05-07
Bookon Greyhound AustraliaFrom$157Services
Depart Arrive Runs 12:35 AM 11:00 AM Mon–Tue, Sat–Sun 1:35 AM 11:00 AM Tue 3:05 AM 1:30 PM Mon–Fri, Sun 4:05 AM 1:30 PM Tue
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. NSW TrainLink coaches connect with the rail network at multiple regional hubs. If you're continuing onwards, booking train and coach as a single combined fare is usually cheaper than two separate tickets. 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 (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 Brisbane
SeptemberBrisbane, QLDBrisbane FestivalFirst three weeks of September, closing with Riverfire
DecemberWoodford, QLDWoodford Folk Festival27 December to 1 January (6 days)
MayBrisbane, QLDPaniyiri Greek FestivalThird weekend of May (2 days)
Route FAQs
Kempsey to Brisbane, answered.
- Around 8 hours and 49 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 491 kilometres. The coach covers it in around 8 hours and 49 minutes, allowing for stops.
- Fares start from around $53 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.
- Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, NSW TrainLink and FlixBus 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, Greyhound Australia, NSW TrainLink and FlixBus Australia run direct services on this corridor, so you can travel Kempsey to Brisbane 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.
- NSW TrainLink runs both coach and rail services. The XPT/Xplorer trains are usually faster and more comfortable on long-haul corridors but run less frequently. Coaches are more direct from Sydney Coach Terminal and connect with regional services.
- 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 Brisbane.
Continuing past Brisbane? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
Related routes