Answer first
- Operators
- Greyhound Australia and FlixBus Australia
- Cheapest known fare
- From $85 with FlixBus Australia, seen when we last checked on 13 Aug. This operator prices by demand, so confirm it on their site.
- Journey time
- About 15h
- Distance
- 697 km by road
- Booking
- Booking is direct with the operator, though at least one operator has restrictions on this corridor.
The route at a glance
The Kempsey–Canberra corridor.
Kempsey to Canberra is a long-distance coach corridor of 697 kilometres along the Federal, Hume and Pacific Highways connecting NSW and ACT. Coach journey time is around 15 hours, with most operators running daytime services with a midway rest stop. Greyhound Australia 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.
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 luggageConnecting service, change at Sydney Central Station.
Visit FlixBus AustraliaFrom$85Booking restricted. FlixBus does not currently sell tickets to or from Kempsey.Greyhound Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingWheelchair accessEco-friendly40kg luggageSold as a single ticket; the journey may involve a transfer at a hub.
Bookon Greyhound AustraliaFrom$157Services
Depart Arrive Runs 1:05 AM 9:00 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.
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 Canberra
JanuaryCanberra, ACTSummernatsFirst weekend of January (4 days)
FebruaryCanberra, ACTNational Multicultural FestivalThird weekend of February (3 days)
FebruaryCanberra, ACTEnlighten FestivalLate February to mid-March (approx. 2.5 weeks, including the Balloon Spectacular)
Route FAQs
Kempsey to Canberra, answered.
- Around 15 hours 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 697 kilometres. The coach covers it in around 15 hours, allowing for stops.
- Greyhound Australia 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. Greyhound Australia and FlixBus Australia run direct services on this corridor, so you can travel Kempsey to Canberra 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 Canberra.
Continuing past Canberra? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
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