Question 1

How long does the bus from Townsville to Mackay take?

Accepted Answer

Around 5 hours and 52 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.

Question 2

How much does the bus from Townsville to Mackay cost?

Accepted Answer

Fares start from around $56 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.

Question 3

Which bus companies run from Townsville to Mackay?

Accepted Answer

Premier Motor Service, 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.

Question 4

Can I buy a ticket on the day for the Townsville to Mackay bus?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Is luggage included on the Townsville to Mackay bus?

Accepted Answer

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.

Townsville to Mackay

The Townsville–Mackay corridor.

Who runs this route.

FlixBus Australia

Greyhound Australia

Premier Motor Service

What to know before you go.