Bus from Cairns to Townsville: Tickets & Schedules

Next bus departures

Next departures for Cairns to Townsville on December 10
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Greyhound AustraliaBus
142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)
TownsvilleCheapest
Greyhound AustraliaBus
142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)
TownsvilleFastest
Greyhound AustraliaBus
142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)
TownsvilleNo tags
Greyhound AustraliaBus
142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)
TownsvilleNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:06 PM AEST.

Get from Cairns to Townsville

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 6 hours and with fares starting at just $51, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day
6hAverage Duration
175 milesDistance
7kgCO₂ emissions

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Cairns to Townsville by bus

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the bus ticket from Cairns to Townsville?

    The cheapest bus tickets from Cairns to Townsville start from $51. The average price for this route is around $56. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the bus ride from Cairns to Townsville?

    The average bus trip duration from Cairns to Townsville is 6h, covering a distance of 175 miles (282 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 5h 30m and is operated by Greyhound Australia.

  3. Which bus companies service the Cairns to Townsville route?

    Several major train operators operate on this route with 3 trains available per day.

  4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Cairns to Townsville?

    The earliest bus departs from Cairns to Townsville at 7:00am. And the latest bus departs at 3:00pm.

  5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Cairns to Townsville?

    A bus trip from Cairns to Townsville generates an estimated 7 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
12/08
$59
12/09
$59
Today
$55
12/11
$51
12/12
$51
12/13
$51
12/14
$51
12/15
$51
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cairns to Townsville was searched and found on Dec 11, 2025 with a price of $51

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Cairns to Townsville, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $51 to $218 for a bus ticket from Cairns to Townsville based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $51 which is on 2025-12-11.

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