What is the travel distance from Mackay to Cairns?

The distance separating Mackay and Cairns is 367 miles (592 km).

What are the best sights and things to do in Cairns?

Once in Cairns, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Mossman Gorge, Cairns Golf Club, Cairns Rainforest Dome, White Water Rafting and The Esplanade.

Bus Mackay to Cairns from $106 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Mackay to Cairns on November 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	6:10am	Victoria St	13h 50m	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Cheapest
Bus	7:50am	Victoria St	12h 10m	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Fastest
Bus	2:55am	Victoria St	17h 5m	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	No tags
Bus	6:10am	Victoria St	13h 50m	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Monday at 2:12 PM AEST.

Get from Mackay to Cairns

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 13 hours 50 minutes and with fares starting at just $162, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day

13h 50mAverage Duration

367 milesDistance

15kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Greyhound Australia

4/52,347 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi3.8

Based on 2347 reviews, the company was rated 4.2 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the wifi. Greyhound Australia ticket prices on this trip start at $162

Greyhound Australia Mackay Cairns recent customer reviews

I would recommend greyhound Australia to everyone, I was on a schedule to be in Cairns, to catch a plane. Greyhound Australia came through with flying colours.

Norman S.

March 14, 2021

AU bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Mackay to Cairns by bus

What is the travel distance from Mackay to Cairns?
What are the best sights and things to do in Cairns?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

11/11

$163

11/12

$97

Today

No data

11/14

No data

11/15

No data

11/16

No data

11/17

$166

11/18

No data

The cheapest trip from Mackay to Cairns was searched and found on Nov 12, 2025 with a price of $97

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

You can expect to pay from $97 to $187 for a bus ticket from Mackay to Cairns based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $166 which is on 2025-11-17.