Cairns to Townsville bus: Timetable, fare prices & journey time

The Cairns to Townsville bus runs twice a day, taking from 5h30m. One way fares cost from around $66.

The Cairns to Townsville bus is usually the cheapest way of travelling between the two biggest cities in North Queensland.

Flying is quicker, the Cairns to Townsville train is more comfortable and the drive offers more freedom to explore the Queensland coast along the way.

If you have three days in Cairns, do a Great Barrier Reef trip, a Kuranda scenic train and cable car combo and a Mossman Gorge plus Cape Tribulation World Heritage rainforest day tour. With more time, consider mesmerising scenic flights over the Reef, dinner cruises and waterfall-packed Atherton Tableland tours.

To choose from a wide range of memorable Cairns tours and experiences, look here. To pick the Cairns accommodation best suited to you, book here.

Townsville is where you can take the ferry to gorgeous Magnetic Island, enjoy sunset cruises and visit the Museum of Underwater Art. For more Townsville experiences, explore here. To ferret out the best Townsville accommodation deals, look here.

Book the Cairns to Townsville bus.
Or book your ticket from townsville to cairns.

Cairns to Townsville bus timetable

Greyhound runs two bus services a day from Cairns to Townsville. According to the timetable, the first leaves Cairns at 07.00, arriving at the Sealink Terminal in Townsville at 13.00.

The second bus from Cairns to Townsville leaves Cairns at 15.00 and arrives in Townsville at 20.30. Therefore, the afternoon departure is quicker – taking five-and-a-half hours rather than six – but it arrives at a less convenient time. Certainly, if you’re wanting to hop straight on the ferry to Magnetic Island, the morning departure is a better choice.

The reverse bus journey from Townsville to Cairns departs at 08.00 or 14.40.

6 Townsville experiences to book in advance

Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.

Cairns to Townsville bus: Fare prices

The fare prices on the Cairns to Townsville bus vary depending on how full the bus is and how far in advance you book. But the cheapest fare available on the bus to Townsville from Cairns is generally $66 when booked online.

For this, you get an air-conditioned coach with free WiFi, panoramic windows, USB chargers and reclining seats.

The Cairns to Townsville bus makes various stops along the way.

Save time queuing – Book these Cairns attractions in advance

From the air: Outer Reef helicopter flight | Sunrise hot air balloon ride | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
At night: Sunset dinner cruise | Pub and club tour | Aquarium by Twilight experience.
For wildlife: Birdworld Kuranda | Kuranda Koala Gardens | Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome | Cairns Aquarium | Rainforestation Nature Park
For culture: Cairns Museum tickets | Street art walking tour | City and surrounds highlights bus tour.
For thrills: AJ Hackett giant jungle swing | High speed jet boat tour | Barron Gorge white water rafting | Mulgrave River tubing.

After leaving Cairns, the Greyhound service to Townsville stops in Gordonvale, Babinda, Innisfail, Mission Beach, Tully, Cardwell and Ingham.

Things to do in Townsville include going on a cruise to the Museum of Underwater Art, chilling on a small group sunset cruise and catching the ferry to Magnetic Island.

Townsville accommodation recommendations

The best bets for Townsville accommodation are…

For beachside location: Water’s Edge The Strand.
For a good value, well located motel: Yongala Lodge By The Strand.
For a sassy, chic resort: Rambutan Resort.
For families: Discovery Parks Townsville.
For business-friendly apartments: Quest Townsville on Eyre.

Greyhound runs hundreds of bus services around Australia.

Trip-booster! 8 great day trips from Cairns to power-up your holiday

Kuranda combo package – take the Kuranda Scenic Railway up and the Skyrail cable car down.
Green Island tours with beach time, glass bottom boat and snorkelling. (Or pick a Fitzroy Island trip instead).
Moore Reef day tour – with underwater observatory, snorkelling gear, glass bottom boat & semi-submersible cruises.
Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise – with snorkelling stops at two excellent spots on the Reef.
Cape Tribulation rainforest day tour – with Mossman Gorge Aboriginal cultural experience and Daintree River crocodile-watching cruise.
Atherton Tableland waterfalls and rainforest tour – including wildlife-spotting and a swim in a volcanic lake.
Outback 4WD tour – visiting Chillagoe Caves, Aboriginal rock art and Granite Gorge.