Cairns to Brisbane Bus

The bus from Cairns to Brisbane connects the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays and Queensland’s vibrant riverside capital.

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Stretching along Queensland’s coast, the journey from Cairns to Brisbane connects Tropical North Queensland with the state’s vibrant capital. With Greyhound, you can choose from morning and evening departures from Cairns, including an Express service that saves approximately 6 to 7 hours, giving you more flexibility in how you make the journey.

Heading south, services connect Cairns with destinations including Townsville, Airlie Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay and the Sunshine Coast. Take the time to explore more places along the coast, or choose Express when reaching Brisbane sooner better suits your trip.

At the end of the journey, Brisbane offers plenty to discover, from South Bank and the City Botanic Gardens to QAGOMA and Story Bridge. The city’s riverside precincts, dining and cultural attractions make it an easy place to explore once you arrive.

Travelling on a Cairns to Brisbane bus gives you more choice in how you experience Queensland’s coast. With air-conditioned coaches, reclining seats and included seat selection, you can choose the journey and departure that best suits your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the bus trip from Cairns to Brisbane take?

The bus trip from Cairns to Brisbane takes 30h.
The bus ticket from Cairns to Brisbane starts from $276.00. All our fares come in two tiers – Early Bird and Flexible – with prices varying based on how far in advance you are making a booking. You can find the most up-to-date pricing for your trip by using the booking form above or for more information on the different types of fares visit our Compare Fares page.
You can pay for your bus ticket from Cairns to Brisbane by debit/credit card or digital wallet such as Google and Apple pay. We also offer buy now pay later services such as Zip Money.
You can track your Greyhound coach from Cairns to Brisbane in real time using our Coach Tracker. Just enter your service number or select your stop to see live location updates and any changes to your expected arrival.
The earliest daily departure from Cairns to Brisbane leaves at 7:00am. Check our timetable for the most current schedule, as departure times can vary by season.
The last coach of the day from Cairns to Brisbane departs at 3:00pm.
No printing needed - simply show your e-ticket on your phone or tablet with a form of i.d to the bus driver prior to boarding.
Coaches on the Cairns to Brisbane route come with reclining seats, onboard toilets, and air conditioning, with select services also offering free Wi-Fi and USB charging outlets. Seat selection can be added when you book. See our coach features page for what’s available on your specific service.
You can bring one carry-on bag (up to 8kg) plus two checked bags (up to 20kg each) at no extra cost on the Cairns to Brisbane route. Need to bring more? Extra bags can be added for $10 each, up to two additional pieces. Prams and wheelchairs travel free regardless of your baggage total. Full details are on our baggage page.
Cairns and Brisbane are approximately 1,980km from each other.
Greyhound Australia’s coaches are designed to support passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. If you’re travelling with Greyhound and need mobility or travel assistance, please get in touch with us so our team can help you plan and book your trip.

All Greyhound coaches feature reclining seats, USB charging ports, individual reading lights and air conditioning for a comfortable journey. Complimentary WiFi is also available on East Coast services. For more information, visit our Travel Information page.

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