- Recommended
Cairns Museum
Regional museum on Cairns history, people, and tropical life. Worth visiting for clear exhibits on the city's development and culture.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$135
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$202
Fastest journey on Sep 20
20 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
20 h 38 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
1116 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bundaberg to Cairns is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bundaberg to Cairns will cost around $202 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $135.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from Bundaberg to Cairns, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 1116 km distance in an average of 20 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 20 h 25 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 20 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bundaberg to Cairns among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $318 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 25m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $318, while a flight costs an average of $539.
Distance: 693 miles (1116 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$318 Average price Cheapest | $539 Average price | $192 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 37m Average total duration 21h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 25m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 14h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bundaberg to Cairns:
A bus is $222 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bundaberg to Cairns costing on average $539.
Other travel options to Cairns take longer:
Bus takes on average 21h 7m.
Tickets start at around $318 compared to roughly $192 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-125.67. The journey takes 21h 7m versus 14h 54m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Premier Motor Service | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $269 |
The table below shows live departures for Bundaberg to Cairns buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:05 PM Bundaberg | 20h25 | 7:30 PM Cairns Central Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:10 PM Bundaberg | 20h50 | 8:00 PM Cairns | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Bundaberg to Cairns run on average 8 times per day, taking around 21h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $116 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 23:05, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 693 miles (1116 km) distance in 20h 5m.
Distance 693 miles (1116 km) |
Average bus duration 21h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $116 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 20h 5m |
First bus 11:05 PM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Cairns — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cairns trip today.
Regional museum on Cairns history, people, and tropical life. Worth visiting for clear exhibits on the city's development and culture.
Modern gallery featuring changing exhibitions by local and national artists. A strong stop for contemporary art in the city center.
Cultural center and gallery presenting Yidinji traditions, dance, and art. Valuable for learning about Aboriginal culture near Cairns.
Waterfront promenade with lagoon, public art, gardens, and walking paths. A classic Cairns visit for relaxing, strolling, and city views.
Popular public swimming lagoon on the waterfront. Great for cooling off safely and enjoying the Esplanade atmosphere in the city center.
Botanic gardens with rainforest plant collections, shaded paths, and easy access to nearby walks. A favorite for nature close to town.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bundaberg to Cairns by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cairns, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bundaberg to Cairns buses use the South Bundaberg Meal Break to Cairns station pair. Use this guide to compare Bundaberg and Cairns bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need