- Must visit
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
Leading contemporary art museum on Circular Quay. Visit for major Australian and international exhibitions and superb rooftop harbor views.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cairns to Sydney
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17
Cheapest price on Sep 17
€274
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€274
Fastest journey on Sep 17
2 d 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
2 d 35 m
Buses on Sep 17
1
Distance
1961 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cairns to Sydney is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cairns to Sydney will cost around €274 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €274.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Cairns to Sydney without transferring at least once.
7:25 AM48h35Cairns Central Station8:00 AMCentral Station€2741One-way1 transfer
- 7:25 AM48h35Cairns Central Station8:00 AMCentral Station€2741One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cairns to Sydney
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cairns to Sydney among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of €464 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 18m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €464, while a bus costs an average of €578.
Distance: 1218 miles (1961 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€578 Average price | €464 Average price Cheapest | €296 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
47h 30m Average total duration 47h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration Fastest 4h 18m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 26h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cairns to Sydney is a flight with an average price of €464.
This is compared to other travel options from Cairns to Sydney:
A flight is €114 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cairns to Sydney costing on average €578.
The fastest way to travel from Cairns to Sydney is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 18m.
Other travel options to Sydney take longer:
Bus takes on average 47h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cairns and Sydney including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cairns to Sydney among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €578 compared to roughly €296 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-282.76. The journey takes 47h 0m versus 26h 33m 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.
Cairns to Sydney Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 48h00 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price €427 |
Operator Premier Motor Service | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 48h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €274 |
Live departures
Cairns to Sydney bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cairns to Sydney buses for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:25 AM Cairns Central Station | 48h35 | 8:00 AM Central Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cairns to Sydney by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cairns to Sydney
AustraliaAustralia
Buses from Cairns to Sydney run on average 1 times per day, taking around 47h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €422 but you can travel from only €77 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 21:00, the last at 21:00. The fastest bus covers the 1218 miles (1961 km) distance in 47h 0m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €77
Distance 1218 miles (1961 km) |
Average bus duration 47h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €422 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 47h 0m |
First bus 9:00 PM |
Last bus 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €77
Bus providers: Greyhound Australia from Cairns to SydneyYou can travel by bus between Cairns to Sydney with Greyhound Australia for as low as €77. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound Australia
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greyhound Australia Duration
47h 0m
Cheapest Greyhound Australia Price
€422
Greyhound Australia frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of checked baggage up to 20kg each and one carry-on up to 8kg.
Additional luggage
Two extra bags allowed for $10 each; additional items at standard freight rates.
Luggage storage
Checked baggage stored under the bus; carry-on stored above or under the seat.
Cancellation Policy
Flexible Fare tickets can be canceled up to 15 minutes before departure for an open-dated ticket valid for 12 months.
Amenities on board the bus
Toilets
Accessibility
Buses have designated spaces for wheelchairs.
Bikes
Bicycles allowed for $49; must be packed securely and not exceed 2m in length.
Complete guide to Sydney
Things to do in Sydney
Discover the best of Sydney — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sydney trip today.
- Must visit
Australian Museum
Australia's oldest museum, known for natural history, culture, and science. Family-friendly displays include dinosaurs and First Nations stories.
- Must visit
Art Gallery of New South Wales
State art museum near the Domain with Australian, Asian, and international collections. A cornerstone of Sydney's cultural scene.
- Must visit
Circular Quay
Sydney's postcard harbor precinct with ferries, waterside promenades, and direct access to the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden.
- Must visit
Darling Harbour
Waterside cultural precinct with museums, public spaces, playgrounds, and easy harbor walks. Popular for families and skyline views.
- Must visit
Bondi Beach
Major beachside neighborhood famous for surf culture, coastal scenery, and the Bondi to Coogee walk. A Sydney classic for first-time visitors.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Pavlova
A crisp meringue dessert topped with cream and fresh fruit. Widely claimed by Australia and popular in Sydney for celebrations and summer dining.
- Gluten-free
Sydney Rock Oysters
Australian grilled prawns, often served with lemon or garlic butter. Sydney's harbour setting and seafood markets make them a classic local choice.
- Gluten-free
Sydney Rock Oysters
Small, richly flavoured oysters farmed in New South Wales estuaries. A Sydney seafood staple, prized for their mineral taste and creamy texture.
Quay
Celebrated fine dining with harbour views, tasting menus, and refined Australian produce. Elegant and iconic for special occasions.
Manta Restaurant
Historic seafood restaurant on Woolloomooloo Wharf, known for fresh local fish, oysters, and a lively waterfront setting.
Harry's Cafe de Wheels
Legendary pie cart famous for the Tiger Pie, topped with mash, peas, and gravy. Casual, classic, and deeply woven into Sydney food culture.
Australian dollar (A$)
Sydney is costly for tourists: hotels, dining, and attractions are pricier than many Asia-Pacific cities, while public transport is reasonable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- A$15-25 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- A$30-50 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- A$120+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- A$4.50-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Restaurants may get 5-10% for great service; cafes usually none. Round up taxis or add a small tip if helpful.
Opal Travel
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- $3.73
- Day pass
- $17.80
To the city center
Sydney Pitt St (Central Station) -> Sydney Town Hall
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Tap on and off with an Opal card or contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or linked device on trains, metro, buses, ferries, and light rail.
- Daily fares are capped, and on Fridays to Sundays plus public holidays the cap is lower, which can make multiple trips cheaper than expected.
FAQs: Bus from Cairns to Sydney
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cairns to Sydney 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 Sydney, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cairns to Sydney can start from as little as €422 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cairns to Sydney is €578 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Cairns to Sydney is 47h 0m to travel the 1218 miles (1961 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cairns to Sydney leaves at 9:00 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cairns to Sydney leaves at 9:00 PM.
There are 1 buses a day from Cairns to Sydney which require at least one change with Premier Motor Service. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cairns to Sydney, you can count on Premier Motor Service for the best way to get you to Sydney. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cairns and Sydney and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cairns, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Sydney from Cairns is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 47h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cairns to Sydney is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cairns and Sydney including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, the bus from Cairns to Sydney has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Cairns to Sydney.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Cairns to Sydney.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Cairns to Sydney.
No, luggage for the bus from Cairns to Sydney needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Cairns to Sydney.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cairns to Sydney.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Cairns to Sydney.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Cairns to Sydney.
Since neither Cairns nor Sydney are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Australia and Australia. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Cairns to Sydney among Omio's users.
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Travelers generally find using cards more convenient due to widespread acceptance and security, but carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases or remote areas.
In Sydney, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular tourist spots. Scams involving taxi drivers overcharging or taking longer routes can occur, so it's recommended to use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of unlicensed street vendors and avoid sharing personal information with strangers to prevent fraud. Always stay alert in nightlife districts and keep belongings secure.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cairns to Sydney
Most Cairns to Sydney buses use the Cairns to Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Cairns and Sydney bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cairns
Arrival bus stations in Sydney
CairnsCairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Which Sydney station do buses from Cairns arrive at?
Buses from Cairns to Sydney arrive at Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station). Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station) is 1 miles (2 km) from Sydney city centre.
Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station)Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
City-centre transport
Getting to Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station) from Sydney city centre
Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station) is 1 km from Sydney city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station) bus station facilities and services
Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several eateries are in and around the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available at the station. ATMs are aTM machines located inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sydney, Pitt St (Central Station): Station is wheelchair accessible.
Most popular bus connections from Cairns
More options for your journey from Cairns to Sydney
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Sydney and Cairns
Most popular bus connections to Sydney
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