The cheapest and fastest buses from Cairns to Townsville
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 40 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
283 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cairns to Townsville is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cairns to Townsville will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Of the 3 buses that leave Cairns for Townsville on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 283 km distance in an average of 5 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 6 h 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.
GX4583:00 PM5h30Cairns8:30 PMTownsville$691One-way0 transfers
GX45611:00 AM5h30Cairns4:30 PMTownsville$791One-way0 transfers
GX4547:00 AM6h00Cairns1:00 PMTownsville$901One-way0 transfers
GX4583:00 PM5h30Cairns8:30 PMTownsville$691One-way0 transfers
GX45611:00 AM5h30Cairns4:30 PMTownsville$791One-way0 transfers
GX4547:00 AM6h00Cairns1:00 PMTownsville$901One-way0 transfers
Cairns to Townsville Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Live departures
Cairns to Townsville bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cairns to Townsville buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GX454 | 7:00 AM Cairns | 6h00 | 1:00 PM Townsville | 0 transfersDirect | |
GX456 | 11:00 AM Cairns | 5h30 | 4:30 PM Townsville | 0 transfersDirect | |
GX458 | 3:00 PM Cairns | 5h30 | 8:30 PM Townsville | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cairns to Townsville by bus
Compare 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.
Jun 21
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Jun 27
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cairns to Townsville
FAQs: Bus from Cairns to Townsville
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cairns to Townsville 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 Townsville, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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