- Must visit
Museum of Tropical Queensland
Large tropical museum with natural history, maritime heritage, and science displays focused on North Queensland.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Canberra to Townsville among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of €400 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €400, while a bus costs an average of €598.
Distance: 1115 miles (1796 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€598 Average price | €400 Average price Cheapest | €250 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
45h 20m Average total duration 44h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 42m Average total duration Fastest 4h 42m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 23h 41m 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 Canberra to Townsville:
A flight is €198 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Canberra to Townsville costing on average €598.
Other travel options to Townsville take longer:
Bus takes on average 44h 50m.
Tickets start at around €598 compared to roughly €250 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-347.77. The journey takes 44h 50m versus 23h 41m 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.
Buses from Canberra to Townsville run on average 1 times per day, taking around 44h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €551 but you can travel from only €243 by flight.
The fastest bus covers the 1115 miles (1796 km) distance in 44h 50m.
Distance 1115 miles (1796 km) |
Average bus duration 44h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price €551 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 44h 50m |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Townsville — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Townsville trip today.
Large tropical museum with natural history, maritime heritage, and science displays focused on North Queensland.
Regional gallery presenting contemporary and historical exhibitions with a strong focus on North Queensland artists.
Volunteer-run military museum displaying vehicles, uniforms, and stories from regional service history and conflicts.
Popular waterfront promenade with beach views, public art, swimming areas, and easy access to Townsville's coastal highlights.
Lush riverside precinct with walking paths, lagoons, playgrounds, and regular events, popular with locals and visitors.
Botanic garden below Castle Hill featuring tropical plants, shade, and accessible paths in a peaceful heritage setting.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canberra 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.

Most Canberra to Townsville buses use the to Townsville, Breakwater Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Canberra and Townsville bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Townsville, Breakwater Terminal is 2 km from Townsville city centre. Public transport options include:
Townsville, Breakwater Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Townsville, Breakwater Terminal. ATMs are an ATM is located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Townsville, Breakwater Terminal.
Available at Townsville, Breakwater Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Townsville, Breakwater Terminal: Accessible entrances and pathways are provided.
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