- Recommended
Cairns Museum
Regional museum on Cairns history, people, and tropical life. Worth visiting for clear exhibits on the city's development and culture.
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Mackay to Cairns Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $101 |
Why should you book Mackay to Cairns buses with Omio?
Greyhound Australia as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Mackay to Cairns.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Greyhound Australia tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound Australia?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound Australia, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Mackay to Cairns.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Mackay to Cairns
AustraliaAustralia
Buses from Mackay to Cairns run on average 5 times per day, taking around 12h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $66 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 20:35, the last at 21:50. The fastest bus covers the 367 miles (591 km) distance in 11h 50m.
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
Distance 367 miles (591 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 50m |
First bus 8:35 PM |
Last bus 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Bus providers: Greyhound Australia, FlixBus from Mackay to CairnsYou can travel by bus between Mackay to Cairns with Greyhound Australia, FlixBus for as low as $66. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
11h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$66
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound Australia
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greyhound Australia Duration
12h 10m
Cheapest Greyhound Australia Price
$143
Greyhound Australia frequency
3 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 Cairns
Things to do in Cairns
Discover the best of Cairns — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cairns trip today.
- Recommended
Cairns Art Gallery
Modern gallery featuring changing exhibitions by local and national artists. A strong stop for contemporary art in the city center.
- Recommended
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Cultural center and gallery presenting Yidinji traditions, dance, and art. Valuable for learning about Aboriginal culture near Cairns.
- Must visit
Cairns Esplanade
Waterfront promenade with lagoon, public art, gardens, and walking paths. A classic Cairns visit for relaxing, strolling, and city views.
- Must visit
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Popular public swimming lagoon on the waterfront. Great for cooling off safely and enjoying the Esplanade atmosphere in the city center.
- Recommended
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Botanic gardens with rainforest plant collections, shaded paths, and easy access to nearby walks. A favorite for nature close to town.
FAQs: Bus from Mackay to Cairns
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mackay 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Mackay to Cairns can start from as little as $66 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Mackay to Cairns is $173 ; 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 Mackay to Cairns is 11h 50m to travel the 367 miles (591 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 Mackay to Cairns leaves at 8:35 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Mackay to Cairns leaves at 9:50 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Mackay to Cairns with Greyhound Australia, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Mackay to Cairns, you can count on Greyhound Australia, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Cairns. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Mackay and Cairns and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Mackay , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St, Nebo Rd at Ram Chandra Place . When arriving in Cairns , you can end your journey in bus stations like Cairns .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Cairns, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cairns from Mackay is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Mackay to Cairns is August.
Yes, you can take a bus between Mackay and Cairns.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Mackay to Cairns:
- Greyhound Australia
- Buses have designated spaces for wheelchairs.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Mackay to Cairns for bus company Greyhound Australia, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Mackay to Cairns depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound Australia
- Flexible Fare tickets can be canceled up to 15 minutes before departure for an open-dated ticket valid for 12 months.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound Australia, FlixBus.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Mackay to Cairns.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Mackay to Cairns:
- Greyhound Australia
- Two pieces of checked baggage up to 20kg each and one carry-on up to 8kg.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Mackay to Cairns:
- Greyhound Australia
- Two extra bags allowed for $10 each
- additional items at standard freight rates.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Mackay to Cairns. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Mackay to Cairns with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Mackay to Cairns with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Mackay to Cairns with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Mackay nor Cairns 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Mackay to Cairns 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 Cairns, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. Scams involving overpriced tours or unofficial taxi services can occur, so it’s best to book transportation and excursions through reputable providers. Additionally, when exploring natural attractions, travelers should follow safety guidelines due to wildlife hazards like jellyfish stings in the ocean and crocodile warnings near waterways.
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 Mackay to Cairns
Most Mackay to Cairns buses use the Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St to Cairns station pair. Use this guide to compare Mackay and Cairns bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Mackay
Arrival bus stations in Cairns
Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson StMackay QLD 4740, Australia
Nebo Rd at Ram Chandra PlaceWest Mackay QLD 4740, Australia
CairnsCairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Most popular bus connections from Mackay
More options for your journey from Mackay to Cairns
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cairns and Mackay
Most popular bus connections to Cairns
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