Melbourne to Cairns bus with Greyhound Australia

Sat, Sep 19
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Greyhound Australia
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Greyhound Australia
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Alsa
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Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train, flight, and bus for Melbourne to Cairns

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Melbourne to Cairns among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of €380 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €380, while a bus costs an average of €681.

Distance: 1444 miles (2324 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

€681

Average price

€380

Average price

Cheapest

€324

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

60h 5m

Average total duration

59h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 33m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

30h 17m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Greyhound Australia

Most popular bus company

Virgin Australia International

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Melbourne to Cairns is a flight with an average price of €380.

This is compared to other travel options from Melbourne to Cairns:

A flight is €301 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Melbourne to Cairns costing on average €681.

The fastest way to travel from Melbourne to Cairns is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 33m.

Other travel options to Cairns take longer:

Bus takes on average 59h 35m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Melbourne and Cairns including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Melbourne to Cairns 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 €681 compared to roughly €324 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-356.65. The journey takes 59h 35m versus 30h 17m 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.

Melbourne to Cairns Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound Australia
Departure Time
10:00PM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
70h00
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
€518

Compare prices and tickets Melbourne to Cairns by train, flight, or bus

Compare train, flight, 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
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Sep 21
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Sep 22
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Sep 23
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Sep 25

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Melbourne to Cairns

AustraliaAustralia
AustraliaAustralia
Icon of bus

Buses from Melbourne to Cairns run on average 2 times per day, taking around 59h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €507 but you can travel from only €75 by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 12:00, the last at 12:00. The fastest bus covers the 1444 miles (2324 km) distance in 59h 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 €75
Distance
1444 miles (2324 km)
Average bus duration
59h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
€507
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
59h 0m
First bus
12:00 PM
Last bus
12:00 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
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 €75

Bus providers: Greyhound Australia from Melbourne to CairnsYou can travel by bus between Melbourne to Cairns with Greyhound Australia for as low as €75. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Greyhound Australia

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greyhound Australia Duration
59h 0m
Cheapest Greyhound Australia Price
€507
Greyhound Australia frequency
2 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.
Learn more about Greyhound Australia

FAQs: Bus from Melbourne to Cairns

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Melbourne 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Melbourne to Cairns can start from as little as €507 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Melbourne to Cairns is €681 ; 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 Melbourne to Cairns is 59h 0m to travel the 1444 miles (2324 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 Melbourne to Cairns leaves at 12:00 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Melbourne to Cairns leaves at 12:00 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Melbourne to Cairns which require at least one change with Greyhound Australia. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Melbourne to Cairns, you can count on Greyhound Australia for the best way to get you to Cairns. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Melbourne and Cairns and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cairns from Melbourne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 59h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Melbourne to Cairns is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Melbourne and Cairns including taking a train, flight, and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Melbourne to Cairns:
  • Greyhound Australia
    • Buses have designated spaces for wheelchairs.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Melbourne to Cairns for bus company Greyhound Australia.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Melbourne 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound Australia.
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 Melbourne to Cairns.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Melbourne to Cairns:
  • Greyhound Australia
    • Two pieces of checked baggage up to 20kg each and one carry-on up to 8kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Melbourne to Cairns:
  • Greyhound Australia
    • Two extra bags allowed for $10 each
    • additional items at standard freight rates.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Melbourne to Cairns.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Melbourne to Cairns.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Melbourne to Cairns.
Since neither Melbourne 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Melbourne 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 Melbourne to Cairns

Most Melbourne to Cairns buses use the to Cairns station pair. Use this guide to compare Melbourne and Cairns bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Melbourne
Arrival bus stations in Cairns
CairnsCairns City QLD 4870, Australia

More options for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for buses from Cairns to Melbourne
Flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Most popular buses to and from Cairns and Melbourne

Bus Bulahdelah - Cairns
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Bus Melbourne - Chinchilla
Bus Melbourne - Kybong
Bus Melbourne - Maryborough
HomeBusesBuses in AustraliaMelbourne to Cairns bus

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