Looking for the best ways to explore Australia without breaking the budget? Say hello to the Greyhound Bus, a cost-effective, social, and easy way to travel the country. From surfing waves in the Gold Coast to exploring the country’s rugged outback, you can easily hop from one epic Aussie destination to the next with Greyhound, so here’s everything you need to know before taking your first bus!
Greyhound Network and Routes
Greyhound Bus Australia’s network covers all mainland states and territories, connecting major East Coast hotspots with key cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra. The network extends to Far North Queensland and even to Alice Springs, the gateway to Australia’s most famous natural landmark; Uluru! With over 180 stops and multiple departures a day on popular routes, it’s easy to find a Greyhound Bus that’s headed for the next Aussie hotspot on your itinerary.
Types of Travel Passes
Greyhound Bus Australia offers a range of different travel passes so you can choose one to best suit your travel needs.
National Whimit Pass
From Far North Queensland to Alice Springs and the East Coast, Greyhound’s National Whimit Pass is the ultimate Australia explorer pass. It allows unlimited travel on Greyhound’s extensive network for a chosen number of days so get ready to head off the beaten track and explore the country’s hidden gems!
East Coast Whimit Pass
The best way to discover Australia’s East Coast is with Greyhound’s most popular East Coast Whimit Pass. This pass offers unlimited travel between Cairns and Melbourne in any direction. You can choose the length of your East Coast pass depending on your travel plans; with popular passes being the 15, 30 and 60-day options. Greyhound also offers additional add-on days if you need to take a few extra buses after your pass has expired!
Create Your Own Pass
If you’re looking for the ultimate flexibility, Greyhound offers a customisable National or East Coast Whimit Pass where you can select the exact number of days you need to travel for.
Booking and Managing Your Trip
Happy Travels are here to make the booking and managing part of your travels easy. Talk to one of our travel specialists to organise your buses and other travel plans. Our team can also talk you through the process of booking your buses and managing your itinerary, and even how to select a preferred seat on your journeys.
We have created a walkthrough guide of the Greyhound Bus Australia website, explaining how to book your buses and change your seats on the website, which you can view here on our Tiktok. If you need departure information, journey times, service updates, timetables and stop locations, just head to Greyhound Australia’s official website.
Luggage and Travel Assistance
If you’ve overpacked or accumulated a few souvenirs during your travels, don’t worry! Greyhound Bus Australia allows two pieces of checked baggage with a maximum of 20kg (44lb) and a carry-on bag of up to 8kg. If you have any additional luggage then Greyhound will charge $10 per item and if there is enough room, you can bring your surfboard on the bus for $15 and your bike for $49. Greyhound also offers assistance for travellers needing special accommodations which can be arranged through their Call Centre on 1300 473 946.
Top Tips for Travelling with Greyhound
- Make sure your ID is easily accessible as often it’s required to board the bus.
- The Greyhound Bus stops are often in pretty central locations but you should aim to arrive at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before departure to allow you to check in and put your luggage away.
- If you’re travelling during peak season (November-March) we suggest booking your buses in advance as they can get booked up pretty quickly.
- Most of the buses have built-in USB charging ports so remember to bring a charging cable for your devices with you in your carry-on bag.
- If you’re wanting to save money, Greyhound offers overnight buses on routes such as Sydney to Byron and Airlie Beach to Cairns. With decent legroom, reclining seats, power outlets, wifi and toilets, it’s easy to save a night of accommodation and take a night bus. Waking up somewhere new is pretty epic too.
- The air conditioning might make it a bit chilly on the bus so bring an extra jumper. It can also double up as a pillow to help you get some shut-eye.
- Greyhound offers a bus tracker so you can see your bus in real time, or if someone is meeting you at the stop they can see where you’re at.
Should I travel by Greyhound Bus?
Travelling by Greyhound Bus can be an excellent option for adventure seekers looking for a cost-effective, convenient, and flexible way to explore Australia. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if Greyhound Bus is the right choice for your Australian adventure:
Cost-Effectiveness:
- Greyhound Bus offers competitive prices, making it an affordable option if you’re looking to travel on a budget.
- With various travel passes and ticket types available, you can choose the option that best fits your budget and travel plans.
Convenience:
- Greyhound's extensive network covers major cities, popular tourist destinations, and remote areas, providing easy access to a wide range of destinations.
- The flexibility to hop on and off buses at multiple stops along the route allows you to tailor your itinerary to your preferences.
- Unlike renting a vehicle, you don’t have to worry about the stress of finding insurance and the cost of fuel
Comfort
- Greyhound's extensive network covers major cities, popular tourist destinations, and remote areas, providing easy access to a wide range of destinations.
- The flexibility to hop on and off buses at multiple stops along the route allows you to tailor your itinerary to your preferences.
- Unlike renting a vehicle, you don’t have to worry about the stress of finding insurance and the cost of fuel
Flexibility
- Whether you're planning a short trip or an extended adventure, Greyhound offers flexible ticket options, allowing you to travel at your own pace.
- Greyhound allows you to modify your itinerary and make changes to your booking, so if you want to stay a bit longer somewhere, or your original itinerary changes, you can easily move your buses (subject to seat availability of course!)
Meet People
- With so many travellers using the Greyhound Bus to explore Australia, it’s the most sociable option to discover the country and a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers on a similar journey. You never know, you might meet your new best friend on the Greyhound!
Deciding whether to travel by Greyhound Bus will depend on your preferences, budget, and travel style. If you value affordability, convenience, flexibility, and adventure, the Greyhound Bus may be the perfect way for you to explore Australia!
We’re here to help plan your adventures and the Greyhound Buses are one of our fortes so get in touch, our friendly team are here to help!
