Getting Around Townsville 2026: Buses, Ferries, Roads and Cycling ExplainedUpdated

Buses

Sunbus Townsville operates the local bus network, covering the CBD, Kirwan, Aitkenvale, Idalia, Thuringowa, and the university area. Services run on weekdays and reduced schedules on weekends. The TransLink go card is accepted on all Townsville buses.

Ferry to Magnetic Island

Fantasea Cruising Magnetic Island operates regular ferry services between the Townsville Breakwater Terminal and Magnetic Island. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes and ferries run multiple times daily from early morning to late evening. A car ferry also operates, allowing you to take your vehicle across to the island.

Getting Around by Car

Townsville is primarily car-dependent. The Bruce Highway connects Townsville to Brisbane in the south (about 18 hours) and continues north to Cairns (approximately 3.5 hours). The Flinders Highway heads west from Townsville toward Charters Towers and Mount Isa.

Parking in Townsville is generally plentiful and free or low-cost in most areas. The CBD has metered parking and several car parks near Strand, Flinders Street, and Castletown Shoppingworld.

No Intercity Train Service

Townsville does not have regular commuter rail, but the Tilt Train (Spirit of Queensland) operated by Queensland Rail connects Townsville to Brisbane on scheduled services. The journey takes about 24 hours. Townsville Railway Station is located on Flinders Street.

Cycling

Townsville has an excellent cycling network for a regional city. The Strand Esplanade has a dedicated shared path, and the Frog Hollow Creek and Ross River corridors provide off-road cycling routes. The relatively flat terrain makes cycling practical for local trips.

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