- Must visit
Museum of Tropical Queensland
Large tropical museum with natural history, maritime heritage, and science displays focused on North Queensland.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Airlie Beach to Townsville is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Airlie Beach to Townsville will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 4 buses from Airlie Beach to Townsville, including 4 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 229 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
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GX402
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PM16
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FlixBus
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Buses from Airlie Beach to Townsville run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 22:55, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 142 miles (229 km) distance in 4h 5m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Airlie Beach to Townsville.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Premier Motor Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
The table below shows live departures for Airlie Beach to Townsville buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GX402 | 8:10 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 4h30 | 12:40 PM Townsville, Breakwater Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:20 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 4h05 | 1:25 PM Townsville, Breakwater Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
PM16 | 9:30 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 4h20 | 1:50 PM Townsville, Breakwater Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
GX404 | 9:50 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 4h30 | 2:20 PM Townsville, Breakwater Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Airlie Beach to Townsville with Greyhound Australia, FlixBus, and Premier Motor Express. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound Australia and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
North Queensland mud crab is prized for sweet, rich flesh and is commonly served simply chilled or with garlic sauce along the coast.
Barramundi is a signature northern Australian fish, often grilled or pan-fried. It is valued locally for its mild flavor and flaky texture.
Tiger prawns from tropical Queensland are a local seafood staple, usually served grilled, chilled, or with simple seasonings that highlight freshness.
Modern fine dining in a heritage setting, serving seasonal Australian dishes with a strong seafood and grill focus.
Refined waterfront dining focused on premium Australian seafood and steaks, with polished service and marina views.
Casual seafood spot known for fresh local fish, prawns, and classic takeaway-style Australian seafood meals.
Moderate for Australia. Hotels and tours can add up, but casual meals, coffee, and local buses are fairly typical for a regional city.
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis may be rounded up. No tip is expected at cafes.
Official public transport app
Breakwater Terminal, Townsville -> Townsville City Bus Hub, Townsville
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Townsville.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach to Townsville buses use the Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie to Townsville, Breakwater Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Airlie Beach 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.