Cairns to Airlie Beach bus with Greyhound Australia

Sun, Sep 20
+ Add return
Greyhound Australia
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
Greyhound Australia
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Cairns to Airlie Beach

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

$75

Average ticket price on Sep 20

$122

Fastest journey on Sep 20

9 h 35 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

13 h 47 m

Buses on Sep 20

3

Distance

485 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cairns to Airlie Beach is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cairns to Airlie Beach will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.

Fast buses

On Sun, Sep 20, we found 3 buses from Cairns to Airlie Beach, including 2 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 485 km distance in an average of 13 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 35 m .

On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 21 h 15 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    8:15 AM9h35
    Cairns
    5:50 PMAirlie Beach, Port of Airlie
    $751One-way
    0 transfers
  • Greyhound AustraliaGX458 · GX450
    3:00 PM21h15
    Cairns
    12:15 PMAirlie Beach, Port of Airlie
    $1441One-way
    1 transfer
  • Greyhound AustraliaGX454
    7:00 AM10h30
    Cairns
    5:30 PMAirlie Beach, Port of Airlie
    $1461One-way
    0 transfers

Cairns to Airlie Beach Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound Australia
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
05:30PM
Duration
10h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$103
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:15AM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
9h35
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
Greyhound Australia
Departure Time
03:00PM
Arrival Time
12:15PM
Duration
21h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$16

Live departures

Cairns to Airlie Beach bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cairns to Airlie Beach buses for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greyhound AustraliaGX4547:00 AM Cairns
10h30
5:30 PM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus8:15 AM Cairns
9h35
5:50 PM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie0 transfersDirect
Greyhound AustraliaGX458 · GX4503:00 PM Cairns
21h15
12:15 PM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cairns to Airlie Beach by bus

Compare 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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sun
Sep 27
Mon
Sep 28
Tue
Sep 29
Wed
Sep 30
Thu
Oct 01
Fri
Oct 02
Sat
Oct 03

Why should you book Cairns to Airlie Beach buses with Omio?

Greyhound Australia as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Cairns to Airlie Beach.
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 Cairns to Airlie Beach.
  • 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 Cairns to Airlie Beach

AustraliaAustralia
AustraliaAustralia
Icon of bus

Buses from Cairns to Airlie Beach run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 if you book in advance.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 22:15. The fastest bus covers the 301 miles (485 km) distance in 9h 35m.

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
301 miles (485 km)
Average bus duration
9h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
$44
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
9h 35m
First bus
5:00 AM
Last bus
10:15 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
1 day
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 Cairns to Airlie BeachYou can travel by bus between Cairns to Airlie Beach with Greyhound Australia, FlixBus for as low as $44. 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
9h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$44
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
9h 45m
Cheapest Greyhound Australia Price
$99
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.

Complete guide to Airlie Beach

Things to do in Airlie Beach

Discover the best of Airlie Beach — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Airlie Beach trip today.

  • Recommended

Proserpine Regional Art Gallery

Regional gallery in nearby Proserpine presenting changing exhibitions by local and touring artists in a contemporary civic space.

Whitsunday Art Space

Community gallery and workshop space in Cannonvale showing local art and creative programs close to Airlie Beach.

Proserpine Museum

Volunteer-run heritage museum in nearby Proserpine with local history displays, photographs, and objects from the district's past.

FAQs: Bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cairns to Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cairns to Airlie Beach can start from as little as $44 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cairns to Airlie Beach is $106 ; 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 Cairns to Airlie Beach is 9h 35m to travel the 301 miles (485 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 Cairns to Airlie Beach leaves at 5:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach leaves at 10:15 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Cairns to Airlie Beach with Greyhound Australia, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach, you can count on Greyhound Australia, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Airlie Beach. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cairns and Airlie Beach and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Cairns , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Cairns, Gordonvale, Norman St / Gordon St, Gordonvale, (cairns Road) . When arriving in Airlie Beach , you can end your journey in bus stations like Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cairns, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Airlie Beach from Cairns is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach is August.
Yes, you can take a bus between Cairns and Airlie Beach.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach for bus company Greyhound Australia, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach:
  • Greyhound Australia
    • Buses have designated spaces for wheelchairs.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound Australia, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cairns to Airlie Beach 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.
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 Cairns to Airlie Beach.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cairns to Airlie Beach:
  • 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 Cairns to Airlie Beach:
  • 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 Cairns to Airlie Beach. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Cairns nor Airlie Beach 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 Cairns to Airlie Beach 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 Airlie Beach, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially around crowded areas like the marina and nightlife spots. Common scams include overpriced taxi fares and unlicensed tour operators offering deals that may not deliver as promised. It’s advisable to use registered services and keep belongings secure to ensure a safe visit.
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 Cairns to Airlie Beach

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

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

More options for your journey from Cairns to Airlie Beach

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

HomeBusesBuses in AustraliaCairns to Airlie Beach bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone