- Recommended
Proserpine Regional Art Gallery
Regional gallery in nearby Proserpine presenting changing exhibitions by local and touring artists in a contemporary civic space.
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
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.
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.
FlixBus
GX458 · GX450
GX454
FlixBus
GX454
GX458 · GX450| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest 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 |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GX454 | 7:00 AM Cairns | 10h30 | 5:30 PM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:15 AM Cairns | 9h35 | 5:50 PM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 0 transfersDirect | |
GX458 · GX450 | 3:00 PM Cairns | 21h15 | 12:15 PM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 |
Discover the best of Airlie Beach — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Airlie Beach trip today.
Regional gallery in nearby Proserpine presenting changing exhibitions by local and touring artists in a contemporary civic space.
Community gallery and workshop space in Cannonvale showing local art and creative programs close to Airlie Beach.
Volunteer-run heritage museum in nearby Proserpine with local history displays, photographs, and objects from the district's past.
Popular seafront promenade for walking, swimming, and sunset views, linking the lagoon, beach, and central shopping area.
Landscaped public lagoon on the foreshore with lawns, shaded areas, and safe swimming close to the town centre.
Waterside walking and cycling route connecting Airlie Beach and Cannonvale with beaches, picnic spots, and marina views.
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.

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