- Recommended
Proserpine Regional Art Gallery
Regional gallery in nearby Proserpine presenting changing exhibitions by local and touring artists in a contemporary civic space.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
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
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Mackay to Airlie Beach
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 02
- Cheapest price on Nov 02
- $33
- Average ticket price on Nov 02
- $41
- Fastest journey on Nov 02
- 1 h 55 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 02
- 2 h 1 m
- Buses on Nov 02
- 4
- Distance
- 109 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Mackay 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 Mackay to Airlie Beach will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Fast buses
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 4 buses from Mackay to Airlie Beach, including 4 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct buses cover the 109 km distance in an average of 2 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest buses will take 2 h 10 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.
FlixBus7:05 AM 1h55 Nebo Rd at Ram Chandra Place 9:00 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie $33 1 One-way 0 transfers
PM167:20 AM 2h10 Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St 9:30 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie $34 1 One-way 0 transfers
GX4026:10 AM 2h00 Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St 8:10 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie $48 1 One-way 0 transfers- GX404
7:50 AM 2h00 Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St 9:50 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie $48 1 One-way 0 transfers
- FlixBus
7:05 AM 1h55 Nebo Rd at Ram Chandra Place 9:00 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie $33 1 One-way 0 transfers - GX402
6:10 AM 2h00 Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St 8:10 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie $48 1 One-way 0 transfers - GX404
7:50 AM 2h00 Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St 9:50 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie $48 1 One-way 0 transfers - PM16
7:20 AM 2h10 Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St 9:30 AM Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie $34 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach
AustraliaAustralia
Buses from Mackay to Airlie Beach run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 20:35, the last at 21:50. The fastest bus covers the 67 miles (109 km) distance in 2h 0m.
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
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance67 miles (109 km)
- Average bus duration2h 4m
- Cheapest ticket price$29
- Buses per day4
- Direct buses4
- Fastest bus2h 0m
- First bus8:35 PM
- Last bus9:50 PM
- Cheapest MonthJun
- Cheapest DaySun
- High SeasonJul - Sep
- Low SeasonOct - Dec
- Busiest DaySat
- Least Busy DayFri
- Best time to book1 day
Understand & plan this route
Explore this journey
Book with confidence
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
Frequently asked questions about your Mackay to Airlie Beach trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Mackay to Airlie Beach.
Cheap bus tickets from Mackay to Airlie Beach can start from as little as $29 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Mackay to Airlie Beach is $38 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach leaves at 8:35 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach leaves at 9:50 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Mackay to Airlie Beach with Greyhound Australia, Premier Motor Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
Mackay to Airlie Beach Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Premier Motor Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Why should you book Mackay to Airlie Beach buses with Omio?
Greyhound Australia as well as Premier Motor Express or FlixBus offer buses services from Mackay 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 Premier Motor Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Mackay 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.
Bus companies
Bus companies from Mackay to Airlie Beach
Buses from Mackay to Airlie Beach with Greyhound Australia, Premier Motor Express, and FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound Australia and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
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
2h 5m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$29
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
2h 0m
Cheapest Greyhound Australia Price
$35
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.
Premier Motor Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Premier Motor Express Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Premier Motor Express Price
$33
Premier Motor Express frequency
1 a day
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Mackay and Airlie Beach
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach, you can count on Greyhound Australia, Premier Motor Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Airlie Beach. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Mackay and Airlie Beach and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach:
- Greyhound Australia
- Buses have designated spaces for wheelchairs.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach for bus company Greyhound Australia, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Mackay 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Mackay 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 Mackay 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 Mackay 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 Mackay to Airlie Beach with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach with the following bus company: FlixBus.
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.
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.
- Must visit
Airlie Beach Foreshore
Popular seafront promenade for walking, swimming, and sunset views, linking the lagoon, beach, and central shopping area.
- Must visit
Airlie Beach Lagoon
Landscaped public lagoon on the foreshore with lawns, shaded areas, and safe swimming close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Bicentennial Walkway
Waterside walking and cycling route connecting Airlie Beach and Cannonvale with beaches, picnic spots, and marina views.
- Gluten-free
Queensland King Prawns
Fresh local prawns from Queensland waters, often served chilled or grilled. A staple coastal seafood dish prized for sweetness and freshness.
- Gluten-free
Coral Trout
Tropical fish such as coral trout, simply grilled or pan-fried. It reflects the Whitsundays' reef-to-table seafood culture.
- Gluten-free
Mud Crab
Saltwater mud crab, usually cooked simply to highlight rich sweet meat. Popular across coastal Queensland and a classic local seafood treat.
Fish D'vine & The Rum Bar
Casual marina venue known for fresh seafood, fish and chips, and waterfront views in a relaxed setting.
The Pavilion
Polished waterfront restaurant at Coral Sea Marina serving modern Australian dishes, seafood, and cocktails.
La Tabella Trattoria
Well-known casual restaurant and bar for wood-fired pizzas, share plates, and lively evening atmosphere.
Australian dollar ($)
Moderate for a resort town: stays and tours raise costs, but casual dining is reasonable. Public transport is limited, so taxis and transfers can add up.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $15-25 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4.50-6 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not expected. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; cafes usually do not require tips.
MyTranslink
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- A$0.50
- Day pass
- A$1.00
To the city center
Port of Airlie -> Airlie Beach Main Street
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap-to-travel works on Whitsunday Transit buses with Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Cash single tickets are also available.
- Regional bus fares in Airlie Beach are A$0.50 per trip, with same-day fares capped at A$1.00 on Whitsunday Transit local buses.
Plan your visit to Airlie Beach
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 Airlie Beach.
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.
FAQs: Bus from Mackay to Airlie Beach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mackay 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.
Yes, you can take a bus between Mackay and Airlie Beach.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Mackay to Airlie Beach
Most Mackay to Airlie Beach buses use the Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson St to Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie station pair. Use this guide to compare Mackay 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 Mackay
Arrival bus stations in Airlie Beach
Mackay, Victoria St / Tennyson StMackay QLD 4740, Australia
Nebo Rd at Ram Chandra PlaceWest Mackay QLD 4740, Australia
Airlie Beach, Port of AirlieAirlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia
Most popular bus connections from Mackay
Most popular buses to and from Airlie Beach and Mackay
Most popular bus connections to Airlie Beach
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.
