Buses from Cairns to Airlie Beach

Buses from Cairns to Airlie Beach

Cairns
Airlie Beach
Tue, Sep 15
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Cairns to Airlie Beach Bus Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Greyhound Australia
Flexible
07:00
17:30
$104.45
Greyhound Australia
Advantage
07:00
17:30
$94.12
  5.0
Greyhound Australia
Early Bird
07:00
17:30
$92.98
Greyhound Australia
Flexible
10:00
19:30
$96.99
Greyhound Australia
Flexible
11:00
20:30
$96.99
Greyhound Australia
Advantage
11:00
20:30
$82.64
  5.0
Greyhound Australia
Early Bird
11:00
20:30
$68.30

How to get from Cairns to Airlie Beach by bus

Bus travel remains one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel between many destinations. Getting from Cairns to Airlie Beach by bus may not be the fastest way of travel, yet many travellers prefer to rely on the bus on this route; with easy online booking and tickets of different classes for all tastes and budgets available, the bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach a conscious and budget-friendly option.

Check the timetable before you book your ticket and read other travellers’ reviews to choose the trip that suits you best. Note that there may be several bus terminals at your departure or arrival point – always double-check where you are leaving from and arriving to. It may prove crucial if you have connecting trips.

Here is the list of operators serving the route: .

How far is Cairns from Airlie Beach?

If travelling by bus, you will cover the distance of 442 km between Cairns and Airlie Beach.

How long does it take to get from Cairns to Airlie Beach by bus?

Buses normally need between 8h 50m and 21h 15m hours to get to Airlie Beach from Cairns. Note that the travel time is for your reference only and can depend on different factors such as traffic and weather conditions. Heavy rainfalls almost inevitably make the trip longer due to poor visibility or floods. Road and surface repairs which happen quite often, result in detours and longer travel times. Major national holidays, long weekends, or peak season periods may cause delays both in departures and arrivals – plan accordingly to avoid disappointment, especially if you have further connections and a tight schedule.

On this route, FlixBus offers the fastest service. Greyhound Australia buses usually take the longest time to complete the journey.

Remember, though, that tickets offering the shortest travel time are normally the most expensive ones. Yet it pays to spend a bit more to ensure your bus goes direct without additional stops and uses highways instead of local roads.

How much does it cost to get from Cairns to Airlie Beach by bus?

The price of your bus ticket will depend not only on the distance you need to cover but on the class of your coach. E.g. expect to shell out more for VIP or sleeper buses while ordinary buses though being the cheapest option, often are a compromise on comfort and travel time. Of course, they do their job, too, and can be the only option if you hop on/off in the middle of the route.

Anyway, travelling by bus between Cairns and Airlie Beach remains an affordable option. The cheapest ticket is offered by FlixBus and costs USD 46.63. A Greyhound Australia's ticket will set you back USD 46.63 on average.

Travelling by bus essentials

  • If you are planning to travel during the high season, weekends, or national holidays, booking your bus tickets in advance is highly recommended. The demand is at its highest, yet very often, the number of coaches serving the route remains the same. The earlier you reserve your seat, the better. On some routes, you need to secure your ticket more than a month in advance; on others, a couple-of-days advanced booking is enough. During such periods, try to book online beforehand whenever possible, as showing up at the bus station without a ticket may result in many-hours of waiting in the queue or leave you downright stranded.
  • VIP, 1st, Gold, and similar bus tickets are the most expensive option, but they provide a higher level of comfort. Normally the price of such tickets will include wide soft reclining seats, blankets, water and snacks or lunch, and sometimes some toiletries. Upper-class buses travel faster, make fewer stops during the route, and normally provide more spacious seating to their passengers and a better travel experience.
  • Not all buses have an on-board toilet, but generally, for all trips longer than three hours, all operators schedule a bathroom and/or a lunch stop. While operators definitely do their best to keep on-board toilets clean, the smell may be an issue sometimes. For longer trips, booking a seat a bit farther from the toilet may be a good idea. Also, using bathroom stops for your toilet needs is always better than trying to find your balance in an on-board toilet on the run.
  • If you travel by an air-con bus, make sure to pack layers. A hoodie, a warm scarf, or a beanie hat may prove a good idea. Air-conditioning on buses tends to be excessive, and running nose and sore throats abound after even not the longest bus rides.
  • Always use the security belts even if your bus ride attendant or driver does not insist on it. Your safety comes first – for you, for sure. All buses normally are equipped with security belts, but they may be fixed behind your seat. Take time to find the belt and fix it appropriately.
  • To avoid being disturbed by overhead lights, switched on during stops even at night, and too loud music or sound from the on-board entertainment system, have earplugs and a sleeping mask at hand.
  • As a courtesy to other passengers, avoid using strong perfumes or smelly foods. Some foods like cheeses or durians are forbidden to take on-board – check in advance. Alcohol is also prohibited on the majority of buses.
  • Note that if the bus requires refuelling en-route, passengers will be asked to get off the bus. Operators are not allowed to refuel with passengers on board due to safety reasons. Usually, it takes from 5 to 10 minutes and is often combined with a toilet/lunch stop.
  • If not stated otherwise in your tickets, arrive at the bus station 20-30 minutes before departure. It will give you enough time to find the departure platform and check-in. For international trips, you may need more time for check-in and border formalities.

Transportation from Cairns to Airlie Beach

Facts about the bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach

Cheapest Bus$47
Fastest Bus8h 50m
Earliest Bus7:00 AM
Latest Bus3:00 PM
Daily Bus Routes16
Distance442 kilometers
Bus CompaniesFlixBus, Greyhound Australia, Premier Motor Service, Queensland ZRailBus