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Airlie Beach to Cairns Bus

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Travel from Airlie Beach to Cairns and discover the best of Tropical North Queensland. From the Whitsundays to the Great Barrier Reef, adventure awaits at every stop.

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Connecting the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands with the tourism capital of Tropical North Queensland, an Airlie Beach to Cairns journey links two of Queensland’s most sought after destinations. From island adventures and reef experiences to rainforest escapes and tropical coastlines, this route showcases the very best of North Queensland.

At the northern end of the journey, Cairns serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and countless tropical experiences.  Visitors can spend time exploring the Cairns Esplanade, venture north to Port Douglas, discover the ancient Daintree or head offshore to experience one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.  An Airlie to Cairns trip provides access to a region renowned for its unique landscapes, wildlife and outdoor adventures.

For travellers exploring Queensland’s coastline, a Greyhound Airlie Beach service offers a practical connection between two major tourism hubs.  The route allows visitors to travel at their own pace while remaining connected to some of the state’s most popular destinations and experiences.

Whether Cairns is your final destination or the next stop on a broader Queensland adventure, Greyhound Australia provides a comfortable way to travel.  A generous 40kg checked baggage allowance makes it easy to bring everything you need for an extended trip, while seat selection allows you to reserve your preferred spot before departure and settle in for the journey north.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the bus trip from Airlie Beach to Cairns take?
The bus trip from Airlie Beach to Cairns takes 11.5 hours.
The bus ticket from Airlie Beach to Cairns starts from $121.00. All our fares come in two tiers – Early Bird and Flexible – with prices varying based on how far in advance you are making a booking. You can find the most up-to-date pricing for your trip by using the booking form above or for more information on the different types of fares visit our Compare Fares page.
You can pay for your bus ticket from Airlie Beach to Cairns by debit/credit card or digital wallet such as Google and Apple pay. We also offer buy now pay later services such as Zip Money.
You can track your Greyhound coach from Airlie Beach to Cairns in real time using our Coach Tracker. Just enter your service number or select your stop to see live location updates and any changes to your expected arrival.
The earliest daily departure from Airlie Beach to Cairns leaves at 8:10am. Check our timetable for the most current schedule, as departure times can vary by season.
The last coach of the day from Airlie Beach to Cairns departs at 9:50am.
No printing needed - simply show your e-ticket on your phone or tablet prior to boarding.
Coaches on the Airlie Beach to Cairns route come with reclining seats, onboard toilets, and air conditioning, with select services also offering free Wi-Fi and USB charging outlets. Seat selection can be added when you book. See our coach features page for what’s available on your specific service.
You can bring one carry-on bag (up to 8kg) plus two checked bags (up to 20kg each) at no extra cost on the Airlie Beach to Cairns route. Need to bring more? Extra bags can be added for $10 each, up to two additional pieces. Prams and wheelchairs travel free regardless of your baggage total. Full details are on our baggage page.
Airlie Beach and Cairns are approximately 600km from each other.
Greyhound operates from Transit Terminal, 26 The Cove Rd, Airlie Beach QLD. and stops at Bus Stop, Platform 1, Cairns Railway Station, 142 Bunda St, Cairns QLD. To learn more about Greyhound bus stops click the link here.
Greyhound Australia’s coaches are designed to support passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users. If you’re travelling with Greyhound and need mobility or travel assistance, please get in touch with us so our team can help you plan and book your trip.

All our buses come with free WiFi, USB chargers, air-conditioning, reclining leather seats, and a restroom.