Airlie Beach to Mackay 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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The Airlie Beach to Mackay route connects a town known for island adventures and tropical waterfronts with a regional city surrounded by beaches, rainforests and some of North Queensland’s most impressive natural attractions.

For many visitors, Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Mackay, on the other hand, offers a different perspective of the Queensland coast. The region is home to attractions including Cape Hillsborough National Park, where wildlife can often be spotted along the beach at sunrise, and Eungella National Park, one of the best places in Australia to see platypus in the wild. The Airlie Beach to Mackay bus provides a direct connection between two destinations that each showcase a unique side of the state’s tropical north.

Mackay’s waterfront precinct, marina and nearby beaches make it popular with travellers looking to slow the pace after exploring the Whitsundays. The city is also an important hub for the wider region, with easy access to national parks, coastal communities and outdoor experiences throughout Central and North Queensland. For travellers taking the bus from Airlie Beach to Mackay, there’s plenty to discover beyond the city itself.

The journey between the two destinations is relatively short, making it easy to spend less time travelling and more time exploring. Greyhound Australia services operate between central locations, while onboard WiFi and seat selection help make the trip that little bit easier. Whether Mackay is your final destination or the next stop on a broader Queensland adventure, the Airlie to Mackay route offers a simple way to continue exploring the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the bus trip from Airlie Beach to Mackay take?

The bus trip from Airlie Beach to Mackay takes 2.0 hours.
The bus ticket from Airlie Beach to Mackay starts from $43.00. 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 Mackay 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 Mackay 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 Mackay leaves at 12:15pm. 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 Mackay departs at 5:30pm.
No printing needed - simply show your e-ticket on your phone or tablet prior to boarding.
Coaches on the Airlie Beach to Mackay 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 Mackay 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 Mackay are approximately 155km from each other.
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.