What's the distance between Airlie Beach and Cairns by coach?

The distance between Airlie Beach and Cairns by coach is approximately 301 miles (486 km).

How can I travel from Airlie Beach to Cairns avoiding air travel?

You have the option to select the coach for your journey on this route. The coach ensures a pleasant travel experience, granting you the opportunity to appreciate the scenery as you make your way to your final stop. You also have the option of utilising carpooling services.

Bus Airlie Beach to Cairns from £61 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures from Airlie Beach to Cairns on 24 November
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	08:10	Airlie Beach	11h 50m	20:00	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	CheapestFastest

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 12:07 AEST.

Get from Airlie Beach to Cairns

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 11 hours 50 minutes, and with fares starting at just £64, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day

11h 50mAverage duration

301 milesDistance

12kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Greyhound Australia

4/52,354 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.7

WiFi3.8

According to 17 reviews, Greyhound Australia received a 3.1-star rating for this journey. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the temperature, but some complained about the timeliness. Greyhound Australia ticket prices on this trip start at £64

Greyhound Australia Airlie Beach Cairns recent customer reviews

Incredibly uncomfortable seats. Should provide blankets if its an overnight, and blankets as it got cold. also my charger got stolen.

Joelle S.

22 December 2019

Very disappointed with the first driver. He ignored my questions and concerns and showed no effort to help me. I explained that I do get bus sick and was hoping to sit near the front but just told me my seat number (13B at the very back) and moved on to the next person. I now see that seat selection was an option when booking however it never showed when I was booking. We also only got 2 breaks for the whole 10hr trip even when stopping we were told not to get off the bus. The next bus driver we picked up from cairns was great! We was very nice funny and welcoming. I would give him 5 stars.

Renae M.

27 March 2019

Sat opposite a bunch of teenagers who were drinking and mucking about. Then one of them was sick all down herself.

Matthew H.

14 February 2019

AU Bus Companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Airlie Beach to Cairns

What's the distance between Airlie Beach and Cairns by coach?
The distance between Airlie Beach and Cairns by coach is approximately 301 miles (486 km).
How can I travel from Airlie Beach to Cairns avoiding air travel?
You have the option to select the coach for your journey on this route. The coach ensures a pleasant travel experience, granting you the opportunity to appreciate the scenery as you make your way to your final stop. You also have the option of utilising carpooling services.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

16/11

£108

17/11

£110

Today

£98

19/11

£76

20/11

£110

21/11

£102

22/11

£83

23/11

£97

The cheapest trip from Airlie Beach to Cairns was searched and found on 19 Nov 2025 with a price of £76

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Airlie Beach to Cairns as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from £76 to £110 for a bus ticket from Airlie Beach to Cairns based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at £76, which is on 2025-11-19.