Bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach: Tickets & Schedules

Next bus departures

Next departures for Cairns to Airlie Beach on December 2
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Greyhound AustraliaBus
142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)
Airlie BeachCheapest
Greyhound AustraliaBus
142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)
Airlie BeachFastest
Greyhound AustraliaBus
142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)
Airlie BeachNo tags
Greyhound AustraliaBus
142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)
Airlie BeachNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 11:12 PM AEST.

Get from Cairns to Airlie Beach

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 12 hours 30 minutes and with fares starting at just $83, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day
12h 30mAverage Duration
301 milesDistance
12kgCO₂ emissions

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

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the bus ticket from Cairns to Airlie Beach?

    The cheapest bus tickets from Cairns to Airlie Beach start from $83. The average price for this route is around $95. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the bus ride from Cairns to Airlie Beach?

    The average bus trip duration from Cairns to Airlie Beach is 12h 30m, covering a distance of 301 miles (486 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 9h 30m and is operated by Greyhound Australia.

  3. Which bus companies service the Cairns to Airlie Beach route?

    Several major train operators operate on this route with 3 trains available per day.

  4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Cairns to Airlie Beach?

    The earliest bus departs from Cairns to Airlie Beach at 7:00am. And the latest bus departs at 3:00pm.

  5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Cairns to Airlie Beach?

    A bus trip from Cairns to Airlie Beach generates an estimated 12 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
11/30
$142
12/01
$113
Today
$113
12/03
$94
12/04
$94
12/05
$94
12/06
$97
12/07
$89
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cairns to Airlie Beach was searched and found on Dec 7, 2025 with a price of $89

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

You can expect to pay from $89 to $142 for a bus ticket from Cairns to Airlie Beach based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $89 which is on 2025-12-07.

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