Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | Airlie Beach | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Cheapest | ||||
| Bus | Airlie Beach | 142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1) | Fastest |
Last refresh of the prices: Last Saturday at 12:53 PM AEST.
Get from Airlie Beach to Cairns
The journey takes about 11 hours 50 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 1 436, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Compare bus companies
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 R 1 436
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.
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.
Sat opposite a bunch of teenagers who were drinking and mucking about. Then one of them was sick all down herself.
Matthew H.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Airlie Beach to Cairns by bus
How much does a bus ticket from Airlie Beach to Cairns cost?
The bus ticket price from Airlie Beach to Cairns starts at R 1 436. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Airlie Beach to Cairns is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the bus ride from Airlie Beach to Cairns?
The average travel time between Airlie Beach and Cairns is around 11h 50m, although the fastest bus will take about 10h 10m. This is the time it takes to travel the 486 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily bus connections are there between Airlie Beach and Cairns?
The number of buses from Airlie Beach to Cairns can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Airlie Beach to Cairns by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which bus companies travel from Airlie Beach to Cairns?
When taking the bus from Airlie Beach to Cairns, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound Australia.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Airlie Beach to Cairns was searched and found on 29 Nov 2025 with a price of R 2 261To 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 R 2 261 to R 2 524 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 R 2 261, which is on 2025-11-29.
