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

The cheapest bus tickets from Airlie Beach to Cairns start from $82. The average price for this route is around $108. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

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

The average bus trip duration from Airlie Beach to Cairns is 11h 50m, covering a distance of 301 miles (486 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 10h 10m and is operated by Greyhound Australia .

Which bus companies service the Airlie Beach to Cairns route?

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

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

The earliest bus departs from Airlie Beach to Cairns at 8:10am. And the latest bus departs at 8:00pm.

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

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

Bus Airlie Beach to Cairns from $78 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Airlie Beach to Cairns on November 28
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	8:10am	Airlie Beach	11h 50m	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Cheapest
	Bus	9:50am	Airlie Beach	10h 10m	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Fastest

Next departures for Airlie Beach to Cairns on November 29
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	8:10am	Airlie Beach	11h 50m	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Cheapest
	Bus	9:50am	Airlie Beach	10h 10m	8:00pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	Fastest

Next departures for Airlie Beach to Cairns on November 30
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	12:30pm	Airlie Beach	10h 10m	10:40pm	142 Bunda St, Cairns Train Station, Bus stop (Platform 1)	CheapestFastest

Last refresh of the prices: Last Saturday at 12:53 PM 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 $82, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day

11h 50mAverage Duration

301 milesDistance

12kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Greyhound Australia

4/52,368 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi3.8

According to 17 reviews, Greyhound Australia received a 3.1-star rating for this journey. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the temperature, but some complained about the timeliness. Greyhound Australia ticket prices on this trip start at $82

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.

December 22, 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.

March 27, 2019

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

Matthew H.

February 14, 2019

AU bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

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

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

How much is the bus ticket from Airlie Beach to Cairns?
The cheapest bus tickets from Airlie Beach to Cairns start from $82. The average price for this route is around $108. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Airlie Beach to Cairns?
The average bus trip duration from Airlie Beach to Cairns is 11h 50m, covering a distance of 301 miles (486 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 10h 10m and is operated by Greyhound Australia.
Which bus companies service the Airlie Beach to Cairns route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 3 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Airlie Beach to Cairns?
The earliest bus departs from Airlie Beach to Cairns at 8:10am. And the latest bus departs at 8:00pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Airlie Beach to Cairns?
A bus trip from Airlie Beach to Cairns 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

11/26

$140

11/27

$141

Today

$139

11/29

$140

11/30

$137

12/01

$137

12/02

$136

12/03

$123

The cheapest trip from Airlie Beach to Cairns was searched and found on Dec 3, 2025 with a price of $123

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 $123 to $141 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 $123 which is on 2025-12-03.