Bus from Townsville to Airlie Beach: Fare costs and timetable

The bus from Townsville to Airlie Beach runs twice a day. According to the Greyhound timetable, services take 4h30m. Fares cost from around $63.

The bus from Townsville to Airlie Beach is handy to know about if you’re travelling down the Queensland coast without a car. Is it the most quickest way of getting to the Whitsundays? No. Is it the most comfortable? Also no. But the Townsville to Airlie Beach bus is almost certainly the cheapest.

Get the best Whitsundays cruise deals

Townsville is where you can take the ferry to gorgeous Magnetic Island, enjoy sunset cruises and visit the Museum of Underwater Art. For more Townsville experiences, explore here. To ferret out the best Townsville accommodation deals, look here.

Airlie Beach brings Whitsunday Islands sailing and snorkelling cruises, coral and marine life viewing from a glass-bottom boat and day cruises to the staggering white sands of Whitehaven Beach. To explore the full range of Airlie Beach tours and experiences, investigate here. For Airlie Beach accommodation bargains, look here.

Want to skip the explanation and just book your bus ticket? Then click here.

Townsville to Airlie Beach bus timetable

Greyhound Australia operates a bus from Townsville to Airlie Beach, with two services departing every day. Unlike many long bus journeys in Australia, both of these services are at reasonable hours.

The morning bus from Townsville to Airlie Beach departs at 07.00, arriving in Airlie Beach at 11.30. The afternoon bus to Airlie Beach from Townsville sets off at 13.00, and arrives at 17.30.

Both buses take four hours and 30 minutes.

Which Whitsundays cruise should I choose?

For those with limited time: Whitehaven Beach half day tour.
For the highlights reel: Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island day trip.
To see the reef two ways: High speed Whitsundays cruise plus scenic reef flight combo.
For romance, sparkling wine and sunset under sail: Multi-beach and reef Lady Enid cruise.
To see several islands: Sailing and snorkelling adventure.
For an overnight sailing adventure: Matador two day yacht cruise.

Townsville to Airlie Beach bus fare cost

Ticket prices on the Townsville to Airlie Beach bus services vary according to time and demand. But as a general rule of thumb, if you book in advance, one way fares cost from around $63.

Once in Airlie Beach, the main target is obviously the Whitsunday Islands. Options include half day Whitehaven Beach tours and the high speed Thundercat cruise.

Other things to do in Airlie Beach include helicopter rides, going for a swim in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, glass bottom boat cruises, Whitsundays kayaking tours and fun crocodile cruises on the Proserpine River.

Airlie Beach accommodation picks

Specialist Australian booking site Wotif offers Airlie Beach accommodation for from $114 a night. You can look through the best deals here.

However, some Airlie Beach accommodation options are worth highlighting:

On a budget: Tasman Holiday Parks Airlie Beach.
For families: Big4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort.
For waterfront apartments: At Marina Shores.
For pampering: Coral Sea Marina Resort.
For great value: Colonial Palms Motor Inn.

Airlie Bay, with the Airlie Beach Lagoon on the right. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit

Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.

6 Townsville experiences to book in advance

Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.