Proserpine to Airlie Beach: Driving time, airport shuttles & taxis

It’s a 26km drive from Proserpine to Airlie Beach – or 39km from Whitsunday Coast Airport. Proserpine Airport to Airlie Beach shuttles cost from $22.

The Proserpine to Airlie Beach drive connects the Whitsunday Coast’s gateway town to its main tourism hotspot. You’ll pass through Proserpine on the drive to Airlie Beach from the south. Going from Yeppoon to Airlie Beach? Rockhampton to Airlie Beach? Mackay to Airlie Beach? Then the last leg involves branching off the Bruce Highway at Proserpine.

Get the best Whitsundays cruise deals

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.

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.

Proserpine to Airlie Beach distance and driving time

The distance from Proserpine to Airlie Beach by car is 26km. This makes for a driving time of around 23 minutes. You’ll go past the Whitsunday Golf Course in Cannonvale on the way into Airlie Beach.

Not everyone travelling from Proserpine to Airlie Beach will be driving however. That’s because the Whitsunday Coast Airport is in Proserpine.

Proserpine Airport to Airlie Beach drive

Or, rather, the Whitsunday Coast Airport is just to the south of Proserpine in Gunyarra. It is officially known as Proserpine Airport, and the drive from Proserpine Airport to Airlie Beach is 39km long.

The driving time is about 32 minutes.

Airlie Beach airport shuttles and transfers

The cheapest way to get from Proserpine to Airlie Beach is a shared shuttle transfer. Several companies have shuttle buses that meet arriving flights. Heart of Reef Shuttles charges $25 for a one way transfer, while tickets with Whitsunday Transit cost $22.

Heart of Reef also offers private transfers from Proserpine Airport to Airlie Beach.

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.

Proserpine Airport to Airlie Beach taxis

Proserpine to Airlie Beach taxis are really, really expensive, however. You can expect to pay around $80 to $100 for a one way taxi fare from Whitsunday Coast Airport.

With taxis costing that much, you might be better off just hiring a car in Proserpine and driving yourself.