- Recommended
Whitsunday Art Space
Regional gallery with changing exhibitions by local and touring artists, plus workshops and cultural events close to the Airlie Beach foreshore.
Cheapest price on 17 Oct
£99
Average ticket price on 17 Oct
£186
Fastest journey on 17 Oct
14 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 17 Oct
15 h 2 m
Buses on 17 Oct
7
Distance
770 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach will cost around £186 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £99.
On Sat 17 Oct, we found 7 buses from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 770 km distance in an average of 15 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 16 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
PM16
FlixBus · FlixBus
GX402
GX404
GX402 · GX404
FlixBus · FlixBus
PM16
GX404
GX402
GX402 · GX404Buses from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach run on average 5 times per day, taking around 14h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £97 if you book in advance.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 07:10, the last at 09:00. The fastest coach covers the 770 km distance in 14h 30m.
Distance 770 km |
Average bus duration 14h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £97 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 14h 30m |
First bus 7:10 |
Last bus 9:00 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
The table below shows live departures for Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 17 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GX400 · GX402 | 13:15 Rainbow Beach, Community Centre Parking | 18h55 | 8:10 Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 1 change | |
GX402 · GX404 | 17:10 Rainbow Beach, Community Centre Parking | 16h40 | 9:50 Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 1 change | |
GX402 | 17:10 Rainbow Beach, Community Centre Parking | 15h00 | 8:10 Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 0 changesdirect | |
GX402 · GX404 | 17:10 Rainbow Beach, Community Centre Parking | 16h40 | 9:50 Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:35 Rainbow Beach, Community Centre Parking | 14h25 | 9:00 Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 1 change | |
PM16 | 19:00 Rainbow Beach, Community Centre Parking | 14h30 | 9:30 Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 0 changesdirect | |
GX404 | 19:15 Rainbow Beach, Community Centre Parking | 14h35 | 9:50 Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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Regional gallery with changing exhibitions by local and touring artists, plus workshops and cultural events close to the Airlie Beach foreshore.
Volunteer-run museum in nearby Proserpine presenting district history, photographs and objects that help explain settlement and local industry.
Small local gallery and studio space showcasing Whitsundays artists, crafts and rotating displays that reflect the area’s coastal character.
Lagoon and foreshore park in the town centre, ideal for a swim, picnic and easy break with palms, lawns and Coral Sea views.
Waterfront walking and cycling path linking Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, popular for sea views, sunrise strolls and easy access to beaches.
National park headland walk with lookouts over Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Passage, combining bushland, beaches and strong photo spots.
Queensland’s warm-water prawns are a local staple, prized for sweet flavour and often served simply grilled or chilled by the Coral Sea coast.
Fresh reef fish such as coral trout is central to Whitsundays dining, valued for delicate flesh and usually served grilled or pan-fried.
Mud crab from tropical north Queensland is a classic seafood choice, known for rich sweet meat and commonly prepared simply to showcase freshness.
Elegant waterfront dining focused on modern seafood and steak, with marina views and a polished evening atmosphere.
Smart marina restaurant known for seafood, steaks and broad menu choices in a relaxed but refined setting.
Popular casual spot for coffee, breakfast and brunch, with a laid-back beach-town feel near the lagoon.
Moderate for Queensland resorts: lodging is often pricier than inland towns, while casual dining and local buses stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Tipping is not expected. Round up taxis if service is good; in restaurants or cafés, leave 5-10% only for notably good service.
Official public transport app
Port of Airlie -> Airlie Beach Main Street
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Airlie Beach, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach buses use the Rainbow Beach, Community Centre Parking to Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie station pair. Use this guide to compare Rainbow Beach and Airlie Beach bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.