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How to get fromGreat Barrier Reef to Airlie Beachby plane or bus

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There are 2 ways to get from Great Barrier Reef to Airlie Beach by plane or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport, bus

    best
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP)plane plane CNS - PPP
    2. Take the bus from Proserpine, Mill Street to Airlie Beach Centralbus bus
    5h 9m
    $294–1,156

  2. Fly to Mackay, bus

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Mackay (MKY)plane plane CNS - MKY
    2. Take the bus from Mackay to Airlie Beachbus bus
    9h 24m
    $280–610

Cairns (CNS) to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) flights

Calendar4Weekly Planes
Duration1h 25mAverage Duration
Ticket$345Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Great Barrier Reef to Airlie Beach.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 545.8 km
  • Duration: 5h 9m

What companies run services between Great Barrier Reef and Airlie Beach, QLD, Australia?

There is no direct connection from Great Barrier Reef to Airlie Beach. However, you can take the line 111 bus to Cairns Hospital, walk to Cairns Base Hospital, take the shuttle to Cairns Airport, walk to Cairns (CNS) airport, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), take the taxi to Proserpine, Mill Street, then take the bus to Airlie Beach Central. Alternatively, you can take the line 111 bus to Cairns Hospital, walk to Cairns Base Hospital, take the shuttle to Cairns Airport, walk to Cairns (CNS) airport, fly to Mackay (MKY), walk to Mackay Airport, take the line 303 bus to Caneland station, stop A, walk to Mackay, then take the bus to Airlie Beach.

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