The route at a glance
The Mackay–Airlie Beach corridor.
Mackay to Airlie Beach is a 150-kilometre Bruce Highway hop, taking around 2 hours via Proserpine and the cane-country plains. Greyhound and Premier Motor Service both run daily services. Airlie Beach is the launch point for sailing trips and ferries to Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and the wider Whitsunday group, so this corridor is heavily used by coastal travellers heading north.
Typical calling points
- MackayQLD
- ProserpineQLD
- Airlie BeachQLD
Typical stops on this corridor. Actual calling points vary by operator and service.
Journey essentials
- Onboard
- Wi-Fi · Toilet · USB charging · Wheelchair access
- Luggage
- 1 × 40kg checked bag
Compare operators
Who runs this route.
FlixBus Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon FlixBus AustraliaFrom$38Services
Depart Arrive Runs 6:35 AM 8:40 AM Daily Premier Motor Service
Toilet20kg luggageBookon Premier Motor ServiceFrom$42Services
Depart Arrive Runs 7:20 AM 9:30 AM Daily Greyhound Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingWheelchair accessEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon Greyhound AustraliaFrom$45Services
Depart Arrive Runs 6:10 AM 8:10 AM Daily 7:50 AM 9:50 AM Daily
Fares are indicative. Live pricing may vary by date and availability. AusBus earns a small commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you.
Spotted an error or a missing operator on this route? Let us know.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
Short-hop coach services on this corridor run frequently enough that walk-on fares are usually available, but Friday afternoon and Sunday evening departures fill faster than other times. Arrive at the terminal at least 15 minutes before departure. Most operators begin boarding 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time and won't hold the coach for late passengers. Check the operator's luggage policy before you travel. Most include one checked bag (40 kg) and one carry-on, but allowances vary by carrier and additional bags usually attract a fee.
Worth timing your trip for
What's on in Airlie Beach
All major Australian events
Route FAQs
Mackay to Airlie Beach, answered.
- Around 2 hours and 2 minutes for a typical scheduled service. Travel time can vary by 30 minutes or more depending on the operator, the number of intermediate stops, and traffic on the day.
- The coach route is about 150 kilometres. The coach covers it in around 2 hours and 2 minutes, allowing for stops.
- Fares start from around $38 one-way. Booking a few days ahead is usually enough. Same-day bookings on long-haul corridors can run double the advance-purchase price during school holidays.
- Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia and FlixBus Australia operate services on this route. Use the operator comparison above to see which suits your travel date, budget and preferences for amenities like Wi-Fi, USB charging and onboard toilets.
- Yes. Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia and FlixBus Australia run direct services on this corridor, so you can travel Mackay to Airlie Beach without changing coaches. Check the timetable above for current departure times.
- Services on this route offer Wi-Fi, an onboard toilet, USB charging and wheelchair access. Amenities vary by operator and vehicle, so check the specific service when you book.
- Last-minute seats are sometimes available, but never guaranteed, particularly on Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and during school holidays. Booking online a few days ahead is strongly recommended and almost always cheaper.
- Most operators include one checked bag (up to 40 kg) and one carry-on bag in the ticket price. Additional bags usually attract a fee. Check the specific operator's luggage policy at the time of booking.
Keep going
Onward from Airlie Beach.
Continuing past Airlie Beach? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
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