Getting to Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach sits on the Queensland coast approximately 1,100 kilometres north of Brisbane and serves as the mainland gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. The town welcomes visitors arriving by air, road, rail and coach services throughout the year. Two airports service the Whitsundays region - Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine on the mainland and Hamilton Island Airport offshore. Both connect with major Australian cities including Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne through regular commercial flights.

The most popular route for visitors is flying into Whitsunday Coast Airport, located just 30 minutes by road from Airlie Beach. Driving from Brisbane takes approximately 12 to 13 hours along the Bruce Highway, passing through scenic coastal towns. The Spirit of Queensland train stops at Proserpine station with connecting bus services to Airlie Beach. Greyhound coaches also run daily services along the east coast. This guide covers every transport option so you can choose the best way to reach Airlie Beach for your trip.

Flying to Whitsunday Coast Airport

Whitsunday Coast Airport (airport code PPP), also known as Proserpine Airport, is the primary mainland airport for Airlie Beach. The airport sits 14 kilometres south of Proserpine township and approximately 40 kilometres from central Airlie Beach. A five-year deal between the airport and Jetstar has significantly boosted flight frequency, with the airline operating larger A321 aircraft to increase passenger capacity.

Jetstar operates direct flights to Whitsunday Coast Airport from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Daily services run to Melbourne with up to 11 weekly flights to Sydney and 10 weekly services to Brisbane. Flight time from Sydney is around 2 hours and 20 minutes, while Melbourne flights take approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes. Brisbane flights arrive in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Jetstar also operates seasonal services from Adelaide three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with a flight time of 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Other Airlines at Whitsunday Coast Airport

Virgin Australia flies to Whitsunday Coast Airport from Brisbane with approximately 9 flights per week. The Brisbane to Proserpine flight takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes. Virgin operates Boeing 737 aircraft on this route. Skytrans Airlines connects Cairns with Whitsunday Coast Airport, providing a convenient option for travellers already in far north Queensland. The Cairns to Proserpine flight takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes on De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft.

Airport Transfers to Airlie Beach

Several shuttle services operate between Whitsunday Coast Airport and Airlie Beach. Whitsunday Transit meets every arriving and departing flight at the airport, delivering passengers to accommodation throughout Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Shute Harbour. The drive from the airport to Airlie Beach takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Shuttle fares start from around $21 one way for adults.

Heart of Reef Shuttles has operated in the Whitsundays for over 18 years and provides door-to-door service from the airport. Drivers meet passengers at the shuttle desk opposite the luggage carousel. Airlie Beach Transfers and Tours offers both shuttle and private transfer options with modern air-conditioned vehicles. Taxis and rental cars are also available at the airport for those who prefer independent transport.

Flying to Hamilton Island Airport

Hamilton Island is the only island in the Whitsundays with a commercial jet airport (airport code HTI). Direct flights operate from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar. Hamilton Island Airport serves as an alternative gateway to Airlie Beach, particularly convenient for travellers planning to visit both the island and mainland.

Flight times to Hamilton Island are similar to Whitsunday Coast Airport - approximately 2 hours from Sydney, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Melbourne, and 1 hour and 50 minutes from Brisbane. Qantas and Virgin Australia operate most services, with daily flights from each major city. The airport terminal sits just 100 metres from airline check-in desks and a short walk from the marina.

Ferry from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach

Cruise Whitsundays operates ferry services connecting Hamilton Island with Port of Airlie on the mainland. Up to 7 daily sailings run between Hamilton Island Marina and Airlie Beach, with the journey taking approximately 60 minutes. The earliest ferry from Hamilton Island departs at 8:50am with the last service leaving at 5:20pm. Return ferries from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island run from 7:15am until 4:05pm.

One-way ferry tickets from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach start from around $67.50 for adults. Booking in advance through the Cruise Whitsundays website is recommended, particularly during peak travel seasons when vessels can reach capacity. The modern, air-conditioned ferries feature big-screen presentations about the region, viewing decks and bars serving coffee, drinks and snacks. Passengers should arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.

Driving to Airlie Beach

The Bruce Highway (A1) provides the main road access to Airlie Beach from both north and south. The highway runs through sugar cane country and coastal towns, offering views of tropical Queensland landscapes. Driving allows flexibility to stop at beaches, national parks and regional towns along the way. The roads are well maintained with regular service stations, rest areas and food stops throughout the journey.

Driving from Brisbane

The drive from Brisbane to Airlie Beach covers approximately 1,098 kilometres and takes between 12 and 13 hours without extended stops. Most travellers break this journey into two days, stopping overnight in towns like Rockhampton, Mackay or Yeppoon. The route passes through the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and Gladstone before reaching the tropical north.

Popular overnight stops include Mackay, located about 150 kilometres south of Airlie Beach, or Yeppoon near Great Keppel Island. Breaking the drive allows time to explore attractions along the way, including Fraser Island access from Hervey Bay, the Capricorn Caves near Rockhampton, and Cape Hillsborough National Park near Mackay where kangaroos and wallabies visit the beach at sunrise.

Driving from Other Cities

From Mackay, Airlie Beach is approximately 150 kilometres north along the Bruce Highway, taking around 2 hours to drive. This makes Mackay an ideal overnight stop for those driving from Brisbane. The road passes through Proserpine before reaching the turnoff to Airlie Beach via Shute Harbour Road.

Townsville to Airlie Beach covers 275 kilometres and takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours heading south. The drive passes through Bowen, famous for its mangoes, where the Big Mango roadside attraction makes a popular photo stop. From Cairns in far north Queensland, the drive to Airlie Beach is 620 kilometres taking 7 to 8 hours. The route passes through Townsville, Mission Beach and the scenic coastal sections near Cardwell where the highway runs beside the ocean.

Train to Proserpine

The Spirit of Queensland train operates between Brisbane and Cairns, stopping at Proserpine station. This overnight journey offers a scenic and relaxed way to reach the Whitsundays without driving. The train departs Brisbane's Roma Street Station on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 3:45pm, arriving at Proserpine the following morning at approximately 7:06am.

Queensland Rail offers two seating options on the Spirit of Queensland. Premium Economy seats feature comfortable leather recliners with generous legroom and personal entertainment screens. RailBed seats convert into lie-flat beds for overnight comfort and include all-inclusive meals served at your seat. Economy fares from Brisbane to Proserpine start from around $173 one way, with RailBed upgrades available for additional cost.

Connecting Bus to Airlie Beach

Whitsunday Transit operates RailBus coach connections between Proserpine railway station and Airlie Beach. These services are timed to meet train arrivals and departures. The bus ride from Proserpine station to Airlie Beach takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, with stops at Cannonvale and Shute Harbour along the way.

Rail pass holders on the Queensland Coastal Pass or Queensland Explorer Pass can travel on Premium Economy seats and use the connecting coach services. Proserpine station has limited facilities so travellers heading south can order hot breakfast on board the train before arriving. The station sits a short distance west of Proserpine town centre.

Bus Services to Airlie Beach

Greyhound Australia operates daily coach services to Airlie Beach along the east coast. Buses arrive at the Transit Terminal at 26 The Cove Road in central Airlie Beach, within walking distance of the main street and most accommodation. Modern Greyhound coaches feature free WiFi, USB chargers, air conditioning, reclining leather seats and onboard restrooms.

From Brisbane, Greyhound buses take approximately 20 hours to reach Airlie Beach. Tickets start from $192 for advance bookings. The Cairns to Airlie Beach service runs in around 10 to 10.5 hours with fares starting from $119. Townsville to Airlie Beach takes 3 to 4 hours. Premier Motor Service also operates daily services along the coast.

Greyhound Travel Passes

Backpackers and flexible travellers often purchase Greyhound hop-on hop-off passes for east coast travel. The Brisbane to Cairns pass allows unlimited travel between these cities over a set period, perfect for exploring multiple destinations along the Queensland coast. Passes are available in 30-day, 60-day and 90-day options.

The hop-on hop-off format means you can stop in towns like Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville before continuing to Airlie Beach. Travel must be in one direction only with no backtracking. Passes offer good value for those planning extended east coast trips who want flexibility in their itinerary.

Getting Around Once You Arrive

Central Airlie Beach is compact and walkable, with most restaurants, shops and bars located along the main street and foreshore. The Bicentennial Walkway provides a flat, scenic path connecting the foreshore to Abell Point Marina and through to Cannonvale Beach. The Airlie Beach Lagoon, main street dining and waterfront bars are all accessible on foot from central accommodation.

Whitsunday Transit operates regular bus services connecting Proserpine, Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour every 30 to 60 minutes. A 24-hour taxi service operates in Airlie Beach with a rank in the town centre. Car hire is available at Whitsunday Coast Airport for those wanting to explore the region independently. Most Whitsunday tours include pickup from central Airlie Beach accommodation or the Port of Airlie marina.

Planning Your Journey

Flying into Whitsunday Coast Airport is the quickest and most convenient option for most visitors. The combination of Jetstar's frequent services and affordable shuttle transfers makes this route straightforward. For those wanting to visit Hamilton Island as part of their trip, flying into Hamilton Island Airport and taking the ferry to Airlie Beach works well.

Driving suits travellers who want to explore the Queensland coast at their own pace. The journey from Brisbane makes an excellent road trip with plenty of worthwhile stops along the way. The Spirit of Queensland train offers a unique travel experience, particularly for those who prefer not to fly or drive. Greyhound buses provide budget-friendly options for backpackers and flexible travellers. Whatever transport method you choose, reaching Airlie Beach is straightforward with services operating year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest airport to Airlie Beach?

Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), also known as Proserpine Airport, is the closest airport to Airlie Beach. It is located approximately 40 kilometres from central Airlie Beach, about a 30 to 40 minute drive. Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Skytrans operate flights to this airport from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns.

How long does it take to drive from Brisbane to Airlie Beach?

Can I get a ferry from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach?

Yes, Cruise Whitsundays operates ferry services between Hamilton Island Marina and Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach. Up to 7 daily sailings run each day, with the journey taking approximately 60 minutes. One-way tickets start from around $67.50 for adults.

Is there a train to Airlie Beach?

The Spirit of Queensland train operates between Brisbane and Cairns, stopping at Proserpine station. Trains depart Brisbane on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, arriving at Proserpine the following morning. Whitsunday Transit operates connecting bus services from Proserpine station to Airlie Beach.

How do I get from Whitsunday Coast Airport to Airlie Beach?

Several shuttle services operate between Whitsunday Coast Airport and Airlie Beach, including Whitsunday Transit and Heart of Reef Shuttles. The drive takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes with shuttle fares starting from around $21 one way. Taxis and rental cars are also available at the airport.

What airlines fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport?

Jetstar operates direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide (seasonal). Virgin Australia flies from Brisbane. Skytrans Airlines connects from Cairns. Flight times range from 1 hour 35 minutes from Brisbane to approximately 2 hours 55 minutes from Melbourne.