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Rainbow Beach, Queensland to Airlie Beach, Queensland from AU$70: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Rainbow Beach, Australia
to
Airlie Beach, Australia

How to Get from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$70 by busBest price
774 kmDistance
7h 9m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Bus
Train
Plane
Average Duration
8h  45m
Estimated price
AU$171-515
Recommended
Company
Greyhound Australia
Bus
Average Duration
14h 
Estimated price
AU$70-230
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 774 km
Duration: 7h 9m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
11h  10m
Estimated price
AU$102-1710
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
7h  9m
Estimated price
AU$128-608
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
10h  34m
Estimated price
AU$256-474
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
7h  13m
Estimated price
AU$1711-1712
Company
Premier Motor Service
Bus
Average Duration
15h  30m
Estimated price
AU$1713-1714
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
15h  57m
Estimated price
AU$1715-1716
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
13h  28m
Estimated price
AU$1717-1718

Traveling From Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach

The journey from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach presents a stunning contrast, with Rainbow Beach offering serene coastal bliss and vibrant sand dunes, while Airlie Beach showcases a lively atmosphere and gateway to the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands.

Best Neighbourhoods in Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach features diverse neighborhoods that cater to various traveler experiences.

Airlie Beach Main Strip
• Offers bustling nightlife and dining options.
• Close to the beautiful lagoon and beach access.
Shute Harbour
• Scenic views of the Whitsundays.
• Gateway to island tours and ferry services.
Cannonvale
• A quieter vibe perfect for relaxation.
• Great parks and local shops for convenience.

Best Times To Visit Airlie Beach's Attractions

Timing your visit to Airlie Beach's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Airlie Beach Lagoon
Visiting early morning or late afternoon offers a tranquil atmosphere and cooler temperatures.
Whitsunday Islands
Plan trips during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy serene beaches.
Coral Sea Marina
Explore during sunrise or sunset for stunning views and fewer tourists.

Airlie Beach Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Airlie Beach enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year, peaking in the summer months of December to February. The dry season from June to August offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities, while the wet season can bring tropical storms that may affect travel plans.

Dining Recommendation in Airlie Beach

For an unforgettable dining experience, try the fresh seafood at Fish D'vine, where the catch of the day often features local barramundi and is complemented by a vibrant atmosphere, complete with a lively bar scene. This stands in stark contrast to the more laid-back, café-style dining found in Rainbow Beach, offering a chance to indulge in the unique flavors and culinary creativity of the Whitsunday region.

Rainbow Beach - Airlie Beach operators

Explore transport companies operating between Rainbow Beach and Airlie Beach, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
https://www.greyhound.com.au/

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Cooroy

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
AU$709-2300

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Noosa Junction

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
AU$2302-2303

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach

Average Duration
14h
Estimated price
AU$5151-230

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Maryborough

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
AU$2306-2302
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
https://premierms.com.au/

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach

Average Duration
14h 30m
Estimated price
AU$70-1283

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Noosa Heads Junction

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
AU$2309-1280

Bus from Rainbow Beach to Howard

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
AU$1281-1282
Train
Contact phone
13 12 30
Website
https://translink.com.au/

Train from Cooroy station, platform 1 to Bowen Hills station, platform 3

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
AU$701-702
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/

Train from Maryborough West to Proserpine

Average Duration
Estimated price
AU$703-704
Plane
Website
qantas.com

Plane from Brisbane (BNE) to Proserpine (PPP)

Average Duration
2h 1m
Estimated price
AU$5152-5153
Website
virginaustralia.com

Plane from Brisbane (BNE) to Proserpine (PPP)

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
AU$1713-700
Website
jetstar.com

Plane from Brisbane (BNE) to Proserpine (PPP)

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
AU$1719-5153
Website
flybonza.com

Plane from Maroochydore (MCY) to Proserpine (PPP)

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
AU$5156-5157

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach.

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The distance between Rainbow Beach and Airlie Beach is 774.1 km by air, and the road distance is 965.3 km. If you choose to travel by bus and plane, it takes around 7 hours and 23 minutes to reach Airlie Beach from Rainbow Beach with a bus transfer in Hervey Bay. On the other hand, if you prefer driving, it takes around 13 hours and 28 minutes to reach Rainbow Beach from Airlie Beach and around 14 hours and 30 minutes to reach Airlie Beach from Rainbow Beach by bus.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach would be to take a bus and train. This option would cost between $70 and $170 and take approximately 16 hours and 2 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest way to get there would be to take a bus and fly, which would cost between $130 and $700 and take around 7 hours and 9 minutes.
The prices for a bus ticket between Airlie Beach and Rainbow Beach can range from $65 to $300, depending on factors such as the exact travel dates, the bus company, and any current promotions or discounts available.
To travel from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 965.6 km. The driving time is approximately 13 hours and 28 minutes. It is important to note that the prices for car rental may vary, with estimates ranging from $120 to $180.
The easiest way to travel from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes and the cost can range from $65 to $300.
Yes, there is a direct link between Rainbow Beach and Airlie Beach in Queensland. The bus service provided by Premier Motor Service departs twice daily from Rainbow Beach and arrives at Airlie Beach, with a journey time of approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes.
The flight duration from Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach typically takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes, with one stopover. However, please note that there is no direct flight from Hervey Bay Airport to Proserpine Airport, so passengers would have to make a connection.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Airlie Beach. With over 356 hotels to choose from, travelers are likely to find something that suits their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in the area start at $69 per night, making it an affordable destination for a variety of budgets.

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