- Crisafulli Government delivers new bus service in Townsville, connecting the airport with the heart of the city.
- New service will be available from Monday 29 June.
- Thanks to the LNP's Permanent 50 Cent Fares commuters and visitors will be able to get from the Airport to the CBD for just 50 cents
- The new Townsville Airport Bus is part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government will deliver a brand-new bus service connecting Townsville Airport to the heart of the city, improving public transport access for travellers and airport workers.
Thanks to the LNP's Permanent 50 Cent Fares, commuters and tourists will be able to get to-and-from the airport for just 50 cents, with services set to begin from the end of the month.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline under Labor.
The former State Labor Government put a new bus in the too hard basket, ignoring Townsville's growing population and tourism industry, leaving locals and visitors without a reliable public transport link to the CBD.
The new airport bus will be funded by the Crisafulli Government and run by Kinetic. The service (route 222) will operate hourly between 4:00am and 11:00pm, seven days a week (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday), commencing on 29 June 2026.
Route 222 will link the airport into the wider local public transport network, serving Townsville Airport and Townsville City bus hub via key locations, including The Strand, Breakwater ferry terminal, and the Palmer Street entertainment precinct.
The service will cover the primary operating hours of scheduled flights and airport workers' shift times, and at just 50 cents a trip, it will provide a convenient, reliable and affordable transport option for locals and visitors alike.
Minister for Transport and Main Road Brent Mickelberg said the introduction of this service responded to calls from the community and industry for public transport access to Townsville Airport.
"The fact there is not already a bus servicing Townsville Airport is just another way the former State Labor Government failed North Queensland throughout their decade of decline," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Adam Baillie's advocacy has made it clear there is strong community support for a bus to improve access to the airport.
"That is why the Crisafulli Government is getting on with delivering a brand-new airport bus, to plug the missing link between Townsville Airport and the heart of the city.
"This is just another example of how the Crisafulli Government has delivered more for Townsville in just 18 months than the former State Labor Government did throughout their decade of decline."
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said Labor had taken Townsville for granted when it came to delivering the public transport links needed for the growing population.
"Townsville Airport is the gateway to North Queensland, and the airport bus has been the missing link to get both visitors and locals into the city," Mr Baillie said.
"Townsville has been crying out for an airport bus for far too long, but we were ignored by the former State Labor Government.
"After just 18 months, this is another way the Crisafulli Government is delivering for Townsville.
"The new bus will run hourly, helping connect arrivals and departures with the heart of our city – and it'll be just 50 cents thanks to the LNP Government's Permanent 50 Cent fares.
"This is a big win for Townsville, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to submit their feedback to our community consultation.
"Townsville is undergoing an evolution in the lead up to the 2032 Games, and increased connectivity is vital for us to continue to cement our reputation as the Tourism and Events Capital of the North."
Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Airports Amelia Evans Limited welcomed the new Townsville Airport bus.
"We've long advocated for a direct public bus connection to Townsville Airport, working alongside local and state government, as well as Townsville Enterprise Limited. This is a real win, and we commend the Queensland Government for delivering this important service for the region," Ms Evans said.
"First and last impressions matter, and this service will give local and visitors more choice in how they move through our city, in an accessible and convenient way.
"Linking the airport with the wider region strengthens connectivity, and in a growing city like Townsville, that is critical for attracting investment, talent and long-term growth."
Customers will be able to plan their journey via the Translink Journey Planner , with timetables released closer to the go-live date.
