Townsville will gain a new airport bus service from June 29, with Route 222 set to connect Townsville Airport with the city centre and key local destinations.
The new Townsville airport bus will operate hourly between 4am and 11pm, seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday, in a service that will be funded by the Queensland government and operated by Kinetic.
Route 222 will link Townsville Airport with the Townsville City bus hub, The Strand, Breakwater ferry terminal and the Palmer Street entertainment precinct. The timetable will be designed to cover the main operating hours of scheduled flights and the shift times of airport workers.
The service will also connect passengers into the wider Translink network, giving travellers and airport staff a public transport option between the airport and the heart of the city.
Under Queensland’s permanent 50-cent fares policy, passengers will be able to travel to and from the airport for 50 cents.
Queensland transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg says the new service responds to local calls for better airport access.
“Adam Baillie’s (member for Townsville) advocacy has made it clear there is strong community support for a bus to improve access to the airport,” Mickelberg says.
“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.”
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Baillie says the new route will improve access for residents, airport workers and visitors.
“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,” he says.
“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 Permanent 50 Cent fares measure.”
Baillie says the service follows community consultation and reflects Townsville’s growth as a destination for tourism and events.
“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,” Baillie says.
“Townsville is undergoing an evolution in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic Games, and increased connectivity is vital for us to continue to cement our reputation as the tourism and events capital of the north.”
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans says the airport has long supported a direct public bus connection.
“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,” Evans says.
“This is a real win, and we commend the Queensland government for delivering this important service for the region.”
Evans says the route will improve the experience for both visitors and residents.
“First and last impressions matter, and this service will give locals and visitors more choice in how they move through our city, in an accessible and convenient way,” she says.
“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.”
Passengers will be able to plan trips through the Translink Journey Planner, with timetables to be released closer to the launch date.
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