How do I get to Ballina?

Getting here is easy, but you might find it hard to leave!

By Air

Fly direct to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, just 5 km from Ballina’s CBD. Daily flights operate with Fly Pelican, Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia from Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Canberra (seasonal), and Dubbo. The airport’s convenient location and modern terminal make it the fastest and most comfortable way to start your visit.
Tip: To avoid disappointment, arrange your airport transfers before you arrive.

By Road

Ballina sits at the junction of the Pacific and Bruxner Highways, making it accessible from many major hubs:

  • Brisbane Airport: 195 km (approx. 2 hr 15 min)

  • Byron Bay: 31 km (approx. 30 min)

  • Coffs Harbour: 206 km (approx. 2 hr 27 min)

  • Grafton: 137 km (approx. 1 hr 30 min)

  • Coolangatta Airport: 89 km (approx. 1 hr)

  • Lismore: 31 km (approx. 37 min)

  • Port Macquarie: 357 km (approx. 4 hr)

  • Sydney: 730 km (approx. 8 hr)

By Coach

Daily coach services are available through Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, and NSW TrainLink. Check their websites for the latest schedules.

By Rail

Catch a NSW TrainLink train to Casino Railway Station daily. TrainLink includes transfers from Casino to Ballina and Lennox Head as part of your ticket.

Getting Around Locally

Ballina is served by Ballina Bus Lines and CDC NSW Bus, plus local taxi services to help you explore the Northern Rivers region easily.

Related FAQs

How do I get to Ballina?

Getting here is easy, but you might find it hard to leave!

By Air

Fly direct to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, just 5 km from Ballina’s CBD. Daily flights operate with Fly Pelican, Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia from Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Canberra (seasonal), and Dubbo. The airport’s convenient location and modern terminal make it the fastest and most comfortable way to start your visit.
Tip: To avoid disappointment, arrange your airport transfers before you arrive.

By Road

Ballina sits at the junction of the Pacific and Bruxner Highways, making it accessible from many major hubs:

  • Brisbane Airport: 195 km (approx. 2 hr 15 min)

  • Byron Bay: 31 km (approx. 30 min)

  • Coffs Harbour: 206 km (approx. 2 hr 27 min)

  • Grafton: 137 km (approx. 1 hr 30 min)

  • Coolangatta Airport: 89 km (approx. 1 hr)

  • Lismore: 31 km (approx. 37 min)

  • Port Macquarie: 357 km (approx. 4 hr)

  • Sydney: 730 km (approx. 8 hr)

By Coach

Daily coach services are available through Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, and NSW TrainLink. Check their websites for the latest schedules.

By Rail

Catch a NSW TrainLink train to Casino Railway Station daily. TrainLink includes transfers from Casino to Ballina and Lennox Head as part of your ticket.

Getting Around Locally

Ballina is served by Ballina Bus Lines and CDC NSW Bus, plus local taxi services to help you explore the Northern Rivers region easily.

Where can I park large vehicles in Ballina?

If you’re travelling with a large vehicle or caravan, there are several convenient parking options:

Ballina CBD:

  • Behind the Ballina Visitor Information Centre at 6 River St

  • Opposite the Ballina Waterslides at 4 River St – parallel to River St in from of Reflections Holiday Park Ballina, just a short walk from the Visitor Centre and town centre

Ballina Fair & Ballina Central Shopping Centres:

  • Fox Street near Coles & Ballina Fair Shopping Centre, offering easy access to shops and cafes in front of residential houses.

You may also park anywhere there are no signs prohibiting it. Remember, yellow solid lines along the curb indicate ‘no stopping’ zones and parking is not permitted there.

Where to from here?

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