So you’re planning a trip to Byron Bay? Next question…. what is the best way of getting to Byron Bay? The good news is whilst Byron Bay does not have its own dedicated airport. It does have two airports within an hour of Byron central. All other major transport options are available with bus, train and the world-famous road trip to Byron Bay with great access via the Pacific Highway.
The closest airport to Byron Bay is the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK), located approximately 32 km from the heart of Byron Bay. This convenient airport offers daily flights to and from major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, and Adelaide through airlines like Fly Pelican, Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar. With its close proximity and excellent connectivity, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport serves as the primary choice for travelers visiting Byron Bay.
Getting to Byron Bay by Plane (Gold Coast, Ballina Airport to Byron Bay)
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to air travel into Byron Bay. The below in order of distance are the closest airports to Byron Bay.
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) – 30 Minutes South of Byron Bay
A modest provincial airport that may be found in Ballina, which is situated around half an hour’s drive south of Byron Bay.
Flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne, and Newcastle are available on a daily basis. There are as many as 58 flights that leave the airport each week, operated by Jetstar, Virgin, and Rex. The Newcastle service is provided by FlyPelican on a daily basis, six days a week.
After you have landed, there are several different alternatives available to you in order to continue on your journey. You are able to make reservations for a transfer service from the airport. At the Ballina–Byron airport, you can rent a car if you would want to have your own mode of transportation while you are on vacation.
Gold Coast Airport (OOL) – 45 Minutes North of Bryon Bay in Coolangatta
Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and even further afield. The airport is situated on the border between Queensland and New South Wales and offers a handy location just 40 minutes away from Byron Bay.
Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas all operate regularly scheduled domestic services, with Jetstar operating over 30 flights per day out of Sydney and Qantas operating 19 flights per day out of Melbourne.
Scoot, Air New Zealand, AirAsia, Jetstar, Hong Kong Airlines, and Virgin Australia are just some of the international airlines that offer direct services between Singapore, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Japan (Tokyo), Hong Kong, and other cities in New Zealand and Australia such as Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown. From Gold Coast Airport, it is not difficult to get to Byron Bay because there are many different transportation alternatives accessible. Direct connections to Byron Bay can be made via a number of different shuttle buses from the terminal.
Brisbane Airport (BNE) – Just under 2 hours north of Byron Bay
Byron Bay is located approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes by car from the Brisbane Airport. Byron Bay may be reached quickly and easily from anywhere in the world by flying into Brisbane Airport.
A significant airport that serves more than 17 million travellers within the country and more than 5 million passengers outside of the country. There are flights available from 52 different locations inside Australia and 32 different locations internationally.
Every day, shuttle services that travel directly from Brisbane to Byron Bay are made available. You can rent a car at the Brisbane airport if you would want to have your own mode of transportation while you are on vacation.
Getting to Byron Bay, New South Wales by Road (Car / Express Bus Service)
Getting to Byron Bay By Bus – Byron Bay Transit Centre
There are many different bus services that travel between Brisbane and Byron Bay on a regular basis. There are other services provided by Greyhound and Premier Coaches along the route from Brisbane to Byron Bay.
There are services provided by Greyhound and Premier Coaches that go from Sydney to Byron Bay.
There are a number of shuttle services that will take you to Byron Bay from the airport in Ballina or Gold Coast. There is also the option of using the bus, which is provided by the Blanch’s Bus Company.
Getting to Byron Bay by Car
An excellent approach to get a feel for the genuine Australian way of life is to take a road trip around Australia’s east coast. The east coast is home to a staggering number of breathtaking beaches, ranging from world-class surf spots to picture-perfect coves and inlets that beg to be discovered. Along the road, there are a number of great towns that epitomise the Australian experience and are worth stopping in for a cuppa (coffee or tea). It’s the ideal way to get to know the friendly locals and take in the breathtaking surroundings.
It will take you about eight and a half hours to travel there from Sydney, but it is highly recommended that you make a stop for the night or maybe a few days so that you can explore the coast. The journey from Brisbane to the Gold Coast is a short one, taking only about an hour and a half, however it is highly advised that you make a stop along the route because the Gold Coast has several beautiful beaches to explore.
If you have never driven before in Australia, you should know that the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle and that we drive on the left side of the road. If you are a tourist from another country, you might be interested in learning more about driving in Australia with a licence issued in another country.
Getting to Byron Bay by Train (Public Transport)
Technically speaking, there is no direct train from Sydney to Byron Bay. To get to Casino Station, which is around 45 minutes by bus from Byron Bay, you can take a train from Sydney.
You are welcome to travel in safety and luxury by taking the train from Sydney’s Casino Station to Central Station. The train’s distance between the two cities is about 890 kilometres (549 miles.) You should travel for a total of about 14 hours.
The average price of a train ticket for the route that was selected was $20 AUD ($23 USD). Because train tickets get more expensive over time, it is advised to buy them in advance. The least expensive option for the location you’ve selected is twenty dollars (USD). Along the way, the train will stop at 22 different stations.
Be aware that there is a frequent service running from Casino Station to Byron Central for about $5 one way. Even if it takes much longer to get there, you will end up saving hundreds of dollars in the process.
Getting around Byron Bay (Public Transport and Byron Bay Taxi services)
When you visit Byron Bay, you will find that due to the town’s relatively small size, it is very simple to navigate on foot across the entire area. If, on the other hand, you need to go a bit further, you have the option of taking a taxi or the local bus. In that case, you can opt to rent a car instead.
When you get to Byron Bay, you might want to take some time to explore some of the other towns in the area because they are so beautiful and have such a distinct character. You can either travel by public transportation or choose to rent a car to get you where you need to go. Renting a car provides you with the greatest amount of flexibility and opens up more options for you to discover the surrounding area.
FAQs for Getting to Byron
Q: What’s the best way to travel near Byron Bay?
A: The best way to travel near Byron Bay depends on your preferences and budget. You can rent a car, take a bus, or catch a shuttle service to explore the beautiful surroundings of this popular destination on Australia’s east coast.
Q: Which airports are the closest to Byron Bay?
A: The two closest airports to Byron Bay are the Gold Coast Airport (OOL) and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK). Gold Coast Airport is about 67 km away, while Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is approximately 32 km from the heart of Byron Bay.
Q: Is there a guide to Byron Bay for first-time visitors?
A: Absolutely! There are many online resources and travel guides available to help you plan your trip to Byron Bay. These guides often include information on accommodation, local attractions like Cape Byron and Australia’s most easterly point, as well as dining and entertainment options.
Q: What services are available to help me travel to Byron Bay?
A: There are a variety of services to help you reach Byron Bay, including flights to nearby airports, bus services like the Byron Bay Bus, and express shuttle buses. Car rental and taxi services are also available for your convenience.
Q: What is the most scenic way to travel along the east coast of Australia to Byron Bay?
A: The most scenic way to travel along the east coast of Australia to Byron Bay is by taking a road trip. You’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, explore quaint towns, and stop by iconic landmarks like Cape Byron, Australia’s most easterly point.
Q: How do I get from the airport to Byron Bay using the express shuttle bus?
A: Both Gold Coast Airport and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport offer express shuttle bus services to Byron Bay. You can book your ticket online or at the airport, and the shuttle will take you directly to your destination in Byron Bay. Keep in mind that schedules and availability may vary, so it’s best to check in advance.
