Getting to Byron Bay

With plenty of flights into three different airports, quick and reliable shuttle services, a choice of car rentals and an incredible coastline to drive along, getting to Byron Bay is easy whether you’re coming from nearby or as far away as the other side of the world.

Byron Bay is located on the coast in the north east of New South Wales, Australia. In fact Cape Byron is the most easterly point in Australia and is the first place in Australia to welcome the rising sun each day.

Brisbane is 165km (102miles) or a 1hour 50 minute drive north.
Sydney is 765km (473 miles) or 8 hour and 30 minute drive south.
Gold Coast is 65km (40 miles) or a 48 minute drive north.
Ballina is 35km (22 miles) or a 34 minute drive south.

By air

Three airports offer services that get you into Byron Bay.

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Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (airport code BNK)
A small regional airport located in Ballina, a 30 minute drive south of Byron Bay.

Offers daily flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. Up to 58 flights per week operate out of the airport on Jetstar, Virgin and Rex. FlyPelican operates the Newcastle service 6 days a week.

Once you have landed there are plenty of options to get you on your way. From the airport you can book a transfer shuttle. If you prefer to have your own transport while on holiday you can rent a car at the Ballina Byron airport.

Gold Coast Airport (airport code OOL)
An international Australian airport located in Coolangatta (southern end of the Gold Coast), a 45 minute drive north of Byron Bay.

With over 420 flights per week Gold Coast airport, flights arrive from all the major Australian cities and some regional centres.

There are also direct international flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Japan, Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington. And flights connecting you to Europe and the USA.

Airlines with services out of Gold Coast Airport include Jetstar, Virgin, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air Asia, Scoot, Tigerair and Hong Kong Airlines.

There are numerous shuttle services running from the airport to Byron Bay. If you prefer to have your own transport while on holiday you can rent a car at the Gold Coast airport.

Brisbane Airport (airport code BNE)
The Brisbane Airport is a 1hr 50 minute drive from Byron Bay. Brisbane Airport offers easy access to Byron Bay from anywhere in the world.

A major airport catering for over 17 million domestic passengers and over 5 million international passengers. Flights are available from 52 destinations in Australia and 32 international destinations.

Shuttle services direct from Brisbane to Byron Bay are available every day. If you prefer to have your own transport while on holiday you can rent a car at the Brisbane airport .

By road

Driving
Driving along the east coast of Australia is a great way to get a taste of real Australian life. Many amazing beaches stretch along the east coast from great surf beaches to gorgeous little secluded bays, begging to be explored. There are some wonderful quintessential Aussie towns to stop off in and grab a cuppa (coffee or tea) along the way. It’s the best way to discover the local people and stunning scenery.

The drive from Sydney will take you about eight and a half hours but it’s probably best to stop overnight or even take a few days to explore the coast. It’s a quick trip from Brisbane, only taking around one and a half hours but it’s recommended you stop on your way down as there are some gorgeous beaches to discover along the Gold Coast.

If you’re new to driving in Australia, we drive on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side. If you are an international traveller you may like to find out more about driving in Australia with an overseas license.

Bus
There are a number of shuttle services that run daily from Brisbane to Byron Bay. Greyhound and Premier Coaches also service the Brisbane to Byron Bay route.

Greyhound and Premier Coaches have services from Sydney to Byron Bay.

If you fly into Ballina there are numerous shuttle services to Byron Bay. Alternatively there is a local bus service run by Blanch’s Bus Company.

Getting Around Byron Bay

While in Byron Bay you will find that the compact nature of the town makes it very easy to get around on foot. However if you need to travel a little further you can take a local bus or taxi. Otherwise you can hire your own car.

Once you’re in Byron Bay you may like to spread your wings a little and discover some of our gorgeous and unique regional towns. You have a couple of options; you can hire a car or take public transport. Hiring your own car does give you the most flexibility and widens your opportunities to explore the area.