Transport

The NSW North Coast area is well provided for transport wise, with visitors arriving to all parts of the NSW North Coast by plane, train and automobile. Byron Bay is situated at the very top end of the NSW North Coast, nearly 800km north of , and just 40 minutes drive south of the border with Queensland. It's only 90km from the  and an hour and a half's drive from Brisbane. 

 

Airports

The NSW North Coast has airports at the major centres along the coast. Please refer to our airports page for more detailed information on each.

Byron Bay itself is serviced by three main airports, giving a wide range of arrival options. The closest is Ballina Byron Airport (known as the 'Gateway Airport' to Byron Bay), just a quick 20 minute scenic drive away. Many domestic visitors arrive here, with daily flights from Sydney.

Byron Bay is also only 45 minutes' drive from Queensland's Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta). This is a really convenient arrival point to Byron Bay for visitors coming from all around Australia and also arriving from international destinations like New Zealand, Malaysia and China. 

Brisbane International Airport is much larger and is just 165km away, with domestic flights arriving from all over Australia, as well as international flights coming in from across the globe.

There is also another regional airport at Lismore, the inland town approx 40 minutes drive from Byron Bay.

Train

Countrylink trains run across the NSW North Coast, with a daily service (with connecting coach where required) from  to Brisbane. You can leave Sydney Central Station at 7.15am and be in Byron Bay by 8.24pm that evening. There are stops all the way up the coast including Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Lennox Head, Tweed Heads (further details and timetable). Trains are airconditioned for comfort and offer first class and economy seats, as well as sleepers. And there's a buffet car to keep hungry travellers happy!

Fares and bookings

Economy train fares from Sydney to Byron Bay are around $80 (one way). First class fares are around $111. There are often special deals, such as 'the summer-savers', where fares from Sydney all the way to Brisbane can be as low as $69. Bookings can be made online at the Countrylink website.

Bus / Coach

There are a variety of coach companies servicing the NSW North Coast, with stop-offs up and down and inland across the entire region.

Greyhound is Australia's only completely national coach company and offer tickets from Byron Bay to Sydney for $85.

They have a backpacker membership option through which travellers can get great discounts on accomadation and tours. Greyhound also offer flexible hop-on, hop-off tickets designed especially for exploring the east coast of Australia (e.g.  to Byron Bay for $305 and valid for 90 days).

Oz Experience are the hop-on, hop-off bus specialists and a very popular option for backpackers and gap year travellers. Their network stretches across all of Australia's must visit destinations and passes last for 12 months. With fun and knowledgable tour guides and flexible travel options, Oz Experience is often the perfect solution for those wanting to make the most of their travels.

Taxis, vans, shuttles and private transfers

Taxis in NSW are metered (rather than you being able to negotiate a set price). There is a flag fall fee that applies and then cost is based on distance travelled. Maximum taxi charges are set by the NSW Government. You can pick up taxis in metropolitan centres. Flying into the smaller regional airports it is always advisable to book your taxi or transfer in advance.

Maximum taxi charges in urban areas:

Flag fall: $3.40

Distance rate: $2.06 per kilometre

Night-time surcharge: 20% of the Distance Rate in respect of a journey commencing between 10pm and 6am daily

Maximum taxi charges in country areas:

Flag fall: $3.90

Distance rate: Tariff 1 - $2.12 per kilometre, for the first 12 km; Tariff 2 - $2.94 per kilometre, in excess of 12 km

Night-time surcharge: 20% of the Distance Rate in respect of a journey commencing between 10pm and 6am daily

If you ask your taxi driver before commencing your journey, they should be able to give you a rough estimate as to what the total cost will be.

There are many companies offering transfers from all of the airports that service the regions. Our transfers and transport listings provide a wide variety of choices available in Byron Bay and across the NSW North Coast, from mini-van to private limousine. You're sure to find an option to suit your budget. 

Road-trip / Self drive holidays

The NSW North Coast is a road-tripper's paradise  – and Byron Bay is a key stop off for travellers as they make their way up or down the famous east coast of Australia by road.

A variety of rental car companies can be found at each of the airports and cars can also be rented in Byron Bay town itself, as well as the main tourist towns along the coast.
 
There are numerous campervan rental companies to choose from, with vehicle types to suit all tastes and budgets. A favourite with backpackers and those on a budget is Wicked campers. Their funky and often irreverently grafitti painted vans can be seen in car parks and camp grounds all over the coast. For those roadtrippers seeking a more luxurious home away from home, Britz is a preferred option, with bigger vans and modern comforts.

The Legendary Pacific Coast Drive touring route takes in the entire NSW North Coast, with many different itineraries that can be followed (from a few days to several months).