How to travel from Ballina to Darwin, Australia
The distance between Ballina and Darwin is around 3,100km (1,927 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 6hrs.
8 routes found
We've found 8 different ways to get from Ballina to Darwin by plane, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Darwin → Ballina if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Ballina (BNK) to Darwin (DRW).
- Duration6hrs
- Flight time5h 45m
- Typical costA$865($580)
Qantas
+ 2 others3 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus and Train
Take the bus to Sydney then take the train to Adelaide Parklands then take the bus to Alice Springs and then to Darwin.
- Duration3 days 10h
- Departsonce a week
- Typical costA$1,100($740)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Ballina and Darwin
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Ballina to Darwin by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus, then take the train and then fly which costs around A$300 ($200) and will take around 7h 60m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 6hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$865 ($580).
The distance between Ballina and Darwin is around 3,100km (1,927 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 2,976km (1,849 miles)
It takes around 6hrs to get from Ballina and Darwin by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 12h to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Ballina to Darwin is to fly which takes around 6hrs and will set you back approx A$865 ($580).
The cheapest way to travel between Ballina and Darwin, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus, then take the train and then fly which will typically cost around A$300 ($200) for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Ballina and Darwin. We recommend that you fly from Ballina (BNK) to Darwin (DRW). instead which will take 6hrs.
Bus travel
Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Ballina and Darwin. We recommend that you fly from Ballina (BNK) to Darwin (DRW). instead which will take 6hrs.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Ballina and Darwin. Flights depart from Ballina (BNK) and arrive at Darwin (DRW) - via Sydney (SYD). The flight takes around 5h 45m.
There is no direct flight from Ballina to Darwin. There is however a flight that goes via Sydney (SYD). This services will take at least 6hrs (not including layover time).
The flight from Ballina to Darwin typically takes around 5h 45m. Flights depart from Ballina (BNK) and and arrive into Darwin (DRW).
The closest major airport to Darwin is Darwin International Airport (DRW) (DRW) which is approximately 7km (4 miles) from Darwin. Maningrida Airport (MNG) (MNG) and Kununurra Airport (KNX) (KNX) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
Yes it is possible to drive from Ballina and Darwin. The distance is around 3,588km (2,229 miles) by road and it will take around 1 day 12h in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Ballina to Darwin is to fly which takes, on average, 6hrs and will usually cost around A$865 ($580).
Compare travel optionsbetween Ballina and Darwin
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 3 similar | 6hrs | A$865($580) | every 2 hours | 3,779km (2,348 miles) |
| Bus and Plane | 7h 45m | A$480($325) | twice daily | 3,945km (2,451 miles) |
| Bus to Coffs Harbour, Fly | 10h 5m | A$460($310) | once daily | 3,855km (2,395 miles) |
| Bus, Train and Plane | 7h 60m | A$300($200) | twice daily | 3,100km (1,927 miles) |
Bus and Train + 2 similar | 3 days 10h | A$1,100($740) | once a week | 5,550km (3,449 miles) |
| Bus to Casino Station, Coach Bay, train | 3 days 23h | A$1,570($1,055) | once a week | 5,549km (3,448 miles) |
| Bus to Brisbane, train | 5 days 9h | A$1,080($725) | once a week | 5,824km (3,619 miles) |
Drive | 1 day 12h | A$475($320) | on demand | 3,588km (2,229 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Ballina and Darwin
Bus companies
Byron Bay Express
NSW TrainLink
Premier Motor Service
Airlines
Qantas
Virgin Australia
Train operators
TRANSLink QLD
Great Southern Rail - Indian Pacific
Great Southern Rail - The Ghan
Great Southern
Airports near Darwin
The following major airports near Darwin offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.
Darwin International Airport (DRW)
- Distance
- 7km (4 miles) from Darwin
Maningrida Airport (MNG)
- Distance
- 371km (231 miles) from Darwin
Kununurra Airport (KNX)
- Distance
- 435km (270 miles) from Darwin