How to travel from Ballina to Port Douglas, Australia

The distance between Ballina and Port Douglas is around 1,655km (1,029 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 5h 40m.

7 routes found

We've found 7 different ways to get from Ballina to Port Douglas 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 Port DouglasBallina if you're planning a return trip.

1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Ballina (BNK) to Cairns (CNS).

  • Duration5h 55m
  • Flight time4h 20m
  • Typical cost
    A$350($235)
Operated byJetstar+ 2 others

3 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Brisbane then Cairns Central Station and then to Port Douglas.

  • Duration1 day 9h
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$300($200)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

3
bus
+
train
+
bus
+

Bus and Train

Take the bus to Brisbane then take the train to Cairns Central Station then take the bus to Port Douglas.

  • Duration1 day 4h
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$300($200)
Operated by

Multiple operators

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Port Douglas.

  • Duration24h 10m
  • Distance2,066km (1,284 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Ballina and Port Douglas

There are several options for getting from Ballina to Port Douglas by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus and then fly which costs around A$205 ($135) and will take around 5h 40m.

The distance between Ballina and Port Douglas is around 1,655km (1,029 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,607km (998 miles)

It takes around 5h 55m to get from Ballina and Port Douglas by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 24h 10m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Ballina to Port Douglas is to take the bus and then fly which takes around 5h 40m and will set you back approx A$205 ($135).

The cheapest way to travel between Ballina and Port Douglas, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus and then fly which will typically cost around A$205 ($135) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Ballina and Port Douglas. We recommend that you take the bus to Byron Bay Interchange Stand B and then to Gold Coast Airport then fly from Gold Coast (OOL) to Cairns (CNS). instead which will take 5h 40m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Ballina and Port Douglas. It typically takes around 1 day 9h and departs 3 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Ballina to Port Douglas. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Byron Bay Interchange Stand B, Brisbane, Cairns Central Station and Port Douglas. These services run 3 times a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 9h.

NSW TrainLink, Premier Motor Service and Trans North Bus & Coach run regular bus services between Ballina and Port Douglas. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 1 day 9h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Ballina and Port Douglas. Flights depart from Ballina (BNK) and arrive at Cairns (CNS) - via Sydney (SYD). The flight takes around 4h 20m.

There is no direct flight from Ballina to Port Douglas. There is however a flight that goes via Sydney (SYD). This services will take at least 5h 55m (not including layover time).

The flight from Ballina to Port Douglas typically takes around 4h 20m. Flights depart from Ballina (BNK) and and arrive into Cairns (CNS).

The closest major airport to Port Douglas is Cairns Airport (CNS) (CNS) which is approximately 53km (33 miles) from Port Douglas. Cooktown Airport (CTN) (CTN) and Palm Island Airport (PMK) (PMK) 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 Port Douglas. The distance is around 2,066km (1,284 miles) by road and it will take around 24h 10m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Ballina to Port Douglas is to fly which takes, on average, 5h 55m and will usually cost around A$350 ($235).

How do I get from Ballina to Port Douglas

Compare travel optionsbetween Ballina and Port Douglas

Transport options from Ballina to Port Douglas
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 3 similar
5h 55m
A$350($235)
every 20 mins2,655km (1,650 miles)
Bus and Plane5h 40m
A$205($135)
twice daily1,655km (1,029 miles)
Bus to Coffs Harbour, Fly9hrs
A$475($320)
once daily2,036km (1,265 miles)
Bus, Train and Plane7h 35m
A$230($155)
twice daily1,700km (1,056 miles)
Bus
1 day 9h
A$300($200)
3 times a week2,263km (1,406 miles)
Bus and Train
1 day 4h
A$300($200)
3 times a week1,939km (1,205 miles)
Drive
24h 10m
A$275($185)
on demand2,066km (1,284 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Ballina and Port Douglas

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Port Douglas

The following major airports near Port Douglas offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.

CNS
Cairns Airport (CNS)
International Airport
Distance
53km (33 miles) from Port Douglas
CTN
Cooktown Airport (CTN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
120km (74 miles) from Port Douglas
PMK
Palm Island Airport (PMK)
Domestic Airport
Distance
279km (173 miles) from Port Douglas