How to travel from Melbourne to Ballina, Australia

The distance between Melbourne and Ballina is around 1,568km (974 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 16h 45m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Melbourne to Ballina by 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 BallinaMelbourne if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Parramatta and then to Ballina.

  • Duration24h 5m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$185($125)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

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

2
train
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train
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bus
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Train and Bus

Take the train to Central Station and then to Casino Station then take the bus to Ballina Coach Stop Tamar St.

  • Duration24h 10m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    A$210($140)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

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

🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Ballina.

  • Duration16h 45m
  • Distance1,568km (974 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Melbourne and Ballina

There are several options for getting from Melbourne to Ballina by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around A$185 ($125) and will take around 24h 5m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 16h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$210 ($140).

The distance between Melbourne and Ballina is around 1,568km (974 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,275km (792 miles)

It takes around 24h 5m to get from Melbourne and Ballina by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 16h 45m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Melbourne to Ballina is to drive which takes around 16h 45m and will set you back approx A$210 ($140).

The cheapest way to travel between Melbourne and Ballina, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around A$185 ($125) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Melbourne and Ballina. We recommend that you drive to Ballina. instead which will take 16h 45m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Melbourne and Ballina. It typically takes around 24h 5m and departs 4 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Melbourne to Ballina. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Parramatta and Hornsby Station Stand F. These services run 4 times a week and will take a minimum of 24h 5m.

Firefly Express, Premier Motor Service and Greyhound Australia run regular bus services between Melbourne and Ballina. Buses run 4 times a week and take around 24h 5m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Melbourne to Ballina. We recommend that you take the bus to Parramatta and then to Ballina. instead which will take 24h 5m.

The closest major airport to Ballina is Ballina Byron Airport (BNK) (BNK) which is approximately 3km (2 miles) from Ballina. Gold Coast Airport (OOL) (OOL) and Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) (CFS) 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 Melbourne and Ballina. The distance is around 1,568km (974 miles) by road and it will take around 16h 45m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Melbourne to Ballina is to take the bus which takes, on average, 24h 5m and will usually cost around A$185 ($125).

How do I get from Melbourne to Ballina

Compare travel optionsbetween Melbourne and Ballina

Transport options from Melbourne to Ballina
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus + 1 similar
24h 5m
A$185($125)
4 times a week1,674km (1,040 miles)
Bus via Sydney24h 25m
A$305($205)
once daily1,745km (1,084 miles)
Train and Bus + 1 similar
24h 10m
A$210($140)
once daily1,808km (1,123 miles)
Train to Central Station, bus24h 15m
A$220($145)
once daily1,844km (1,146 miles)
Drive
16h 45m
A$210($140)
on demand1,568km (974 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Melbourne and Ballina

Airlines

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Ballina

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

BNK
Ballina Byron Airport (BNK)
Domestic Airport
Distance
3km (2 miles) from Ballina
OOL
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
International Airport
Distance
78km (48 miles) from Ballina
CFS
Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS)
Domestic Airport
Distance
168km (104 miles) from Ballina