How to travel from Port Douglas to Ballina, Australia

The distance between Port Douglas and Ballina is around 1,656km (1,029 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 5h 25m.

7 routes found

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

1
plane
+

Fly

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

  • Duration5h 45m
  • Flight time4h 10m
  • Typical cost
    A$320($215)
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 Cairns then Brisbane and then to Ballina.

  • Duration1 day 10h
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$310($210)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

3
bus
+
train
+
train
+
bus
+

Bus and Train

Take the bus to Cairns then take the train to Brisbane Roma Street and then to Casino Station then take the bus to Ballina Coach Stop Tamar St.

  • Duration1 day 5h
  • Departs3 times a week
  • Typical cost
    A$315($210)
Operated by

Multiple operators

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Ballina.

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

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Port Douglas and Ballina

There are several options for getting from Port Douglas to Ballina by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to fly and then take the bus which costs around A$205 ($135) and will take around 5h 25m.

The distance between Port Douglas and Ballina is around 1,656km (1,029 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,607km (998 miles)

It takes around 5h 45m to get from Port Douglas and Ballina by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 24h 10m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Port Douglas to Ballina is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 5h 25m and will set you back approx A$205 ($135).

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

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Port Douglas and Ballina. We recommend that you fly from Cairns (CNS) to Gold Coast (OOL) then take the bus to Byron Bay and then to Bentinck St opp Ballina Hospital. instead which will take 5h 25m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Port Douglas and Ballina. It typically takes around 1 day 10h and departs 3 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Port Douglas to Ballina. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Port Douglas, Cairns and Brisbane. These services run 3 times a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 10h.

Trans North Bus & Coach and Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Port Douglas and Ballina. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 1 day 10h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Port Douglas and Ballina. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and arrive at Ballina (BNK) - via Sydney (SYD). The flight takes around 4h 10m.

There is no direct flight from Port Douglas to Ballina. There is however a flight that goes via Sydney (SYD). This services will take at least 5h 45m (not including layover time).

The flight from Port Douglas to Ballina typically takes around 4h 10m. Flights depart from Cairns (CNS) and and arrive into Ballina (BNK).

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 Port Douglas and Ballina. 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 Port Douglas to Ballina is to fly which takes, on average, 5h 45m and will usually cost around A$320 ($215).

How do I get from Port Douglas to Ballina

Compare travel optionsbetween Port Douglas and Ballina

Transport options from Port Douglas to Ballina
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly + 3 similar
5h 45m
A$320($215)
every 20 mins2,655km (1,650 miles)
Plane and Bus5h 25m
A$205($135)
twice daily1,656km (1,029 miles)
Fly to Coffs Harbour (CFS), Bus8h 55m
A$490($330)
once daily2,035km (1,264 miles)
Plane, Train and Bus7h 40m
A$240($160)
twice daily1,727km (1,073 miles)
Bus
1 day 10h
A$310($210)
3 times a week2,267km (1,408 miles)
Bus and Train
1 day 5h
A$315($210)
3 times a week1,973km (1,226 miles)
Drive
24h 10m
A$275($185)
on demand2,066km (1,284 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Port Douglas 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