The route at a glance
The Ballina–Surfers Paradise corridor.
The Ballina to Surfers Paradise bus is a quick regional run of 116 kilometres along the Pacific Highway connecting NSW and QLD. The journey takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, NSW TrainLink and FlixBus Australia run scheduled services on this corridor, giving you a choice of departure times and price points. Most services run frequently enough that day-of bookings are usually fine outside peak times.
Typical calling points
- BallinaNSW
- LismoreNSW
- BallinaNSW
- Byron BayNSW
- MullumbimbyNSW
- Brunswick HeadsNSW
- MooballNSW
- MurwillumbahNSW
- Tweed HeadsNSW
- BilingaQLD
- Gold CoastQLD
- Surfers ParadiseQLD
Typical stops on this corridor. Actual calling points vary by operator and service.
Journey essentials
- Onboard
- Wi-Fi · Toilet · USB charging · Wheelchair access
- Luggage
- 1 × 40kg checked bag
Compare operators
Who runs this route.
NSW TrainLink
ToiletWheelchair access40kg luggageBookon NSW TrainLinkFrom$15Services
Depart Arrive Runs 3:20 AM 7:00 AM Daily 7:50 PM 11:20 PM Daily FlixBus Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon FlixBus AustraliaFrom$16Premier Motor Service
Toilet20kg luggageBookon Premier Motor ServiceFrom$46Services
Depart Arrive Runs 7:50 AM 11:00 AM Daily Greyhound Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingWheelchair accessEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon Greyhound AustraliaFrom$48Services
Depart Arrive Runs 6:30 AM 9:30 AM Mon–Tue, Sat–Sun 7:30 AM 9:30 AM Tue 9:00 AM 12:00 PM Mon–Fri, Sun 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Tue
Fares are indicative. Live pricing may vary by date and availability. AusBus earns a small commission on some bookings at no extra cost to you.
Spotted an error or a missing operator on this route? Let us know.
Travel tips
What to know before you go.
Short-hop coach services on this corridor run frequently enough that walk-on fares are usually available, but Friday afternoon and Sunday evening departures fill faster than other times. NSW TrainLink coaches connect with the rail network at multiple regional hubs. If you're continuing onwards, booking train and coach as a single combined fare is usually cheaper than two separate tickets. Arrive at the terminal at least 15 minutes before departure. Most operators begin boarding 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time and won't hold the coach for late passengers. Check the operator's luggage policy before you travel. Most include one checked bag (40 kg) and one carry-on, but allowances vary by carrier and additional bags usually attract a fee.
Worth timing your trip for
What's on in Surfers Paradise
OctoberGold Coast, QLDGold Coast 500Last weekend of October (3 days)
JanuaryGold Coast, QLDMagic Millions CarnivalEarly-to-mid January (sales week plus race day on the second Saturday)
JulyGold Coast, QLDGold Coast MarathonFirst weekend of July (2 days)
Route FAQs
Ballina to Surfers Paradise, answered.
- Around 3 hours and 30 minutes for a typical scheduled service. Travel time can vary by 30 minutes or more depending on the operator, the number of intermediate stops, and traffic on the day.
- The coach route is about 116 kilometres. The coach covers it in around 3 hours and 30 minutes, allowing for stops.
- Fares start from around $15 one-way. Booking a few days ahead is usually enough. Same-day bookings on long-haul corridors can run double the advance-purchase price during school holidays.
- Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, NSW TrainLink and FlixBus Australia operate services on this route. Use the operator comparison above to see which suits your travel date, budget and preferences for amenities like Wi-Fi, USB charging and onboard toilets.
- Yes. Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia, NSW TrainLink and FlixBus Australia run direct services on this corridor, so you can travel Ballina to Surfers Paradise without changing coaches. Check the timetable above for current departure times.
- Services on this route offer Wi-Fi, an onboard toilet, USB charging and wheelchair access. Amenities vary by operator and vehicle, so check the specific service when you book.
- NSW TrainLink runs both coach and rail services. The XPT/Xplorer trains are usually faster and more comfortable on long-haul corridors but run less frequently. Coaches are more direct from Sydney Coach Terminal and connect with regional services.
- Last-minute seats are sometimes available, but never guaranteed, particularly on Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and during school holidays. Booking online a few days ahead is strongly recommended and almost always cheaper.
- Most operators include one checked bag (up to 40 kg) and one carry-on bag in the ticket price. Additional bags usually attract a fee. Check the specific operator's luggage policy at the time of booking.
Keep going
Onward from Surfers Paradise.
Continuing past Surfers Paradise? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
Related routes