The route at a glance
The Ballina–Sydney corridor.
Ballina to Sydney is a 770-kilometre Pacific Highway run with overnight and daytime options from Greyhound, Premier and FlixBus. Coach journey time is around 12 hours including rest stops at Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Newcastle. Most southbound travellers from Byron or northern NSW pick up the corridor at Ballina to skip the slower Tweed–Lismore segment.
Typical calling points
- BallinaNSW
- AlstonvilleNSW
- LismoreNSW
- WoodburnNSW
- IlukaNSW
- MacleanNSW
- GraftonNSW
- SydneyNSW
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.
FlixBus Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon FlixBus AustraliaFrom$64Services
Depart Arrive Runs 5:30 PM 5:15 AM+1 Daily Greyhound Australia
Wi-FiToiletUSB chargingWheelchair accessEco-friendly40kg luggageBookon Greyhound AustraliaFrom$89Services
Depart Arrive Runs 10:45 AM 12:00 AM+1 Mon–Tue, Sat–Sun 11:45 AM 1:00 AM+1 Tue 5:45 PM 7:00 AM+1 Daily 6:45 PM 8:00 AM+1 Tue Premier Motor Service
Toilet20kg luggageprice pending operator scraper
Cheaper on a pass. Premier Motor Service Value Passes: from $115 for this corridor, $10 under the direct fare.Bookon Premier Motor ServiceFrom$125Services
Depart Arrive Runs 6:15 PM 7:45 AM+1 Daily
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.
Book at least seven days ahead during school holidays, the Easter long weekend, and the Christmas–New Year period. Long-haul corridors fill quickly during these windows and same-day fares can be double the advance-purchase price. 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. Pack snacks and a refillable water bottle. Rest stop options on regional corridors are sparse, particularly between major towns. 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 Sydney
OctoberSydney, NSWNRL Grand FinalFirst Sunday of October (typically)
OctoberSydney, NSWSculpture by the Sea, BondiLate October to early November (approx. 3 weeks)
DecemberSydney, NSWRolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (start)26 December (Boxing Day) annually
Route FAQs
Ballina to Sydney, answered.
- Around 11 hours and 45 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 729 kilometres. The coach covers it in around 11 hours and 45 minutes, allowing for stops.
- Fares start from around $64 one-way. Booking at least a week ahead usually saves you 30 to 50 percent compared to same-day fares. Same-day bookings on long-haul corridors can run double the advance-purchase price during school holidays.
- Premier Motor Service, Greyhound Australia 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 and FlixBus Australia run direct services on this corridor, so you can travel Ballina to Sydney 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.
- Not currently scheduled on this corridor. Most services run during the day with a meal stop midway. Check the timetable above for current departure times.
- 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 Sydney.
Continuing past Sydney? These coach corridors carry on from your arrival city.
Related routes