Brisbane to Byron Bay
Brisbane to Byron is 165 km down the Pacific Motorway and around 2 hours. There's no Byron airport (the nearest is Ballina), and the bus takes 2h 30m plus transfer. A RideMates carpool is direct and is the weekend backpacker default.
Distance
165 km
Drive time
2h
Seat from
$12
Cost comparison
Brisbane to Byron Bay, every which way
Carpool
$12 to $15
per seat on RideMates
Flight
Not practical (no Byron airport)
plus bags and transfers
Bus
$35 to $55 on Greyhound
slower, more stops
Drive solo
around $43 in fuel
fuel and wear, before tolls
Why RideMates
Why carpool this route?
Weekend rides run all day Friday
Byron is Brisbane's unofficial weekend getaway. Dozens of rides run this route on Fridays and Sundays all year, and it's peak summer through school holidays.
Direct to Byron, not Ballina
Flying to Byron means flying into Ballina and organising a shuttle. A carpool drops you in Byron's town centre in 2 hours flat.
Half the cost of the bus
Greyhound is $35+ one way and slow. A RideMates carpool seat is around $13, and you can squeeze your surfboard in most cars.
On the way
Common stops between Brisbane and Byron Bay
Most drivers take a break somewhere along the route. Some will drop passengers off here too.
FAQ
Brisbane to Byron Bay questions
How much is a carpool from Brisbane to Byron Bay?
Typical Brisbane to Byron Bay carpools cost $12 to $15 per seat.
How long is the drive?
Around 2 hours via the Pacific Motorway, give or take school-holiday traffic on the Gold Coast stretch.
Can I bring a surfboard?
Most drivers on this route are happy to take surfboards if they fit. Check with the driver before booking so they can plan space.
Are there weekday rides?
Fewer than on weekends, but yes. Peak Friday afternoon and Sunday evening is where most rides run.
Further reading
More on the Brisbane to Byron Bay run
More carpools from these cities
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