Sydney to Brisbane
Sydney to Brisbane is 914 km up the Pacific Highway, and a surprising number of people would rather drive than fly. A RideMates carpool costs half the price of a flight once you add transfers, and the stops along the coast (Coffs, Port, Byron) make the drive itself a trip worth taking.
Distance
914 km
Drive time
9h 30m
Seat from
$57
Cost comparison
Sydney to Brisbane, every which way
Carpool
$57 to $78
per seat on RideMates
Flight
$140 to $260 one way
plus bags and transfers
Bus
$120 to $200 on Greyhound
slower, more stops
Drive solo
around $238 in fuel
fuel and wear, before tolls
Why RideMates
Why carpool this route?
See the east coast for the price of a flight ticket
Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay. The Pacific Highway threads every coastal town. Most drivers break the trip with a stop or two.
Half the cost of the bus
Greyhound Sydney to Brisbane is $120+ and takes 16 hours with stops. A RideMates carpool seat is around $68 and takes 9h 30m.
Flexible stops on the way
Plenty of drivers will drop passengers off in Coffs, Byron, or Gold Coast rather than going all the way to Brisbane. Check the route before booking.
On the way
Common stops between Sydney and Brisbane
Most drivers take a break somewhere along the route. Some will drop passengers off here too.
FAQ
Sydney to Brisbane questions
How long does the Sydney to Brisbane drive take?
The Pacific Highway runs 914 km and takes about 9h 30m direct. Most drivers include a 30 to 45 minute meal stop, bringing the total to around 10 hours.
Can I get dropped off in Byron Bay?
Yes, many drivers will stop in Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, or the Gold Coast. Check the driver's route plan or message them before booking.
How much does the carpool cost?
Typical Sydney to Brisbane carpools cost $58 to $78 per seat. That's well under half the cost of a Greyhound ticket and often cheaper than a budget flight once you add bags and airport transfers.
Do drivers stop overnight?
Usually no. Most drivers do the trip in a single day with meal stops. If you need an overnight ride, look for drivers who list a stop in Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay.
Further reading
More on the Sydney to Brisbane run
More carpools from these cities
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