Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
23/08/2025
Jonas Schallenberg, Pexels
The Northern Rivers Region is primarily served by two key airports, with a network of bus services and major highways facilitating road travel. While a main railway line traverses parts of the region, passenger train services directly into all areas are limited.
By Air:
Travelers can fly into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK), located within the region. Airlines such as Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Qantas, and FlyPelican operate services to BNK from major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Ballina (BNK) can start from approximately AUD $64-$73 for a one-way ticket, with round trips potentially around AUD $147-$173. Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Ballina (BNK) start from around AUD $184 one-way.
Gold Coast Airport (OOL), located just across the Queensland border, also serves the northern parts of the Northern Rivers Region. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas operate flights here. One-way flights from Sydney (SYD) to Gold Coast (OOL) can be found from approximately AUD $66, and from Melbourne (MEL) to Gold Coast (OOL) from around AUD $47-$91. Flight durations are typically around 1 hour 15 minutes from Sydney and 2 hours 5 minutes from Melbourne.
By Train:
The North Coast railway line runs through the Northern Rivers region, with stations including Grafton, Casino, and Kyogle. However, direct long-distance passenger train services into all parts of the region are no longer extensive.
NSW TrainLink operates regional coach services that connect to train lines further south. For instance, Ballina is serviced by day and night coach connections to trains at Casino, and connections to and from Sydney are also available via coach-rail links.
By Bus:
Regional coach services are a significant mode of transport. NSW TrainLink coaches provide connections from major cities like Sydney and Brisbane, reaching towns such as Ballina, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Lismore, Grafton, and Casino. Proposed timetable changes in mid-2026 aim to improve journey times and increase frequency on popular routes.
Companies like Greyhound Australia offer national coach services, connecting the Northern Rivers with other parts of Australia.
Local bus services, such as Northern Rivers Buslines, operate routes within the region, connecting towns like Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Casino, and Evans Head. Single trip fares are approved by Transport for NSW, with an adult fare for 1-2 sections being approximately AUD $2.30.
By Car:
Driving is a popular way to explore the Northern Rivers Region due to its extensive road network, including the Pacific Highway, Bruxner Highway, Gwydir Highway, and Summerland Way.
Car rental services are available at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and in major towns. Daily car hire prices in the Northern Rivers Region start from approximately AUD $66-$69. Providers include Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz.
Check out our other pages on Northern Rivers Region
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