- Must visit
Gallery of Modern Art
Queensland’s leading modern art museum presents major Australian and international exhibitions in a striking riverside building at South Bank.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ballina to Brisbane is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ballina to Brisbane will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
On Fri, Oct 30, we found 4 buses from Ballina to Brisbane, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 30 the direct buses cover the 164 km distance in an average of 7 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest buses will take 12 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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Buses from Ballina to Brisbane run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 20:50, the last at 21:50. The fastest bus covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Ballina to Brisbane.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Premier Motor Express | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Greyhound Australia | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
The table below shows live departures for Ballina to Brisbane buses for tomorrow, Friday, October 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GX243 | 7:30 AM Ballina, Tamar St (Ballina Bus Interchange,) | 4h30 | 11:00 AM Brisbane, Coach Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
GX243 · GX246 | 7:30 AM Ballina, Tamar St (Ballina Bus Interchange,) | 12h30 | 7:00 PM Brisbane, Coach Terminal | 1 transfer | |
PM12-DS | 7:50 AM Ballina, Tamar St (Ballina Bus Interchange,) | 4h30 | 11:20 AM Brisbane, Coach Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
GX244 · GX246 | 10:00 AM Ballina, Tamar St (Ballina Bus Interchange,) | 10h00 | 7:00 PM Brisbane, Coach Terminal | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Ballina to Brisbane with Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Express. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound Australia. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Brisbane — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brisbane trip today.
Queensland’s leading modern art museum presents major Australian and international exhibitions in a striking riverside building at South Bank.
Major art museum featuring Australian, Asian, and Pacific works, valued for its riverside setting and strong permanent and touring exhibitions.
State museum showcasing Queensland’s natural history, science, and culture with family-friendly displays and notable skeleton and heritage exhibits.
Brisbane’s signature riverside precinct offers gardens, lagoon, walks, cultural venues, and skyline views, making it a top all-round visitor area.
Large city garden with riverside paths, bamboo grove, and heritage plantings; a peaceful retreat beside the CBD and major landmarks.
Clifftop park known for panoramic city views, picnic lawns, and sunset photography above the Brisbane River and Kangaroo Point cliffs.
Moreton Bay bug is a prized local shellfish, usually grilled with butter or served chilled. It is a Queensland seafood classic often eaten in Brisbane.
Mooloolaba prawns from South East Queensland are known for their sweetness and freshness. In Brisbane they are a staple at seafood platters and riverside dining.
Queensland mud crab is a local favourite, served steamed, stir-fried, or with chilli. It is celebrated for rich sweet meat and strong coastal ties.
Elegant fine dining in Brisbane Powerhouse, known for seasonal Australian tasting menus and polished service with river views.
Refined modern restaurant in Fortitude Valley with inventive produce-driven dishes and one of Brisbane’s top special occasion dining rooms.
Classic Brisbane Greek taverna in West End, loved for generous share plates, grilled meats, and a lively long-running local atmosphere.
Moderate for Australia: stays and dining are not cheap, but transit is reasonable and budget eats are easy to find in tourist areas.
Tipping is not expected. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; cafes usually do not require tips.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Brisbane.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ballina to Brisbane by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Brisbane, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ballina to Brisbane buses use the Ballina, Tamar St (Ballina Bus Interchange,) to Brisbane, Coach Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Ballina and Brisbane bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Brisbane, Coach Terminal has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brisbane, Coach Terminal: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.