Ballina Byron (BNK): the Byron shuttles, and the bridge works warning
Byron Easybus and Gillys Gateway Transfers run the shuttles. The airport asks for 90 minutes before departure while bridge upgrades continue.
- The airport asks passengers to arrive 90 minutes before departure while bridge upgrades around Ballina are under way from mid August 2026.
- It advises treating every flight like peak hour, whatever time you fly, and allowing extra driving time.
- Byron Easybus, on 02 6685 7447, is one of two listed shuttle bus operators.
- Gillys Gateway Transfers, on 0477 215 943, is the other.
- Six car hire companies have desks in the arrivals terminal: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Thrifty.
- Ballina Taxis and Hire Cars is on 02 6686 9999 or 1800 992 066.
- A long list of private transfer and chauffeur operators serve Byron Bay, which is where most arrivals are going.
- Byron Bay is about 30 km north of the airport.
The warning first
- From mid August 2026, bridge upgrades around Ballina may cause delays.
- The airport's own advice: treat every flight like peak hour, whatever time you fly.
- Aim to arrive 90 minutes before departure, and allow extra time on the drive.
- This applies to shuttle and taxi journeys as much as to driving yourself.
The shuttles
- Byron Easybus, 02 6685 7447.
- Gilly's Gateway Transfers, 0477 215 943.
- These are the two shuttle bus operators the airport lists. Byron Bay is about 30 km north, and the shuttle is the standard way there.
Taxis and transfers
- Ballina Taxis and Hire Cars: 02 6686 9999 or 1800 992 066.
- A long list of private transfer, hire car and chauffeur operators serve Byron Bay, Lennox Head and the Richmond river area.
- Ride share operates at the airport alongside the taxis.
Car hire
- Six companies have desks in the arrivals terminal: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Thrifty.
- The Northern Rivers is spread out, so a car is the usual choice for anyone not going straight to Byron.
Where you are
- Ballina is on the Richmond river mouth, in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.
- Byron Bay is the reason most people fly here, along with Lennox Head and the hinterland towns of Bangalow and Mullumbimby.
- Gold Coast Airport is about 90 km north and is the larger alternative.
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