Gold Coast to Byron Bay Express Bus Service
BYRON BAY EXPRESS
Daily EXPRESS shuttle bus between
Surfers Paradise – Gold Coast Airport – Byron Bay
BYRON BAY · GOLD COAST AIRPORT · VARSITY BRISBANE TRAINLINK · SURFERS PARADISE
24/7 Online Booking
Friendly &
Helpful drivers
Air-conditioned fleet
No luggage fees
Trusted by Travellers Worldwide
Byron Bay Express is a local, family-owned shuttle bus service that has been transporting happy customers from Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast Airport (OOL) to the bustling heart of Byron Bay since 1999. The best part is it’s the most affordable way to travel, with fares starting from $25.
Safety has always been our number one priority, which is why we employ only the most highly-experienced drivers. We are also committed to your comfort, and offering a prompt service so you can rest assured we will get you to where you need to be, and with time to spare.
Travel can be stressful, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Just know that Byron Bay Express is here to make your entire transport experience as hassle-free as possible. Hear from our happy passengers below:
DESTINATIONS
Byron Bay Express offers regular services connecting you to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay region’s most popular destinations.
Looking for the quickest and most hassle-free way to travel between Byron Bay, Gold Coast Airport, Varsity Lakes (Brisbane Trainlink) and Surfer’s Paradise, all for the best price? There are a number of ways to travel between these must-do Aussie locations, but none offer the same regular, affordable & reliable service as Byron Bay Express. Our buses and routes have been planned to offer you optimal comfort, as we get you to your destination promptly and safely.
Destinations
Pick your destination — set departure times, point to point, every day.
Coastal town
Byron Bay
About Byron Bay
Australia's easternmost town and one of its most relaxed coastal escapes. Known for the heritage Cape Byron Lighthouse, golden surf beaches, a buzzing café and market scene, and great whale-watching from May to November.
Airport transfer
Gold Coast Airport
About Gold Coast Airport
Located at Coolangatta (airport code OOL), this is the gateway to the southern Gold Coast and northern NSW, serving both domestic and international flights. Our shuttle connects your terminal directly to Byron Bay with set daily departures.
Beach & nightlife
Surfers Paradise
About Surfers Paradise
The vibrant heart of the Gold Coast, famous for its high-rise skyline, patrolled surf beach and lively dining, shopping and nightlife. A central, easy meeting point right in the middle of the action.
Rail connection · Varsity Lakes
Brisbane TrainLink
About Brisbane TrainLink
Varsity Lakes is the southern terminus of the Gold Coast rail line, with frequent Citytrain services to central Brisbane and onward links to Brisbane Airport. We sync our shuttle with the trains so the Byron–Brisbane connection is seamless.
PRICING
GOLD COAST AIRPORT
to/from
BYRON BAY
- Adults (15+) $49 One Way / $90 Return
- Child (4-14) $39 One Way / $70 Return
- Infants & Toddlers (0-3) FREE
BYRON BAY
to/from
SURFERS PARADISE
- Adults (15+) $49 One Way / $90 Return
- Child (4-14) $39 One Way / $70 Return
- Infants & Toddlers (0-3) FREE
GOLD COAST AIRPORT
to/from
SURFERS PARADISE
- Adults (15+) $25 One Way / $25 Return
- Child (4-14) $25 One Way / $25 Return
- Infants & Toddlers (0-3) FREE
Why Taking The Byron Bay Express Beats Driving
- Massive Cost Savings: Avoid the financial burden of petrol, toll roads, and parking costs.
- Unbeatable Starting Rates: Secure your seat for an affordable one-way fare of only $25.
- Stress-Free Commuting: Relax in comfort while our professional drivers handle the highway.
- Eco-Friendly Travel Alternative: Lower your individual carbon footprint by choosing shared transit.
POPULAR SERVICES
Byron Bay Express offers regular services connecting you to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay region’s most popular destinations. Looking for the quickest and most hassle-free way to travel between Byron Bay, Gold Coast Airport, Varsity Lakes (Brisbane Trainlink) and Surfer’s Paradise, all for the best price? There are a number of ways to travel between these must-do Aussie locations, but none offer the same regular, affordable & reliable service as Byron Bay Express. Our buses and routes have been planned to offer you optimal comfort, as we get you to your destination promptly and safely.
Gold Coast to Byron Bay
Are you travelling between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay?
If you’ve booked a break in Surfer’s Paradise, you should absolutely make the trip from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay. Experience one of the world’s most famous and beloved coastal towns, with stunning natural attractions, boutique shopping and dining, world-class festivals, and general vibrant feel.
As if that wasn’t enough to convince you, maybe the sight of the imposing and immediately recognizable Cape Byron Lighthouse at the most easterly point of the Australian mainland will. What’s more, between June and November, humpback whales can frequently be spotted from headland viewpoints, such as the Captain Cook Lookout.
Byron Bay to Gold Coast
If you’re spending time in Byron Bay, why not consider checking out iconic Surfer’s Paradise?
This stunning metropolitan beachside city acts as the Gold Coast’s major hub, playing host to an eclectic mix of national and international music, arts and sporting events, as well as being home to one of the largest nightlife districts in Australia.
As its name would suggest, it’s renowned for its world class surf beaches, but beyond that is equally recognised for its impressive culinary scene, wine bars, craft beer tap houses, and rooftop cocktail bars.
Popular Related Shuttle Routes
You may also be interested in:
Byron Bay Express operates regular services across the region with convenient daily departures.
BYRON BAY · GOLD COAST AIRPORT · VARSITY BRISBANE TRAINLINK · SURFERS PARADISE
TIMETABLE
To find out times and availability, click on the Get Price & Book button and enter your travel dates. You’ll then be able to view the latest schedule.
Please note: Byron Bay is one hour ahead of the Gold Coast during daylight savings (October to April). Make sure to check your departure and arrival times carefully when planning your trip.
Timetable
Daily shuttles between Surfers Paradise, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast Airport & Byron Bay — 4 trips each way.
Southbound · To Byron Bay
Surfers Paradise · Varsity Lakes · Gold Coast Airport → Byron Bay
| Trip | Surfers Paradise Dep | Varsity Lakes Dep | Gold Coast Airport Dep | Byron Bay Arr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trip 1 | — | — | 9:00 AM | 9:50 AM |
| Trip 2 | 9:30 AM | 9:55 AM | 10:15 AM | 11:05 AM |
| Trip 3 | 12:00 PM | 12:25 PM | 12:45 PM | 1:35 PM |
| Trip 4 | 2:00 PM | 2:25 PM | 2:45 PM | 3:35 PM |
- —Surfers Paradise
- —Varsity Lakes
- 9:00 AMGold Coast Airport
- 9:50 AMByron Bay
- 9:30 AMSurfers Paradise
- 9:55 AMVarsity Lakes
- 10:15 AMGold Coast Airport
- 11:05 AMByron Bay
- 12:00 PMSurfers Paradise
- 12:25 PMVarsity Lakes
- 12:45 PMGold Coast Airport
- 1:35 PMByron Bay
- 2:00 PMSurfers Paradise
- 2:25 PMVarsity Lakes
- 2:45 PMGold Coast Airport
- 3:35 PMByron Bay
Trip 1 southbound departs Gold Coast Airport only — no Surfers Paradise or Varsity Lakes pickup.
Northbound · From Byron Bay
Byron Bay → Gold Coast Airport · Varsity Lakes · Surfers Paradise
| Trip | Byron Bay Dep | Gold Coast Airport Arr | Varsity Lakes Arr | Surfers Paradise Arr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trip 1 | 10:00 AM | 10:50 AM | 11:10 AM | 11:35 AM |
| Trip 2 | 11:30 AM | 12:20 PM | 12:40 PM | 1:05 PM |
| Trip 3 | 2:00 PM | 2:50 PM | — | — |
| Trip 4 | 4:00 PM | 4:50 PM | 5:10 PM | 5:35 PM |
- 10:00 AMByron Bay
- 10:50 AMGold Coast Airport
- 11:10 AMVarsity Lakes
- 11:35 AMSurfers Paradise
- 11:30 AMByron Bay
- 12:20 PMGold Coast Airport
- 12:40 PMVarsity Lakes
- 1:05 PMSurfers Paradise
- 2:00 PMByron Bay
- 2:50 PMGold Coast Airport
- —Varsity Lakes
- —Surfers Paradise
- 4:00 PMByron Bay
- 4:50 PMGold Coast Airport
- 5:10 PMVarsity Lakes
- 5:35 PMSurfers Paradise
Trip 3 northbound terminates at Gold Coast Airport — does not continue to Varsity Lakes or Surfers Paradise.
Please note: there are a few things to be mindful of when you are booking
TIMEZONE INFORMATION
- DAYLIGHT SAVINGS runs from October to April
- Winter *EST: Eastern Standard Time (APRIL 2026 – OCT 2026).
- Summer *DST: Daylight Standard Time (NSW only: OCT 2026 – April 2027)
STATE
BORDERS
- Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast / Coolangatta Airport (OOL), Varsity Lakes & Brisbane are in QUEENSLAND (QLD)
- Byron Bay is in NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW)
DURATION OF TRAVEL
- Byron Bay (Back & Forth) Gold Coast Airport (OOL) – Approximately 50 minutes
- Byron Bay (Back & Forth) Surfers Paradise – Approximately 90 minutes
- Gold Coast Airport (Back & Forth) Surfers Paradise – Approximately 45 minutes
- All times are dependant on traffic and weather conditions
LOCATIONS
Centrally located, easy to find and clearly signposted — between Brisbane (TrainLink connection), the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Look for our blue-and-white Byron Bay Express shuttle, shown here, at each stop below.
Byron Bay Express has run daily shuttle transfers since 1999, linking Surfers Paradise, Varsity Lakes (Brisbane TrainLink) and Gold Coast Airport (OOL) with Byron Bay. Every pick-up point is a marked, public bus stop with a real photo and a live Google map to help you find it quickly.
Pick-up & drop-off points
Where you'll hop on & off
Centrally located, easy to find and clearly signposted — between Brisbane (TrainLink connection), the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Look for our blue-and-white Byron Bay Express shuttle, shown here, at each stop below.
Byron Bay Express has run daily shuttle transfers since 1999, linking Surfers Paradise, Varsity Lakes (Brisbane TrainLink) and Gold Coast Airport (OOL) with Byron Bay. Every pick-up point is a marked, public bus stop with a real photo and a live Google map to help you find it quickly.
Surfers Paradise
Mantra Legends Hotel Bus Stop
Surfers Paradise shuttle bus pick-up & drop-off point
Show map
Varsity Lakes
Brisbane TrainLink connection
Varsity Lakes train-to-Byron Bay shuttle connection
Show map
Gold Coast Airport
OOL · Coach Transit Centre
Gold Coast Airport to Byron Bay shuttle transfer
Show map
Byron Bay
Byron Bay Bus Interchange
Byron Bay shuttle bus pick-up & drop-off point
Show map
BOOKING
Byron Bay Express offers convenient, instant booking via their online booking platform.
How do i book?
Gold Coast to Byron Bay Shuttle
Our online booking system has been designed for ease of use, and offers instant availability details. Simply find a time that suits you on the Byron Bay Express shuttle timetable and follow the prompts to check availability and book your seat. Remember to keep in mind the estimated journey time: Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay is 90 minutes, Gold Coast to Byron Bay is 50 minutes (and is the same journey time in the reverse orders).
After you book online, you’ll then receive an email confirmation of your booking. There’s no need to print this for presentation to the driver as you board, but please do keep the email receipt handy for your own records.
Many people ask whether they can simply turn up on the day and hope there’s space to accommodate them. While we’ll always do our best to find you a seat on the next available service, we highly recommend booking your journey in advance to avoid disappointment and a lengthier than necessary wait.
What happens next?
Make your way to your designated or agreed pick-up point at either Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast Airport, Byron Bay or one of the locations en-route, and one of our friendly drivers will be there to greet you with a smile. If we can be of assistance in any way, just let us know! From helping you with your luggage, to answering the questions only a local would know the responses to, we’re always happy to help.
Are price, comfort and reliability important to you?
If the answer is yes, Byron Bay Express really is the only option to ensure you have the most positive experience as you travel between Australia’s most iconic destinations.
While various limited alternatives exist, other bus services tend to make multiple frequent stops, adding to the overall journey time. They also tend to carry a higher price tag. With no trains in the area, the other alternative is to hire a car, or book an Uber or Taxi, all of which would work out to be far more expensive, and aren’t guaranteed to reduce the time of the journey. Save time and money by booking with Byron Bay Express.
How Does The Service Work?
Booking with Byron Bay Express is easy. Book, Jump On Board, Relax, Arrive.
1. Book Your Seat Online
Secure your seat in just a few clicks using our easy online booking system.
2. Arrive at Your Pick-Up Point
Head to your chosen pick-up location a few minutes before departure.
3. Hop On & Relax
Sit back, enjoy the ride, and let our driver take care of the rest
4. Arrive On Time
Well drop you off right at your destination
Why Should Ride With Byron Bay Express?
Safety Comes First
Safety has always been our number one priority, which is why we employ only the most highly-experienced drivers. We are also committed to your comfort, and offering a prompt service so you can rest assured we will get you to where you need to be, and with time to spare.
Travel In Comfort
When it comes to these sorts of trips, we believe you can’t beat Toyota Coaster & Toyota Commuters for both safety and comfort. High roofs and lots of legroom make for a relaxing drive. Our fleet of three modern, fully-air-conditioned buses operates regularly, with additional trips scheduled during peak times of year.
Hassle Free Travel
Travel can be stressful, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Just know that Byron Bay Express is here to make your entire transport experience as hassle-free as possible. Sit back, enjoy the ride, and let our driver take care of the rest
BYRON BAY · GOLD COAST AIRPORT · VARSITY BRISBANE TRAINLINK · SURFERS PARADISE
Why is Byron Bay Express The Preferred Shuttle Bus To Travel With?
Byron Bay Express is Afforadable, Efficient & Reliable
When travelling between Surfers Paradise or Gold Coast Airport to Byron Bay, reliability matters. Byron Bay Express has safely transported thousands of passengers across the South East Queensland Gold Coast and Northern NSW region since 1999.
We Take Pride in What We Do
✔ Modern, comforatable, air-conditioned fleet
✔ Easy online booking, 24/7, instant confirmation
✔ Hundreds of 5-star reviews and thousands of happy travellers
✔ Convenient central pick-up & drop off locations
We focus on safe, comfortable and on time transfers so you can relax and enjoy the journey. Byron Bay Express has transported thousands of travellers between Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast and Byron Bay over the past two decades.
Special Events, Day Trips & Charters
Special Events
Festivals & Schoolies
We offer extra services during special events to Byron Bay from Gold Coast Airport, Surfers Paradise and Brisbane Trainlink. Check our live timetable for specific times. Secure your seat in just a few clicks using our easy online booking system.
Private Bus Charters
We offer private bus charters servicing Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Airport, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane and anywhere in between.
Day Trip from Gold Coast to Byron Bay
Looking to travel from Surfers Paradise or the Gold Coast Airport to Byron Bay for the day? Book our easy day trip and soak up the best of Byron’s beaches, markets, and laid-back vibes before heading back to the Gold Coast.
Feel free to contact us for any specific enquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do your buses have seat belts?
Yes. The safety and comfort of passengers is our number one concern. For that reason, all of our shuttle buses are fitted with seat belts.
What can you bring on the bus?
There are no specific restrictions on what you can bring onto the bus with you, with the exception of pets. Our spacious vehicles have enough room for large amounts of luggage per guest, even bigger items such as bikes and surf boards. And while other transport services tend to charge for what they consider ‘excess baggage’ our philosophy is if it fits, load it on!
Having said that, prior arrangements do need to be made if a passenger has more than two items of luggage larger than the size of a standard suitcase or backpack, more than one surfboard, or if the surfboard is longer than eight feet in length.
I’m coming to Byron Bay to surf. Will you charge me extra for transporting my surf board?
We are one of the few Gold Coast to Byron Bay transfer service providers that does not charge additional fees for larger items of ‘excess baggage’. Rest assured, your surf board can travel for free!
What happens if I miss the bus?
While we’d advise you to leave a large enough window to avoid missing your departure time, we understand that sometimes circumstances outside of your control can prevent this from happening. If all else fails and you do miss your pick-up time, we will do all we can to ensure you are found a spot on the next available service.
How long does the shuttle bus take from Byron Bay to Surfer’s Paradise?
The shuttle bus from Byron Bay to Surfer’s Paradise takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
What is the capacity of your buses?
Our larger Gold Coast to Byron Bay shuttle buses can seat up to 20 passengers, while our smaller vehicles are built for groups no larger than 16.