Dreamt of visiting Byron Bay?
No need to drive. Back for sunset. Kick back on the trip down the coast, then spend around five hours your way.
The easy Byron Bay day trip from the Gold Coast
Byron Bay Express runs a relaxed, affordable return service: no driving, no tolls, no parking hunt. We depart from Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast Airport and drop you in the heart of Byron Bay with hours to enjoy the beaches, cafés and coastal scenery.
- Same-day return
- Air-conditioned buses
- 5+ hours of free time
- Rated excellent on Google
Day trip schedule
Mantra Legends bus stop
Bus Interchange, Stand D
Stand D
Seats are limited. Book in advance to avoid missing out.
Pricing
Family-owned & operated since 1999 · Secure online booking
How to book
Just the day? Book the Day Trip
One booking covers your return seat: the morning shuttle down to Byron Bay and the afternoon shuttle home the same day. $90 adults, $70 children.
Staying a night or two? Book two one-way seats
Book a one-way seat to Byron Bay for the day you arrive, then a one-way seat home for the day you leave. Pick any of our daily services each way, from $45 one-way for adults.
Accommodation & dining
Planning a quick getaway from Brisbane or the Gold Coast? Book your seats to match your check-in and check-out dates, then find a place to stay and browse places to eat and things to do in Byron Bay. Coming from Brisbane? Take the train to Varsity Lakes Station and hop on board there.
How to spend your day
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Visit Australia's most easterly point for panoramic ocean views and seasonal whale watching.
Beautiful beaches
Swim at Main Beach or walk the coastal track to Wategos Beach.
Boutique shopping
Browse the village centre's local fashion, markets and artisan stores.
Local dining
Enjoy fresh coastal food at one of Byron's many cafés and restaurants.
Perfect for
- Gold Coast holidaymakers
- Visitors without a car
- Cruise passengers
- Short-stay travellers
- Couples & solo travellers
- Anyone who'd rather skip tolls, fuel & parking
Pick-up & drop-off
Surfers Paradise
Mantra Legends Hotel bus stop, 3041 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, in front of Spice Venue Indian Restaurant. Central and easy to reach, with the beach a short stroll away.
View on Google Maps →
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
Coach / Transit Meeting Area at the northern end of the domestic terminal. After collecting your bags, head left past the public bus stop to the white shade sails.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay Bus Interchange, Stand D, Butler Street, in the heart of town. We pick you up from the same spot for the return trip.
Day trip FAQs
Is the Byron Bay day trip a guided tour?
No. It's a flexible return day trip. Once we drop you in Byron Bay you're free to explore at your own pace, with no guide or set itinerary.
How long do I spend in Byron Bay?
About 5 hours. The bus leaves Surfers Paradise at 9:30am and the return bus leaves Byron Bay at 4:00pm Gold Coast time (5:00pm Byron time during daylight saving), arriving back in Surfers Paradise around 5:35pm.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Seats are limited on each departure, so book online in advance, especially on weekends and in school holidays.
What happens if I miss the return bus?
Call us as soon as possible on 0418 364 364. We'll do our best to help, but seats on other services depend on availability and may cost an extra fare.
Where do you pick up on the Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise (Mantra Legends Hotel bus stop, 3041 Surfers Paradise Boulevard) and Gold Coast Airport (Coach / Transit Meeting Area, northern end of the domestic terminal). The bus also stops at Broadbeach and Varsity Lakes.
Where are passengers dropped off in Byron Bay?
Byron Bay Bus Interchange, Stand D, Butler Street, right in the heart of town. It's a short walk to Main Beach, shops, cafés and restaurants.
Is there parking near the Surfers Paradise pick-up?
Yes, there are several public car parks nearby. Check ParkingMate or the City of Gold Coast website for options.
How much does the Byron Bay day trip cost?
$90 return for adults and seniors, $70 for children aged 4–14, and free for infants aged 0–3 travelling with an adult. No hidden fees.
Can I book a one-way trip instead?
Yes. Book a one-way Gold Coast to Byron Bay or Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay shuttle through our online booking system.
Is luggage included? Can I bring a surfboard?
Yes. Standard luggage is included and surfboards travel free. For other oversized items, contact us before booking.
Can't find your answer? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.
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Plan your day
Things to do in Byron Bay & along the way
Surf lessons, whale watching, hinterland tours, local events and great places to eat & drink in Byron Bay and the surrounding shire, powered by the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse.