A fluid bearing apparatus includes a thrust load supporting portion formed between an external side surface of a fixing shaft and an internal side wall of an opening in a bushing; the surface and wall facing each other. The thrust load supporting portion includes a ball inserting groove formed on the external side surface of the fixing shaft and/or the internal side wall of the bushing and a ball inserted into the ball inserting groove. The upper end portion of the shaft is lower than the upper end portion of the bushing. Since the thrust load is supported by the balls instead of by the upper end portion of the fixing shaft, it is possible to prevent movement of the fixing shaft when the fluid bearing apparatus starts to rotate. The frictional resistance of the upper end portion of the fixing shaft can be reduced when the fluid bearing apparatus starts to rotate and stops its rotation.