Cheap flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Brisbane (BNE)

Two cities, two distinct vibes, and just two hours in the air between them. Discover the perfect Australian getaway with a quick flight that connects Melbourne's vibrant urban landscape to Brisbane's sun-drenched paradise, transforming grey skies to brilliant blue in the blink of an eye. Whether you're chasing creative inspiration or seeking a radiant escape, this journey promises more than just miles. It's your ticket to experiencing the heart of Australia, one unforgettable moment at a time.

Airlines fly direct from Melbourne to Brisbane

From budget-friendly to premium experiences, this route offers a range of flight options for every type of traveller:

• Qantas: The Flying Kangaroo delivers full-service flights with complimentary perks, Frequent Flyer points, and varied aircraft offering potential extra legroom.
• Virgin Australia: Mid-range option blending value and comfort, Virgin's service comes with Velocity points and in-flight entertainment.
• Jetstar: Minimalist air travel with low base fares. Add meals and seats easily online. Pack light to keep expenses down.

Flight time from Melbourne to Brisbane?

It takes just about 2 hours and 10 minutes to fly from Melbourne to Brisbane. It’s barely enough time to finish a movie, but just long enough to appreciate skipping what would be a punishing 17-hour drive.

Average price of flights between Melbourne and Brisbane

One-way tickets between Melbourne and Brisbane usually cost between AU$120 and AU$250, with tempting deals currently starting at just AU$102. Price-savvy travellers should keep an eye out for Virgin Australia Happy Hour sales every Thursday afternoon and Jetstar's Friday Frenzy, putting affordable fares within reach on this high-demand route. For the sweet spot between availability and savings, book 4-6 weeks ahead of your travel date.

Cheapest time to fly to Brisbane

Brisbane shines year-round, but your wallet smiles brightest during February and November, with current fares as low as AU$102. These sweet-spot months dodge both school holiday surges and the Dec-Jan peak when southerners flock north for summer. 

Mid-week flights are your wallet's best mate. Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently offer more wallet-friendly fares compared to weekend rates. And for those willing to embrace the pre-dawn hours, the 6 am Melbourne departures aren't just an early wake-up call, but reward early risers with lower fares.

Alternate airports to fly from

If you're flying from Melbourne, you'll be able to get to Brisbane from Tullamarine (MEL) or from Melbourne's second airport, Avalon (AVV), which is closer to Geelong.

When landing in Brisbane, there is just the one airport in the city. But depending on where you're staying, it may be worth comparing fares with Sunshine Coast (MCY) and Gold Coast (OOL) airports, too.

Where is the airport in Brisbane?

Strategically positioned 14 kms from the CBD, Brisbane Airport (BNE) offers proximity without compromising the city's peace and quiet. Travellers have multiple transit options to reach the city centre: the Airtrain provides the quickest escape to Central Station in 20 minutes for AU$16, while budget-friendly shuttles cost around AU$15 per person. 

For direct transport, taxis average AU$45-AU$55, with rideshare services providing a more economical alternative. Visitors keen to explore beyond the city, car hire desks provide competitive rates, opening up spontaneous day trips to the Sunshine Coast or North Stradbroke Island.

Passport requirements for Australians flying to Brisbane

As its a domestic route, Melbourne to Brisbane flights require nothing more than a single form of photo identification—whether it's a driver's licence, passport, or proof of age card—will do nicely. No need to arrive hours early for immigration checks, simply arrive with your ID in hand, and aim to complete check-in within 30 minutes of your flight's departure. International visitors should still carry a handy backup identification document, though it won't be needed for the actual flight.

Time difference between Melbourne and Brisbane

In the warmer months (Oct-Apr), Brisbane runs an hour behind Melbourne, meaning you'll magically gain an extra hour the moment you land. Once winter (May-Sep) arrives, both cities have the same time as Queensland doesn’t use daylight savings time.

Our tips to getting the best price on flights

Discover the best deals on Melbourne-Brisbane flights with these five insider tips and save money for your vacation:

• Set up Traveloka Price Alerts to be notified when fares drop below your target price.
• Check alternate Melbourne departure points—Avalon occasionally offers Brisbane routes at competitive rates.
• Bundle your hotel and flight through Traveloka for package discounts.
• Consider mix and match airlines by booking one-way flights with different carriers.
• Use Traveloka's flexible date search to spot mid-week bargains hiding among weekend premium rates.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking

The Melbourne-Brisbane route might be crowded with booking options, but Traveloka offers unique benefits for domestic Australian travelers:

• Unbiased fare comparison—across all airlines for the best deals.
• Zero hidden fees—the price you see first is the price you pay last.
• 24/7 Australian-based support—when flight schedules change (as they inevitably do).
• Exclusive promo codes—not available on airline websites or other platforms.
• User-friendly app—for booking flights in under 2 minutes.

Experience the difference of Traveloka, Southeast Asia's fastest-growing travel platform now available in Australia, for your next trip to Brisbane.