Cheap flights to Brisbane from across Australia

Although often underrated, with its rich arts scene, mild weather, and culinary landscape, Brisbane offers an irresistible blend of activities and attractions for all travellers. Let this guide help you navigate your way to the Queensland capital so you can explore the best of what Brisbane has to offer.

How long is the flight to Brisbane?

When flying direct, here’s the approximate length of the flight to Brisbane from other major cities. Of course, depending on the weather these can fluctuate a bit.

• Adelaide to Brisbane: 2 hour, 30 minutes
• Cairns to Brisbane: 3 hours, 10 minutes
• Darwin to Brisbane: 4 hours, 50 minutes
• Melbourne to Brisbane: 2 hours, 10 minutes
• Perth to Brisbane: 4 hours, 30 minutes
• Sydney to Brisbane: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Which airlines fly to Brisbane from within Australia

If you're wondering which airlines can get you to Brisbane from your closest airport, these are all the airlines and cities where you can catch a direct flight.

• Jetstar: Adelaide, Avalon, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Sydney,Townsville, Uluru (Ayers Rock)
• Qantas: Adelaide, Albury, Alice Springs, Barcaldine, Blackall, Bundaberg, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Longreach, Mackay, Melbourne, Moranbah, Mount Isa, Newcastle, Perth, Port Macquarie, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville, Wagga Wagga
• Virgin Australia: Adelaide, Alice Springs, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Emerald, Gladstone, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Mount Isa, Newcastle, Perth, Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast), Queenstown, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville, Uluru (Ayers Rock)
• Alliance Airlines: Moranbah, Weipa
• Link Airways: Armidale, Bileola, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Inverell, Narrabri, Orange, Tamworth, Wollongong
• Rex Airlines: Bedourie, Birdsville, Boulia, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Mount Isa, Quilpie, Roma, St George, Thargomindah, Toowoomba, Windorah

International airlines flying to Brisbane

If you’re booking a flight from outside Australia, you can book with the following international airlines:

• Air Canada
• Air New Zealand
• Air Niuguini
• Aircalin
• American Airlines
• Batik Air
• Cathay Pacific
• China Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Emirates
• EVA Air
• Fiji Airways
• Jetstar
• Korean Air
• Nauru Airlines
• Philippine Airlines
• Qantas
• Qatar
• Singapore Airlines
• Solomon Airlines
• United Airlines
• Vietjet
• Virgin Australia

Where is the airport in Brisbane?

Located northeast of the CBD, Brisbane Airport is about 17km by road from the city centre. Depending on where you’re headed in Brisbane, here’s how long you can expect your journey from the airport to be:

• Brisbane CBD: 20 minutes
• Fortitude Valley: 18 minutes
• West End: 25 minutes
• Southbank: 22 minutes
• Caboolture: 40 minutes
• Ipswich: 50 minutes

How to get to and from the airport in Brisbane

Navigating a new city, especially after an early morning or late flight, can be challenging. But don't worry! Brisbane offers several reliable and convenient options to get you from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to the city centre. Here's a breakdown of the various modes of transport available, including estimated prices, distances, and travel times.

1. Taxi: Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport. A ride to the city center usually costs between AU$45 and AU$55. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. You can find taxis at the designated taxi ranks outside the terminals. This might be the most convenient option if you're traveling in a group or carrying a lot of luggage.
2. Rideshare: Uber and other rideshare services operate in Brisbane. The Uber pick-up spot is at the front of both the Domestic and International Terminals. Fares to the city centre range from AU$35 to AU$45. The travel time is similar to a taxi, about 20 minutes. Remember that surge pricing can apply during peak times, which can increase the cost.
3. Airtrain: The Brisbane Airtrain is a convenient and eco-friendly way to reach the city centre. The train departs every 15-30 minutes from the airport and takes about 20 minutes to reach Central Station in Brisbane. A one-way ticket costs AU$22.30 (or $19.96 if you buy it online in advance). If you book online in advance, you can get discounts. The Airtrain also offers direct services to the Gold Coast, which could be handy if you’re flying into Brisbane to stay there.
4. Shuttle Bus: Con-x-ion airport shuttle bus service offers door-to-door transfers from the airport to several Brisbane locations, including the city centre, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Prices start at AU$15 for a one-way trip to the city centre. The travel time varies depending on your destination and the number of stops along the way but expect it to take 45-60 minutes to reach the city centre. If you need a transfer to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast it will be about $50.
5. Car Rental: If you prefer to drive yourself, car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz have desks at the airport. Prices start from around AU$30 per day for a compact car, but this can vary depending on the vehicle and rental period. The driving distance from the airport to the city centre is about 15 kilometres, and it typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Cheapest way to get to Brisbane airport

Spent a bit more than you expected during your stay in Brisbane? Opt for a shuttle bus from Brisbane CBD as it can cost as low as AU$15 each way.

How early to arrive at the airport

Flying to Brisbane from within Australia

If you’re booking a flight to Brisbane from another Australian city, you’ll want to get to the airport at least an hour before departure. While you can usually check in for your Brisbane flight online in advance, sometimes queues to drop checked baggage off can be slow so it’s best to leave extra time if you need it.

Flying to Brisbane from outside of Australia

For international flights to Brisbane, it’s best to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to check in, drop off any luggage, go through customs and pass security checks and relax before your flight to Queensland. 

When is the cheapest time to fly to Brisbane? 

Timing is key when booking flights to Brisbane to land the best fares and ensure a smooth travel experience. 

Why do prices of Brisbane flights fluctuate?

• Seasonality: Aim to fly to Brisbane during the late-summer months for the best price, or during the spring and autumn for the best value combination of weather and price. Brisbane sees a surge in visitors during the Aussie winter months (June to August) thanks to its mild climate and festival season. Prices are generally higher during this period. Meanwhile, the summer (December to January ) brings the holiday crowd, increasing airline and accommodation costs. 
• Days of the Week: Flying mid-week—specifically Tuesdays and Wednesdays—often results in lower fares than weekends, which are popular for leisure travel. 
• Time of Day: Early morning or late-night flights are often cheaper as they’re less desirable for most passengers. Be sure to filter your flight search to include these times when booking. 

Best time to book flights to Brisbane 

Experts suggest booking flights to Brisbane roughly 60-90 days in advance is the sweet spot for getting the best deal. Of course, keeping an eye out for sales and promo codes can help you save, too.

How to find cheap flights to Brisbane

• Subscribe to Traveloka’s price alerts for real-time updates on flight prices to Brisbane. With this tool, you’re always in the know and ready to snag deals as soon as they pop up.
• Book during a big sale, like EOFY, Black Friday or Boxing Day as there's a good chance airlines are having a sale.
• Don't leave it to the last minute as prices tend to get higher as the date nears