Travelling from Brisbane to Sydney
From Bondi Beach to the Opera House, Sydney is a where travellers can find some of the country’s most recognisable landmarks. Enjoy a memorable trip south of the border when you book flights from Brisbane to Sydney with Virgin Australia.
Ready to explore? Book Brisbane to Sydney flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to the harbour city.
Arriving at Sydney Airport
Sydney CBD is approximately 8 kilometres from Sydney Airport. The most value friendly and easiest commute option to central Sydney is the Airport Link train, a 13-minute journey. For Airport Link train you can either tap on with your Visa, Amex or Mastercard, or purchase an Opal Card at the station itself (which is handy for the rest of your Sydney holiday).
Other options include taxi, rideshare, and rental car.
You will arrive into Terminal 2 (T2) at Sydney Airport, from there make your way outside the terminal to the various transport services.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Sydney City)
- Taxi and rideshare: 25-45mins – approx. $55
- Airport Link Train: 13mins – approx. $18
Read more in our Sydney Airport Guide.
Departing from Brisbane Airport
Located 12km from Brisbane City, Brisbane Airport’s easiest and best value commute is the 20-minute Airtrain service, running every 15-30 minutes. Simply tap on with your Translink go card or you can pre-book your Airtrain ticket online.
Alternatively you can commute to Brisbane Airport via shuttle bus, taxi, rideshare – or self-drive and utilise the airport parking.
In non-peak time the drive is approximately 20-minutes from Brisbane CBD, however it’s best to allow extra time for the commute to Brisbane Airport during peak times.
Virgin Australia operates from Brisbane Domestic Airport for the flight from Brisbane to Sydney.
What time do you need to arrive at Brisbane Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee or snack on your way to the departure gate, without feeling rushed.
Read more in our Brisbane Airport Guide.
Sydney Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have 24 hours in Sydney? Here’s our handy guide so you can fit in as many attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am - City-bound
From Sydney Airport, hop on the the Airport Link Train through to central Circular Quay, and once you’ve dropped off your bags make your way to Sydney Opera House - for the best 'Welcome to Sydney' Harbour view.
9.30am – Harbour Bridge Climb
Time for the first adventure! You’re booked in for the 10am BridgeClimb, a 90-minute climb eventuating in the best aerial views of Sydney.
11.30am – The Rocks
Next up is a walk around the cobble-stone streets of The Rocks area. If here on a Saturday or Sunday head to The Rocks Markets, otherwise explore the high street luxury and emerging designer shops, one of the many galleries such as the pop-art ‘Pop on the Rocks’, or the unique homeware shops.
12.30pm – Lunching in Manly
You must be getting hungry after your early start from Brisbane. Time to hop on the ferry at Circular Quay across to Manly, for a spot of lunch. Option A is The Pantry Manly – this restaurant once the famous ‘Beach House’ built in 1919, now showcasing a menu based on local seasonal produce; Option B is Fish Café - with meals such as mahi mahi with green papaya salad, this café/restaurant also offers delicious gluten-free and vegan friendly meals too.
3pm – A spot of shopping in Newtown
You will be tempted to head to the beach, but there’s more on today’s must-see list. Shopping is next on the itinerary and you’ll be truly spoilt in Sydney. We are headed to the inner west’s hub of hip, Newtown, a 20-minute(ish) drive away, where you’ll explore the best vintage shops such as Zoo Emporium, bookshops, and unique fashion labels.
4pm – Meandering the MCA
Back to The Rocks, our next stop is the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), Sydney’s major modern art venue home to both permanent and changing exhibitions.
5pm – Showtime at the Theatre
It’s Showtime – see the latest musical or show in town, you might be lucky to catch ‘Hamilton’ at Sydney Lyric Theatre in Pyrmont or ‘Come From Away’ at Capitol Theatre in the City.
8pm – Harbour views for dinner?
It’s dinner time, and tonight is a degustation with a difference at Automata in Chippendale, with its perfect mix of culinary finesse and urban grit. Casual too, you won’t be out of place in Nikes here.
11pm – Swing in for a nightcap at the Swinging Cat
The last stop for the day is a nightcap at the very funky Swinging Cat – a New-Orleans-feel underground cocktail bar in the CBD. Reminisce on the perfect day you just experienced in Sydney.
Where to stay in Sydney?
Sydney offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets, throughout the city, inner-city suburbs, and further afield.
Sydney CBD
Always electric, Sydney CBD is a handy area to stay in with key attractions around and nearby including Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, world class museums and art galleries. Choose a stay in central Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, or Barangaroo - offering a quieter scene.
Sydney's Inner West
For an artsy vibe we recommend a stay in Sydney’s inner west. You’ll love Newtown, a bohemian-feel neighbourhood where you’ll relish the unique theatre, music, food, and design scene (it’s a bit like West End at home); or music-centric Enmore – home to iconic Enmore Theatre.
Sydney's Eastern Beaches
For a Sydney beach stay, we recommend Sydney’s Eastern Beaches. Bondi – known for more than TV show Bondi Rescue, this famous beach suburb features youth fashion, hipster food, and stunning views. Watson Bay is just a ferry ride from Circular Quay, it’s a more affluent beach area to stay in, with its renowned Doyle’s Seafood; or stay at Coogee for surfer and backpacker vibes.
Sydney's Inner East
For an outstanding café scene, galleries and vintage shops, stay in Sydney’s Inner East. At Surry Hills discover everything from hip coffee joints to nightlife, enjoy the wine bars and stunning art deco architecture in Potts Point, and Sydney’s famous neighbourhood Paddington for the iconic terrace houses and Australian designer boutiques.
Sydney's North Shore
For an upmarket beach vibe, stay on Sydney’s North Shore at either Milsons Point with its harbour views and Luna Park, the hot-property spot of Mosman - also home to Taronga Zoo, or bustling Balmoral Beach – ideal for the active-types with the nearby bushwalks and water sports.
Sydney's Northern Beaches
Each of Sydney’s Northern Beaches has their own flavour. A scenic ferry ride away from the City, stay in Manly if you like a casual surf vibe and Sunday session; Newport for its family-friendly neighbourhood beach feel; and 40 odd kilometres out to Palm Beach for a beach escape outside of the City.
Sydney's South
In Sydney’s South - Rosebery is a hot-spot area to stay for both young families and millennials, with its industrial vibe full of designer warehouses, yoga studios and hip foodie scene (including a gin distillery); or stay in Cronulla (fondly called ‘The Shire’) if rugby league, surfing and fishing is more your scene.
When to visit Sydney?
ydney is an electric destination to visit year-round, with a full event calendar, and so much to see and do. Sydney hosts an array of key events that draws visitors, including Vivid Sydney’s Festival of Light (August), Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (March), Sydney Royal Easter Show (April), and Sydney Comedy Festival (April/May).
Sydney peak season
The most popular time for Brisbane locals to visit Sydney is the Summer months (December to February), the city alive with sport, events, festivals and musicals.
Sydney low season
Alternatively, book your flight from Brisbane to Sydney for Autumn (March to May) when it’s less busy, and you’ll also find a great value airfare too. Compared to Brisbane you may find the Winter months in Sydney (June to August) a smidge cooler. September is also a great time to visit, nab a sharp airfare and enjoy a stunning Spring in Sydney.
What to pack for your trip to Sydney?
Sydney is generally warm year-round, with some cooler temperatures throughout the shoulder seasons, and during winter you may find it a little cooler than in Brisbane. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a day bag for city adventures, a jacket, and smart shoes for the evening.
Must packs
-
- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
- Autumn: a light jacket
- Winter: jeans, boots, warm scarf, long-sleeved tops, a wool coat or medium-weight jacket
- Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings
Brisbane to Sydney - Quick facts
Plane |
Boeing 737-800 |
|---|---|
Airport |
Kingsford Smith Airport (T2) |
Airport transfer time |
25mins to city |
Average flight time |
1hr 35mins |
Timezone |
GMT +10/+11 |
Cabins |
Business, Economy X, Economy |
Frequently asked questions - Brisbane to Sydney flights
The average time for your flight from Brisbane to Sydney is 1 hour and 35 minutes.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
You will travel over 750 kilometres on your flight from Brisbane to Sydney.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 20 times a day from Brisbane to Sydney, operating regularly scheduled flights from 6.00am to 9.05pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Brisbane to Sydney route. More information on our fleet here.