Travelling from Canberra to Brisbane
Afforded with subtropical temperatures all year round, there’s never a bad time to be in Brisbane - especially if you want to escape Canberra's cold! With direct flights from Canberra to Brisbane departing daily, you don’t have to wait to experience everything the Sunshine State has to offer.
Ready to explore? Book Canberra to Brisbane flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to this bustling destination.
Arriving at Brisbane Airport
Brisbane CBD is approximately 12 kilometres from Brisbane Domestic Airport. The easiest commute, and also the most value friendly option to Brisbane CBD is on Airtrain, a 20-minute journey. Either tap on with a Queensland Translink go card (should you possess one), or pre-book your Airtrain ticket online.
You will arrive into Brisbane’s Domestic Airport, from there exit the terminal and follow the signs to the various and convenient transport services.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Brisbane City)
- Taxi and rideshare: approx. $45-$55 - 20mins
- Shuttle bus: approx. $15 - 20mins
- Airtrain: 20mins – approx. $15-$19.50 per adult (children aged 5-14 years inclusive travel free to the CBD with a paying adult)
Read more in our Brisbane Airport Guide.
Departing from Canberra Airport
Located just 8 kilometres from Canberra CBD, the best value commute to Canberra Airport is with Transport Canberra’s ACTION Bus Route Rapid 3, running a 20-minute trip, 7 days a week, from the City and various interchanges, to Canberra Airport.
Alternatively travel to Canberra Airport via taxi or rideshare; or self-drive and utilise the airport parking.
What time do you need to arrive at Canberra Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at Canberra 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 before making your way to the departure gate.
Read more in our Canberra Airport Guide.
Brisbane Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have 24 hours to explore Brisbane? Here’s a handy guide so you can squeeze in lots of key attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am – Breakfast at Frankie & George
Board the handy Airtrain service from Brisbane Airport through to Central Station, and once you’ve dropped off your bags at your hotel (we love W Brisbane and The Westin Brisbane in the City and Fantauzzo Brisbane – Art Series at the fabulous Howard Smith Wharves), make tracks to Frankie & George for breakfast, followed by a little retail therapy.
10.00am – Visit to Museum of Brisbane (MOB)
Next up is a visit to Museum of Brisbane (MoB) located on level 3 of Brisbane City Hall. Featuring creative changing exhibitions and special events, this interesting museum brings Brisbane’s culture, history, and art to life. Don’t miss joining the fun (and free) Clock Tower Tour, where you’ll learn the hidden secrets of the heritage-listed City Hall building and catch great aerial views of Brisbane.
11.30am – visit to Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
Continuing on the culture bandwagon, the next visit is to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) located in Southbank – a quick 15 minute walk away. Marvel at both the latest and the permanent collections, and if visiting over the summer months catch an “Up Late” exhibition (that run on Friday nights) – combining your appreciation of both art and live music.
12.30pm – Lunch at ‘The Spaghetti House Trattoria’
Time for lunch - today’s treat is at The Spaghetti House Trattoria in Southbank, for incredible Italian catering for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan diets too. Our pick is the Gnocchi Moreton Bay Bug – how Queensland!
2pm – South Bank and City Botanic Gardens
Next up is a visit through South Bank, where you’ll see The Wheel of Brisbane, Southbank Parklands, and Streets Beach - then walk over Victoria Bridge back into the City to explore City Botanic Gardens.
3pm – Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Time to see Brisbane through a different lens, with aerial views taken in on the 2-hour Story Bridge Adventure Climb starting at 3.20pm. The climb is based at Kangaroo Point, so either walk or catch an uber/taxi there.
5.30pm – Cocktails at Joey’s, Kangaroo Point
It’s officially cocktail hour, and lucky for you you’re only a short walk to one of Brisbane’s latest venues, Joey’s, perched on River Terrace at Kangaroo Point, offering the best vantage point with 180-degree views of Brisbane. Enjoy a rose, cocktail or spritz from the extensive liquid menu.
7pm – Dinner at Howard Smith Wharves
Peel yourself away from cocktails to make your way to dinner, tonight’s meal at Brisbane’s latest hot spot, Howard Smith Wharves. This once shipyard site now showcases warehouses brought back to life, grassy lawns, restaurants and eateries – and stunning views of Story Bridge and Brisbane City. One dining option is Polpetta – Italian Kitchen & Bar housed within The Fantauzzo Hotel, another option is a casual meal at Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co..
9.30pm – Drinks in Fortitude Valley
Time for drinks in nearby club and bar hotspot, Fortitude Valley. So many great venues to choose from – take your pick from Netherworld for pinnies and pints, an exquisite gin at Winston Quinn Gin, a Byron Bay brew at Stone & Wood Brewery Brisbane, or a cocktail in Palm Springs style Ivory Tusk. You’re spoilt for choice with the many venues in ‘the Valley’.
Where to stay in Brisbane?
Brisbane offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets - throughout the CBD, and the inner-city precincts – each with their own character.
Brisbane CBD
Central Brisbane is a great area to stay in to be close to all key Brisbane attractions, such as City Botanical Gardens and Museum of Brisbane (MoB) – plus there’s a great range of shopping available here too. Our top hotel picks are W Hotel, Westin Brisbane, and just on the CBD fringe is the fabulous Fantauzzo – an Art Series Hotel.
Fortitude Valley
Packed with dining options, nightlife, live music venues, breweries, gin bars, cinemas, Brisbane Powerhouse, and designer boutiques, Fortitude Valley - alongside neighbours New Farm, Teneriffe and Newstead - is the place to stay if you like to be close to where it’s all happening. It’s also where the latest Brisbane hotels are based, including architecturally stunning The Calile Hotel on James Street, and the exquisite brand spanking new Hotel X - an IHG Hotel - on Brunswick Street (where Blockbuster video store once resided), featuring a French Restaurant and Rooftop Bar.
Southbank
To be in the cultural heart of Brisbane, book a hotel stay in South Bank. With Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Queensland Museum, and Queensland Performing Arts Complex (QPAC) all at your doorstep, plus great dining, cafes, and attractions such as The Wheel of Brisbane and South Bank Parklands, this area offers a great mix of accommodation. We recommend Rydges South Bank Brisbane, luxurious Emporium Hotel South Bank, and the value-friendly option, Mantra South Bank Brisbane.
West End
For a relaxed community vibe, book your accommodation in West End, a convenient 1.5 kilometres from the City, this artsy neighbourhood offering a great café and dining scene (particularly organic) a fresh farmers market (every Saturday), and even a ‘gin school’ at Brisbane Distillery. There aren’t many accommodation options, so make sure to book ahead if you wish to stay in this eclectic area.
When to visit Brisbane?
Brisbane offers a mild ‘sub-tropical’ climate with over 260 sunny days a year, making it the ultimate year-round destination, much warmer, and more humid, than your dry summer back in Canberra.
Travelling to Brisbane from Canberra during March to May (Autumn) is the most ideal as the season brings comfortable, sunny weather, and there is little rainfall.
Winter is spectacular in Brisbane. Lap up the clear blue-sky days and experience a very pleasant winter boasting 22 degrees during the day.
The summer months (December to February) can be humid, however you’ll find most venues are air conditioned. It’s perfect weather if you’re travelling to Brisbane for a beach holiday at nearby Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.
What to pack for your trip to Brisbane?
Brisbane enjoys a warm sub-tropical temperature year-round, so pack light, breathable clothes. Compared to Canberra, Brisbane is a lot more casual in dress code, so a mix of shorts, long pants, dresses and a light jacket should suffice for most of the year.
Bring comfortable shoes for your city adventures, swimwear if planning on time at the beach, and of course, sunscreen.
Naturally if you’re a fashionista be sure to pack your hip outfits too, Brisbane has stepped up the ante in the fashion stakes.
Must Packs
- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
- Autumn: a light jacket
- Winter: jeans, boots, short and long-sleeved tops, light to medium weight jackets
- Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings
Canberra to Brisbane - Quick facts
Plane |
Boeing 737-700 / Boeing 737-800 |
|---|---|
Airport |
Brisbane Domestic Airport (BNE) |
Airport transfer time |
25mins to city |
Average flight time |
1hr 40mins |
Timezone |
GMT +10 |
Cabins |
Business, Economy X, Economy |
Frequently asked questions - Canberra to Brisbane flights
The average time for your flight from Canberra to Brisbane is 1 hour and 40 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 950 kilometres on your flight from Canberra to Brisbane.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 3 direct flights a day from Canberra to Brisbane, and up to 6 flights including a stopover, operating regularly scheduled flights from 6.25am to 3.00pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Canberra to Brisbane route. Find more information on our fleet here.