Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is much faster and often cheaper than driving.

How long is the train?

The XPT train takes about 14 hours.

Are there direct flights?

Yes, there are many direct flights daily.

Yes, it passes through coastal and rural landscapes.

Do I need a passport?

No, this is a domestic flight within Australia.

Brisbane

Sydney

Train Flight

Brisbane to Sydney

Updated: 29 May 2026

The distance between Brisbane and Sydney is approximately 900 kilometers. The most practical way to travel is by flight, which takes about 90 minutes and is serviced by multiple airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar. Alternatively, the XPT train offers a scenic, overnight journey taking around 14 hours. Driving is a popular road trip option via the Pacific Highway, usually taking 10 to 12 hours of driving time.

Total Distance: 900 km driving distance; 750 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is significantly faster, taking only 90 minutes in the air.

Cheapest Way

Budget airlines often offer flights cheaper than the train if booked early.

Compare Brisbane to Sydney Routes

	Train Direct	Flight Direct
Duration	14 hours	1 hour 30 mins
Avg Price	80-150 AUD	100-250 AUD
Operator	NSW TrainLink	Qantas/Virgin Australia
Route	XPT service from Roma Street to Central Station.	Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Sydney Airport (SYD).
Tip	Book a sleeper cabin for a more comfortable overnight trip.	Book at least 3 weeks in advance for the best fares.

Travel Tips

Airport Transfers
Use the Airport Link train for the fastest transfer to Sydney CBD.
Booking
Compare flight prices on aggregator sites before booking.
Luggage
Check airline baggage allowances to avoid extra fees.
Time Zone
Both cities are in the same time zone, but check for daylight savings.
Transport
Use an Opal card for all public transport in Sydney.