Cheap Brisbane to Canberra flights (BNE to CBR)

Arriving at Canberra Airport

Canberra CBD is a conveniently close 8 kilometres from the Airport, making it an easy commute after your flight from Brisbane. Transport options include taxi / rideshare, bus shuttle services with Transport Canberra ACTION Bus Route Rapid 3, limousine services, and car hire.

Transfer times and cost guide (to Canberra City):

• Taxi and rideshare: 8 mins - approx. $23-$26
• Bus shuttle service: approx. $3.50

Read more in our Canberra Airport Guide.

Departing from Brisbane Airport

Located a distance of 12km from Brisbane City, Brisbane Airport is best reached by the convenient 20-minute Airtrain journey, which runs every 15-30 minutes. You can either tap on with your Translink go card, or pre-book an Airtrain ticket online.

Alternatively commute to Brisbane Airport via taxi, rideshare, shuttle bus – or self-drive and take advantage of the airport parking facilities.

In non-peak time the drive is approximately 20-minutes from Brisbane CBD to Brisbane Airport, however it’s always best to allow additional time for travel during peak times.

Virgin Australia operates from Brisbane Domestic Airport for the flight from Brisbane to Canberra.

What time do I 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 on your way to the departure gate for your flight to Canberra.

Canberra Itinerary – What to do in a day?

Only have 24 hours in Canberra? 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 and a Black Betty coffee

After a good night’s sleep at your hotel, we love city-based QT Hotel Canberra and boutique hotelOvolo Nishi in funky NewActon area, you’re ready for breakfast at one of Canberra’s favourite cafes, The Cupping Room, where champion baristas serve up the local roastery ONA Coffee featuring names like Black Betty.

9.30am - Lake Burley Griffin and National Gallery of Australia (NGA)

Time to walk off breakfast, taking a stroll along scenic Lake Burley Griffin to National Gallery of Australia (NGA) which opens at 10.00am. NGA boasts one of the largest art collections in Australia, here you’ll find everything from European artists such as Monet to contemporary Aboriginal artists, and an extensive range of changing exhibitions such as Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhalepapa.

11.30am – Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

After grabbing a takeaway coffee at NGA Café, walk 7-minutes to your next stop, Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre located on King Edward Terrace. This is a place where you can travel to the centre of an earthquake, outer space, and the heart of a beehive. A quirky unconventional museum which includes displays like MinQ – a child-friendly exhibition for budding scientists, and Awesome Earth – a geology installation with an earthquake simulator.

1.00pm – Lunch at Molto Italian, Kingston

Time for lunch, today you’re booked at Molto Italian, located at Kingston foreshore, an easy 5-minute drive from Questacon. This seaside trattoria boasts authentic Italian meals, try their signature dish Agnello, or one of the daily specials.

2.30pm – Off to find treasures on the Fyschwick Vintage shopping trail

Next up, you’re off to the light industrial area of Fyshwick, a short 6-minute drive away. Once renowned for fireworks retailers, used car yards, and adult shops, Fyshwick is now best described as ‘industrial eclectic’, where you’ll find collectables and unique treasures on the vintage shopping trail. Wander along the trail, from Dirty Janes Canberra, Designer Op Shop Emporium, to the many antique shops along the way.

4.00pm - Capital Brewing Co, Fyshwick

Shopping is thirsty business - time to try a local brew at Capital Brewing Co. We simply love the brew’s names - Dos Capitol (a Mexican lager) and Cosmic Panther (Neipa). It’s product testing yeah?

6.00pm – Dinner at The Boat House

After a freshen-up at your hotel, you’re off for a fine dining experience at The Boat House in Barton, an incredible restaurant surrounded by private parkland overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. The seasonally changing menu offers locally sourced produce creating stunning dishes such as Humpty doo barramundi, caramel sake, wombok and mussels.

9.30pm – Nightcap at White Rabbit, CBD

A hidden treasure in Canberra CBD is White Rabbit, a glamorous cocktail and tapas bar. Sample one of the creative cocktails on their menu, and next time you visit Canberra join one of their hosted DJ nights or book in for their ‘Tipsy Tea’ (a high tea with a twist).

Where to stay in Canberra?

Canberra offers a wide range of accommodation from budget, to boutique, to 5-star luxury, throughout the city centre, and its inner-city precincts each with their own personality.

Canberra CBD

Canberra CBD is the perfect base to explore the major attractions, galleries and museums – plus be in the heart of the award-winning restaurants and boutique bars. City attractions include scenic Lake Burley Griffin, Royal Australian Mint, Parliament House, Australian War Memorial, NGA (National Gallery Australia) and Questacon. Our City picks isQT Canberra with its playful chic décor.

North Canberra

North Canberra, aka inner north suburbs of Acton, hipster suburb Braddon, and Dickson, just kilometres from the City, are perfect suburbs to stay in to be close to dining, entertainment and shopping. A fashionable area with quirky shops, vegan treats, op-shop clad Uni students, and community gardens. If you have an eye for style stay at Ovolo Nishi, in the hip NewActon arts area.

South Canberra

The inner South Canberra is home to Parliament House, and the prestigious suburbs of Barton, Kingston, Yarralumla and million-dollar hotspot Forrest. Think leafy streets, neat hedges, luxury cars and popular local shops. Stay here if you fancy a more upmarket area.

Explore More with Our Canberra Travel Guide

When to visit Canberra?

Canberra is a rare gem among Australian cities. Whatever time of year you visit from Brisbane, you’ll be sure to find plenty of things to do.

Spring

Spring (September to November) is peak season in Canberra, the city bursting with colour under a clear sky, plus it’s a great time for bushwalking and cycling around Lake Burley Griffin. It’s a popular (and busy) time to visit for the famous Floriade, Canberra’s celebration of spring.

Summer

Summer (December to February) is another great time to explore the outdoors – Canberra has oodles of lakes, superb parks, reserves and rivers – all so close to the city. But don’t forget the sunscreen, Canberra can surprise you when she turns on the sun.

Autumn

Autumn (March to May) is a stunning time of year to visit, watch Canberra’s city transform with rustic colours as the season transitions. It’s also a season packed to the brim with cool events - including Enlighten Festival, Summernats Rare Sparts Rev Rock n Roll, Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Symphony in the Park, Canberra Comedy Festival – and much more.

Winter

Winter (June to August) is chilly, especially for Brisbane folk, yet the sun still shines on. It’s an ideal time to enjoy winter activities – visit the galleries and museums - and enjoy a hunt at the Truffle Festival.

What to pack for your trip to Canberra?

Packing for your trip to Canberra all depends on what you’re planning to do and the time of year you’re visiting.

Must Packs

• • Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
  • Autumn: a light jacket
  • Winter: jeans, boots, wool scarf, long-sleeved tops, medium to heavy weight jacket
  • Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings