Brisbane, Australia → Sydney, Australia · ✈ 1h 25min · 🚗 11h 54min
395 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: south
The distance from Brisbane to Sydney is 732 km (455 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 25min.
The straight-line distance from Brisbane, Australia to Sydney, Australia is approximately 732 kilometers (455 miles or 395 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Sydney is located south of Brisbane. Brisbane is in Oceania, in the Queensland region of Australia, while Sydney is in Oceania, in New South Wales, Australia. Both cities are in Oceania.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 732 km | ~1h 25min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~952 km | ~11h 54min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~878 km | ~7h 19min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Brisbane to Sydney. For 732 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 952 km, fuel costs for driving from Brisbane to Sydney are approximately $76–$143 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Brisbane sits at 27.4698°S, 153.0251°E, while Sydney is located at 33.8688°S, 151.2093°E. The initial compass bearing from Brisbane to Sydney is 193° (SSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Brisbane heading roughly SSW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 6.40° and the longitude difference is 1.82°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Brisbane and Sydney is approximately 30.6725°S, 152.1473°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 366 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Brisbane and Sydney share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Brisbane is a major city in Australia with a population of approximately 2,560,720. Located in the Queensland region, it is an important hub in Oceania. Brisbane is a significant metropolitan area in Australia with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Brisbane
Sydney is a notable city in Australia with a population of approximately 5,312,163. Situated in the New South Wales region, it serves as a key destination in Oceania. Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Sydney
732 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 732 km, the Brisbane-Sydney route is about 1.8% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 25min.
See how the Brisbane to Sydney distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Brisbane to Sydney is approximately 732 kilometers (455 miles, 395 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 25min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 11h 54min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Sydney is approximately Same timezone compared to Brisbane.
The estimated road distance is approximately 952 km, which is about 30% longer than the 732 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.