Sydney, Australia → Brisbane, Australia · ✈ 1h 25min · 🚗 11h 54min
395 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: north
The distance from Sydney to Brisbane 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 Sydney, Australia to Brisbane, 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.
Brisbane is located north of Sydney. Sydney is in Oceania, in the New South Wales region of Australia, while Brisbane is in Oceania, in Queensland, 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 Sydney to Brisbane. 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 Sydney to Brisbane 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.
Sydney sits at 33.8688°S, 151.2093°E, while Brisbane is located at 27.4698°S, 153.0251°E. The initial compass bearing from Sydney to Brisbane is 14° (NNE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Sydney heading roughly NNE. 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 Sydney and Brisbane 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.
Sydney and Brisbane 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.
Sydney is a major city in Australia with a population of approximately 5,312,163. Located in the New South Wales region, it is an important hub in Oceania. As one of the largest cities in Australia, Sydney is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Sydney
Brisbane is a notable city in Australia with a population of approximately 2,560,720. Situated in the Queensland region, it serves as a key destination in Oceania. Brisbane offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in Australia.
→ See all distances from Brisbane
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 Sydney-Brisbane route is about 1.8% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 25min.
See how the Sydney to Brisbane distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Sydney to Brisbane 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.
Brisbane is approximately Same timezone compared to Sydney.
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.