Return flights from Brisbane to Adelaide regularly appear between $150 and $280 when booked two to four weeks in advance, with the cheapest one-way fares starting around $69 on sale periods. Jetstar and Rex offer the lowest base fares on this route, with Qantas and Virgin Australia sitting slightly higher but often competitive when sales align.
Which Airlines Fly Brisbane to Adelaide
Four airlines operate this route directly: Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Rex. Jetstar is consistently the cheapest option, with fares frequently under $100 one-way during promotional periods. Rex has expanded its presence on this route and occasionally undercuts even Jetstar on standard fares. Qantas and Virgin Australia price higher on average but run regular sales, and both include carry-on luggage in base fares, unlike Jetstar where bags are an add-on cost. The flight itself takes around two hours and fifteen minutes regardless of carrier.
When to Book for the Best Price
The cheapest fares appear on Tuesday and Wednesday departures, with Friday and Sunday flights typically costing more. Booking four to eight weeks ahead tends to yield the best prices, though last-minute seats occasionally drop if the flight is undersold. Avoid school holiday periods (Queensland school holidays run roughly mid-April, late June to mid-July, late September, and mid-December to late January) as fares on those dates push noticeably higher. Setting a fare alert through Google Flights or Skyscanner for the BNE to ADL route is a practical way to catch drops without checking manually.
How to Find the Cheapest Fare
Use Google Flights’ flexible date grid to see the full price spread across a month at a glance. Skyscanner’s “whole month” view works similarly. Once you identify the cheapest dates, book directly through the airline’s own website to avoid third-party booking fees, which can add $10 to $30 per booking. If you are flexible on departure airport, Gold Coast (OOL) to Adelaide occasionally produces lower Jetstar fares than Brisbane, and the difference can outweigh the inconvenience depending on where you are based. Always compare the total cost including baggage before committing, particularly with Jetstar, where adding a checked bag can push the fare above a Qantas equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Brisbane to Adelaide?
Direct flights take approximately two hours and ten to twenty minutes. There are no connecting flights required on this route as all major carriers operate direct services daily.
Is Jetstar always the cheapest option?
Jetstar has the lowest base fares most of the time, but once you add carry-on luggage above 7kg or a checked bag, the total can match or exceed Virgin Australia’s inclusive fares. If you are travelling with luggage, compare the all-up cost rather than the advertised base price.
Are there direct flights from Brisbane to Adelaide?
Yes, all four airlines flying this route operate direct services. There are no stopovers involved. Qantas and Virgin Australia run multiple daily departures, while Jetstar and Rex operate fewer frequencies but still cover the route most days of the week.
