Layover in Brisbane
Hello everyone! I’m heading to Australia from the US for a 12-day trip and will kick things off with 4 days in Airlie Beach. My flight from LA arrives in Brisbane at 5 AM and I have a 7-hour layover before my next flight to PPP.
I’m curious if I’ll have time to leave the airport and explore a bit during that layover. How long should I plan to be back at the airport for my onward flight? Also, how far is the airport from any attractions? I’ll be checking a bag from LA, so I’m wondering how that might affect my ability to step out. Thanks for your help!
Hi there! A 7-hour layover in Brisbane gives you a decent amount of time to explore the city, especially since your flight arrives early in the morning. Here are a few things to consider:
Immigration and Customs: Since you’ll be coming from an international flight, you’ll need time to clear customs and immigration, which can vary in duration. Plan for at least 1-2 hours for this.
Baggage: Since you’re checking a bag, you have a couple of options. If your airline allows you to check your bag all the way to PPP, you wouldn’t need to worry about it during your layover. If not, you’ll have to collect it and then check it in again later, which would limit your time.
Travel Time to the City: Brisbane Airport is about 20km (12 miles) from the city center. The Airtrain is a quick and convenient option, taking around 20-30 minutes to reach the city. Taxis and rideshares are available too but can take longer depending on traffic.
Time Management: Aim to be back at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before your connecting flight, which should give you ample time to check in and get through security. This means you might want to leave the airport about 4-5 hours after landing.
What to See: If you do have 3-4 hours to explore, you could check out South Bank, where you’ll find parks, cafes, and the Cultural Centre. The Brisbane River is beautiful, and you can stroll along the waterfront. Another option is the Botanic Gardens or even a quick visit to the Brisbane Wheel for city views.
In summary, yes, you should have enough time to explore Brisbane, but just be mindful of your baggage situation and ensure you’re back at the airport with plenty of time. Enjoy your trip!