Brisbane domestic to international transfer.

Brisbane domestic to international transfer. Hi all, I was wanting some advice on transfers at Brisbane airport. I’m arriving with the family from Adelaide using QANTAS at 9.05am at Brisbane domestic. We leave on QANTAS for Tokyo at 10.45 from the international terminal. This leaves us 1hour and 40 minutes to get off one plane and onto the other. QANTAS allowed us to make the booking via their website – so I presume it is do-able. The baggage should be booked through – so that will not be a problem. I’m also QF Plat, so I might get to use an express lane. Is there any advice on the quickest way to get from one terminal to the other? I know there is a bus – but is a taxi quicker? Any other tricks (apart from running)? Many thanks.

First of all, you will be fine but...

If for some odd reason your Adelaide flight is delayed then Qantas will be able to get you to Sydney to connect with the evening flight into Japan, that is the worst case scenario.

When checking in you should visit a premium service counter where passports and international transit folder (with a map) will be given (here is when you should ask for an express pass and international depature cards).

Upon arrival into Brisbane you can get off the plane and go and queue for the Qantas transit bus (Free with a boarding pass) which runs every 15-20 mins. Upon arrival at the international terminal go streight through security and you will be fine. Provided the adelaide flight is not late then all will be good.

If for some reason they know you are going to strugle to make it they will arragnge a qantas van or taxi to take you directly to the gate and finally if the Adelaide flight is delayed more than 1hr 20 mins then asked and you may be moved to another flight or airline.

Speaking from experience, I have been ok with 90 minute connections through Sydney airport flying to the USA (haven't tried Brisbane). Like Brisbane, you need to catch a transfer bus from the domestic to international terminal. There's even been time to spare to spend about 30 minutes in the lounge.

Also, I notice Sydney has started using smart e-gate style systems to check people out of the country. This seems to have sped the process up to the point of making the express pass less useful.

Agree with you donatello regarding the new e-gates at Sydney.  Went through last week and it was such a quick process compared to before

You can also use the Airtrain for free terminal transfer. Look at the train departure board near domestic baggage claim. If there's one leaving in the few minutes just go up to the platform, show your boarding passes and jump on for a 2 minute ride. Might save having to wait for the Qantas bus.

Oops, correction: it's only free for VA pax. $5 fare pp otherwise. Go with the Qantas bus. Sorry.

You can also catch the "T" bus that runs inter terminal as another option

Option 1 QF bus

Option 2 Airtrain

Option 3 T Bus

option 4 Taxi

Thanks everyone. Your suggestions are really helpful. It sounds like I should be able to makke it if the flight from ADL arrives on time.

I have flown this trip from Adl to Nrt as a solo and did not run into any issues. This year I will be doing the same trip but with the family but decided to do it a little different. Depending on your schedule you could consider taking the evening flight from ADL (18:00) and overnight near the Airport or in the city. It is not considered a stop over as it is less than 24 hrs. I am giving this a go this year as I thought it would be an easier option when traveling with the kids. 

The key is to check in at Adelaide all the way through to Tokyo - basically you are then the airlines problem and in my experaince they will do everything they can to get you and your family safely through the Brisbane airports to your connecting flight.