While landing favors left seats, the takeoff view of the Adelaide Hills and Gulf St Vincent is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. Right-side seats capture the most visually interesting departure sequence for this route.
Flown ADL to BNE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Adelaide to Brisbane is 1,007 miles (1,620 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses inland across New South Wales, passing east of the Dividing Range. Notable features include the Hunter Valley region (visible around 1 hour into flight), the Central Coast near Newcastle, and Lake Macquarie. The route generally follows a north-northeast heading, staying inland until approaching Brisbane's coastal approach zone. No major mountain ranges are directly on the flight path, but the Great Dividing Range remains visible to the west at altitude during the middle portion of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADL
RIGHTAdelaide typically departs runway 03 (northeast) or 21 (southwest). Right-side seats on a northeast departure offer views of the Adelaide Hills escarpment and Gulf St Vincent immediately after climb-out. Southwest departures favor left seats, but northeast is more common for northbound traffic to Brisbane.
Landing at BNE
LEFTBrisbane typically uses runway 01L/01R (northeast approach) or 10L/10R (southeast approach). A northeast approach descent favors left-side views of Moreton Bay's islands and the Brisbane River's distinctive loops through the city. This is the most common approach for traffic from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Adelaide International (ADL) to Brisbane International (BNE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Adelaide to Brisbane. While landing favors left seats, the takeoff view of the Adelaide Hills and Gulf St Vincent is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. Right-side seats capture the most visually interesting departure sequence for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Adelaide International in Adelaide?
During takeoff from Adelaide International (ADL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Adelaide typically departs runway 03 (northeast) or 21 (southwest). Right-side seats on a northeast departure offer views of the Adelaide Hills escarpment and Gulf St Vincent immediately after climb-out. Southwest departures favor left seats, but northeast is more common for northbound traffic to Brisbane. Notable sights include: Adelaide Hills (Mount Lofty Range), Gulf St Vincent, Adelaide city grid, Barossa Valley foothills.
What can I see when landing at Brisbane International in Brisbane?
When landing at Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Brisbane typically uses runway 01L/01R (northeast approach) or 10L/10R (southeast approach). A northeast approach descent favors left-side views of Moreton Bay's islands and the Brisbane River's distinctive loops through the city. This is the most common approach for traffic from the south. Notable sights include: Moreton Bay islands (North Stradbroke, Moreton Island), Brisbane River meanders, Brisbane CBD, Brisbanewater suburbs.
How long is the flight from Adelaide to Brisbane?
The flight from Adelaide International (ADL) to Brisbane International (BNE) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,007 miles (1,620 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Adelaide to Brisbane flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses inland across New South Wales, passing east of the Dividing Range. Notable features include the Hunter Valley region (visible around 1 hour into flight), the Central Coast near Newcastle, and Lake Macquarie. The route generally follows a north-northeast heading, staying inland until approaching Brisbane's coastal approach zone. No major mountain ranges are directly on the flight path, but the Great Dividing Range remains visible to the west at altitude during the middle portion of the flight.