Cheap Flights from Gold Coast to Canberra

Fly to Canberra, Australia’s vibrant capital city, situated in some of the country’s most beautiful bush and farmland.

Airlines flying this route

Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Canberra from the Gold Coast most days of the week, excepting Tuesdays (though this may be subject to change).

You can also find connecting flights on this route via Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) operated by Qantas airlines.

Your Departure Airport

Gold Coast Airport (OOL)

Departing from: All flights depart from the main terminal.

You can find plenty of facilities at the Gold Coast Airport, as this is one of Australia’s tourist hotspots, and OOL is well prepared. Shop in high street retail shops like French Connection, Surf Dive n’ Ski and Sunglasses Hut. Eat in one of the many food outlets, such as Red Rooster and the Blackstone Bar and Lounge. Passengers will also have access to free WiFi and a currency exchange booth.

Your Destination Airport

Canberra Airport (CBR)

Arriving in: There is only one main terminal, which receives all incoming flights.

CBR Airport is well organised, and has undergone a large upgrade, making transiting through here a cinch. You can grab some food on your way out if you are feeling hungry after your flight, either a snack or sit down to eat at the Limestone Café and Bar. Passengers also have access to a newsagents called Relay that sells newspapers, books and magazines as well as souvenirs and gifts if you want to pick up something for someone on your way out. The new terminal also has an ATM and a Travelex if you need to take out, or exchange currency.

Transport

Though the airport is only 9km away from the city centre, taxis tend to be very expensive. Expect to pay up to $55 one-way to get into downtown Canberra from CBR Airport. 

However, there is a daily Airport Express shuttle bus that will ferry you into town for $12 one-way or $20 return. The timetable can be found here.

It is recommended that if you fancy exploring the surrounds of the city, that you rent a car. You can find the car hire desks in the arrivals hall of the terminal.

Do you need a form of identification?

Though this is a domestic flight, you must carry photo identification with you. This can be a social security card, a driver’s license or your passport. Please note: if you are an international traveller flying within Australia, it is recommended that you use your passport as your primary form of identification.

How long should you leave to get to the airport?

As this is a domestic flight departing and arriving in domestic terminals, it is recommended that you check in at least 45-60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please be aware that if you are travelling in a group, or are going on to a connecting flight, that you arrive 90-120 minutes before departure time. 

Things you need to know

Time difference: Canberra observes Daylight Savings Time, whereas the Gold Coast in Queensland does not. This means that depending on the time of year Canberra can be either on the same time zone as the Gold Coast or an hour ahead. For accurate information, check the time difference between the two cities before your departure.

Weather: There’s no real bad time to visit Canberra, as a lot depends on what you are looking for when you get there. Spring and autumn experience temperatures between 6-20°C, and are good seasons for exploring the bushland. However, the most popular time to visit the city is in summer, as the weather is warm, dry with low humidity, expect temperatures to range between 12-27°C.

The capital is surprisingly more expensive than the Gold Coast, but not by much. Patrons can enjoy a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant for around $80.