Q: BNE - transfer between INT and DOM

Myrna

Active Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2002
Posts
799
I have booked a QR flight arriving BNE at 5:30pm (from DOH) and a QF flight leaving BNE at 7:30pm (last flight for SYD). Booked flights on points with 2 separate airlines (QR and BA) so the 2 bookings are not connected.
I understand I have to go through immigration and customs at BNE on arrival, then there is a free train connecting INT terminal with DOM terminal. I am very likely to have only carry-on bags, no checked bag.
Questions are: Is 2 hours window enough to do this tranfer from INT to DOM at BNE? Am a bit worried about incoming QF flight arrive later than scheduled. Since QF flight was booked on points, if I did not make the flight then would have to forgo points plus taxes :( For peace of mind, should I stay overnight in Brisbane and take a domestic flight the next day? TIA.
 
QR898 has a good on time record. If it arrives on time you're probably fine. Obviously there isn't much leeway for delays.
 
@Myrna I would not risk 2 hours but if you have carry-on only then there's a good chance you'll be fine. Try to be one of the first off flight and rush to immigration.

Note train is convenient at international but some walk at domestic. I think transfer bus is every 10-15 minutes and right in front of domestic terminal. Also at that time of night domestic security could be busy.

Good luck.
 
Many thanks all for the replies. On the one hand since I will most likely to have only carry on bag, I may take the risks. However, if one thing goes wrong, then a few things will go haywire after that. So, on a balance of probability, I am thinking maybe stay overnight and feel less stressed, and go to the lounge to relax before the flight the next day. I have not been to QF lounge in BNE for many moons.
 
If you do this, after exiting border processing, turn right and head down the the far end of the arrivals hall, look left to see the large glass doors taking you outside to the free transfer bus stop. Make sure to take the domestic transfers bus. Total time for wait and travel should be 30 minutes max.

Get off at first domestic stop and you are right near the Qantas check in.
 
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I did a BNE INT to DOM on a Tuesday in mid Jan arriving international 16:20 and leaving QF domestic 19:15. Immigration and customs~bio security was not busy at 16:30.
Exiting immigration turn right. At the end of the arrival hall are the VA & QF checkin-transfer/bag drop desks. Then out the door and walk ~25 m to the right to the pick up location for the free inter terminal bus. I waited all of 3 minutes (just luck!). Domestic security was OK. Was in the lounge at ~17:00
 
2 hours with HLO is plenty. I've done it in 20 mins from int'l arrival gate to but domestic security but that came with a few favourable factors: first off the plane & half run to the immigration / egates, was kindly let to the priority lane at quarantine, and took a taxi across (about $15 - $20).

Using a normal walking pace and the transfer bus (or train, if the timetable matches), you should be in the domestic terminal in 60 mins (my own benchmark is 45-50 mins).

Your biggest risk is the incoming QR being delayed by >1 hour. A smaller delay would be manageable but a longer delay would need some very speedy dance moves from you or a Plan B.
 
I had used the orange bus, BNE airport, just to see what its about, service is very good.
As mentioned, make sure the desto shows, Brisbane domestic, as the orange bus does Brisbane - domestic -> Brisbane international -> Skygate and back.
Skygate is the big shopping centre, near to Brisbane international.
Train needs a $5 terminal pass.
 
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