Traveling to Gladstone is easy, with a full-service airline providing comfortable flights to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.
Major airports near Gladstone: Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ), Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS)
Closest (typical) airport to Gladstone: Port Macquarie Airport, PQQ (around 28 miles)
Flights per week: 14 flights arriving across Gladstone airports
Number of airlines that fly to Gladstone: around 1 carrier
Popular airports near Gladstone
Gladstone is a charming suburb known for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Visitors are drawn to Gladstone for its beaches, sports, and breathtaking landscapes. This area is conveniently served by two major airports, making travel accessible for all.
Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ): Situated within the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in New South Wales, approximately 28 miles from Gladstone, this airport primarily handles domestic flights. Qantas Airways is the leading airline operating here.
Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS): Found in Coffs Harbour City Council, New South Wales, about 49 miles from Gladstone, this airport also serves domestic routes. Qantas Airways is a prominent airline at this location.
Top routes to Gladstone
Sydney (SYD) to Gladstone (PQQ/CFS), with one-way flight options from around $110
Cheapest routes to Gladstone
Sydney (SYD) to Gladstone (PQQ/CFS), with low one-way fares from around $110
*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes
Top airlines with flights to Gladstone
Qantas Airways: This airline operates flights to Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) and Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS), handling nearly all incoming traffic to {short_name}. Expect an average one-way ticket price of around $180.
Best time to fly to Gladstone
The most popular months for travelers to fly to Gladstone are January, March, and December, when peak temperatures in Gladstone can reach up to 73.2°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 55°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $153, roughly 19% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? February and March offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $155 to $168, making them good options for flexible travelers.
Month
Temperature
Precipitation
Cloudiness
Demand
Average one-way Fare
January
73.2°F (22.9°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
High
$153
February
72.0°F (22.2°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$155
March
70.0°F (21.1°C)
Moderate Rain
Mostly Cloudy
High
$168
April
65.1°F (18.4°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Low
$240
May
59.2°F (15.1°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$206
June
55.0°F (12.8°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Low
$173
July
54.0°F (12.2°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$199
August
55.9°F (13.3°C)
No Rain (Dry)
Sunny
Low
$244
September
60.8°F (16.0°C)
No Rain (Dry)
Mostly Sunny
Average
$171
October
64.6°F (18.1°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$198
November
68.4°F (20.2°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
Average
$187
December
70.7°F (21.5°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Sunny
High
$175
*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.
How to save money on a flight to Gladstone
Getting some of the best deals on flights to Gladstone is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Gladstone flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.
*For members. Select hotels.
Arriving in Gladstone
Gladstone welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Gladstone efficiently:
Public transportation: From Port Macquarie Airport, Port Macquarie Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.1 miles from the airport, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Gladstone, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
Car rental: Renting a car in Gladstone is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Gladstone on Expedia.
Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
Where to stay around Gladstone
Hat Head: Hat Head is located 11 miles drive away from Gladstone and is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With a stunning family beach and the scenic Hat Head Beach within the national state park, this suburb offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Don't miss visiting the Smoky Cape Lighthouse, which adds a touch of history to your trip, or the Hat Head Library, perfect for a family-friendly cultural experience.
Kempsey: Situated 7 miles away from Gladstone, Kempsey beckons travelers with its mix of outdoor activities and family-friendly adventures. Here, you can enjoy the local beaches and engage in various sports at the golf courses. For a cultural touch, explore the Slim Dusty Heritage Centre and The Old Lodge Gallery Emporium, both enriching experiences that celebrate the region’s history and art.
Smithtown: Smithtown is located 1.0 mile away from Gladstone and offers a delightful escape into nature, ideal for eco-conscious travelers and families. With easy access to local parks and beaches, it’s a perfect spot for enjoying the outdoors. The iconic Hat Head Beach and the historic Smoky Cape Lighthouse are nearby, as well as the charming Old Lodge Gallery Emporium, which showcases local art and culture.
Tips for short-haul flights to Gladstone
For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:
Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize your space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits. This also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.
Tips for long-haul flights to Gladstone
Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:
Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, which is usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at your gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin adjusting your body clock by setting your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to rest or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival city to help minimize jet lag.
Tips to find the cheapest flights to Gladstone
The cheapest day to fly
Get started finding a cheap flight to Gladstone on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.
The cheapest month to fly
December is the cheapest month to fly to Gladstone. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Gladstone. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.
The most affordable time to book a flight
Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Gladstone, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.
The cheapest round-trip tickets to Gladstone
The lowest price for round-trip flights to Gladstone in 2026 starts from $1,159, while one-way tickets start from from $624. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Gladstone. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.
The cheapest airlines flying to Gladstone
Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Gladstone. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Gladstone and countless more destinations worldwide.
The most affordable airports to fly into
To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Gladstone, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Gladstone. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.
Save with a package
With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Gladstone plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.
Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Gladstone
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Gladstone.
Stopover savings
The cheapest tickets to Gladstone are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Gladstone. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.
Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection
Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Gladstone for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
*Terms apply.
Use our Price Tracking feature
Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Gladstone. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Gladstone flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.
Book with Expedia
As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Gladstone. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is the cheapest to fly to Gladstone?
Plan your trip for December if you're hoping to get a deal on your fare. It's the cheapest month to fly to Gladstone. Try to avoid traveling during busy periods such as public holidays or school breaks.
Which US cities fly direct to Gladstone?
Los Angeles and San Francisco are two cities in the US that offer nonstop flights to Gladstone. Browse options on Expedia by selecting the "Direct flights only" filter. Pick the most convenient departure for your break, and then get ready to fly to Gladstone without any layovers.
How to find a cheap flight to Gladstone?
If you're eager to find cheap flights to Gladstone, consider traveling outside of peak season. Booking in advance may also save you money. Or, look for departures on a different day — Thursday flights are on average 16% cheaper than Sunday options.* Sign up to receive price alerts on the Expedia app and you'll be instantly notified when fares drop.
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Gladstone?
Although booking in advance is generally the easiest way to save cash, don't panic if your Gladstone vacation is last minute. You can still get cheap flights to Gladstone, especially if your plans have a little leeway. Try changing your trip dates, exploring different ticket options or jetting out of another hub.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Gladstone?
Secure your flight to Gladstone two to four months ahead if you're flying in from an international destination. For domestic travel, the recommendation is around 28 days in advance. Cheaper tickets and a greater choice of departure dates, times and seating options are just some of the advantages of booking early.*
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Gladstone?
You'll save an average of 8% if you buy plane tickets on a Sunday rather than Fridays, which tend to be the most expensive day to book.* When it comes to scoring a cheap flight to Gladstone, the key is good timing.
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to Gladstone?
A couple of the most prominent airlines to Gladstone are Qantas and Rex Regional Express. A total of 3 airlines link Gladstone with 4 airports across the world. Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) is the chief gateway to this fascinating destination.
Where do you fly into Gladstone?
The main airport to fly to Gladstone is Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ). You can also touch down at Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) when flying to Gladstone.
How far is the airport from central Gladstone?
Landing at Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) puts you about 30 mi south of central Gladstone.
Can I save money by booking a Gladstone trip package?
Bundle your accommodations and flights and you could save hundreds of dollars. Better yet, you can add extras like activities and car rentals to your Gladstone flight and hotel package deal. With Expedia, it's easy to look after all your Gladstone travel plans in the same place.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Gladstone?
It's usually possible to change or cancel your flight to Gladstone. Many airlines let you cancel your flight for free within 24 hours of making your booking. However, some flights are non-refundable, and airlines may issue you credit for a future flight instead of a direct refund. To find cheap flights to Gladstone with flexible change policies, select the "Changes included" or "No cancel fee" filters when you search. Want more details? Check out our Customer Service Portal.
Travel information
Destination city name
Port Macquarie
Destination airport
Port Macquarie, NSW
Destination airport IATA code
PQQ
Airlines serving
Qantas Airways, Regional Express, Emirates, Air New Zealand
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $624 for one-way flights and $1,159 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.