A method and apparatus for transitioning between radio link protocols in a packet-based real-time media communication system. A wireless communication device such as a cell phone will operate under one radio link protocol (such as IS-856, also known as 1xEV-DO) to engage in packet-based signaling for setup of a packet-based real-time media session such as a push-to-talk session. Once the session is set up, the wireless communication device will then automatically transition to operate under a different radio link protocol (such as IS-2000, also known as 1xRTT), and will engage in packet-based real-time media communication in the session over that different radio link protocol. Preferably, the radio link protocol used for session setup signaling will provide for reduced setup latency, while the radio link protocol used for bearer communication in the session will provide for reduced jitter and improved real-time media communication.