How to get from Brisbane Airport to the City

Brisbane Airport (BNE) is the third busiest airport in Australia and one of the key entryways to Queensland. It’s located just 14 kilometres from the CBD, so you can be soaking up the sun in Streets Beach or shopping up a storm on James Street in minutes. And if you’re looking for the best ways to travel from Brisbane Airport’s domestic and international terminals to the city centre, we’ve highlighted your options below.

Keep reading for our top tips on getting from Brisbane Airport to the city centre via train, Uber, taxi or shuttle bus.

Airtrain from Brisbane Airport to the City

The fastest and easiest way to travel from Brisbane Airport to the CBD is by Airtrain. Departing from the domestic and international terminals, the train takes just 20 minutes to reach Fortitude Valley. From there, it’s a few extra minutes on the Airtrain to Central Station, Roma Street, South Brisbane and South Bank stations. You can also travel from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast by train, with the Airtrain terminating in Varsity Lakes.

When travelling from Brisbane CBD back to the airport, you can hop on the Airtrain from any of the stations above.

Regular trains operate between Brisbane Airport and the CBD seven days a week. Services commence from around 5 am on weekdays and 6 am on weekends. During peak times, trains depart the airport every 15 minutes, or 30 minutes during off-peak.

Cost of Airtrain tickets from Brisbane Airport to the CBD

Airtrain tickets can be purchased online or at the station, though you can often take advantage of generous discounts when pre-purchasing online. A standard one-way adult fare from Brisbane to the city centre costs $21.90. And for kids under 14, the trip between Brisbane Airport and the CBD is free when accompanied by an adult.

Similar to travelling from Sydney Airport to the CBD, you can touch onto Brisbane’s Airtrain at the station gates using a go card or contactless payment like Amex, Mastercard or Visa. Both credit and debit cards are accepted in the form of a physical card, or linked to your smartphone or smartwatch. Note that contactless payments are charged at the same rate as a go card. Plus, you won’t be able to take advantage of any promotions or discounts, including kids travelling for free.

Promotions and discounts are offered regularly by Airtrain. Some examples include a free return ticket, group fares, family saver tickets and advance purchase discounts. Check the Airtrain website for the latest deals and offers before you next travel to Brisbane.

For most travellers, the Airtrain is the quickest and cheapest way to get from Brisbane Airport to the city centre, and this solution is easy enough if you’re staying near a station. But if you’ve got a large group or you’re travelling heavy, a taxi, rideshare or shuttle bus can alleviate the hassle of navigating train stations with luggage in tow. It may even work out cheaper, too – and you’ll be dropped at the front of your accommodation.

Taxi from Brisbane Airport to the City

Taxi ranks are located outside the domestic and international terminals in Brisbane Airport, with services operating 24/7.

In light traffic, a taxi can take you to the CBD from Brisbane Airport in around 20 minutes. The price of a one-way trip varies between $45-$55, depending on where you’re staying in the city centre. Taxis run on a meter, so you don’t need to negotiate the cost beforehand.

Solo travellers may find the cost of a taxi on the pricier side, but the convenience is certainly a benefit. Depending on the size of your group, a taxi may be cheaper than taking the Airtrain. So it’s important to weigh up your options to help you determine the most affordable solution.

Brisbane Airport rideshare pickup zone

Brisbane Airport is serviced by Uber and other rideshare operators, with a dedicated pickup zone for passengers. The rideshare zone is located between the passenger pickup and taxi pickup zones on either side of the Skywalk. Depending on the rideshare service you use, you may be able to earn frequent flyer points on your trip.

Uber from Brisbane Airport to the City

The cost of an Uber from Brisbane Airport to the CBD is roughly $35-$45, depending on the time of day and where you’re staying in the City.

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can pocket Qantas Points on eligible rides to and from Australian airports at a rate of one Qantas Point per $1 spent. To ensure your points are credited to your account, you’ll need to link your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership to your Uber account then request your ride from the Uber app.

DiDi from Brisbane Airport to the City

DiDi, another popular rideshare, also operates to and from Brisbane Airport. On average, a DiDi ride between Brisbane Airport and the CBD costs between $40-$50.

And thanks to the partnership between DiDi and Velocity Frequent Flyer, you can pocket one Velocity Point per $1 spent on eligible rides. This extends to non-airport rides, too. All you need to do is link your personal Velocity Frequent Flyer account or Virgin Australia Business Flyer account in the DiDi app before you ride.

Looking for more ways to boost your Velocity Points balance? Check out our card offer below.

Bus from Brisbane Airport to the City

No public buses run between Brisbane Airport and the city centre. Though for a door-to-door experience, Con-x-ion shuttle buses operate from Brisbane Airport and can drop you at your nominated hotel or accommodation in the city.

It’s recommended that transfers are booked at least 24 hours in advance. But tickets can also be purchased at the kiosks located at the domestic and international terminals.

If you’re travelling from Brisbane Airport to the city centre with children, have mobility issues, or simply want to minimise fuss, then a shuttle bus straight to your door can be advantageous.

Summing up

It’s handy to know that the next time you fly into Brisbane Airport, there are ample options to transport you to the heart of the city. For a smooth journey when you land, it’s important to plan ahead and know how you’re getting to Brisbane City from the airport – whether it’s by train, Uber, taxi or shuttle bus.

Want to unwind at one of the lounges in Brisbane Airport the next time you fly? Here’s what to expect at the Virgin Australia Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Qantas Domestic Business Lounge.

Featured image: Brisbane Local Marketing, Unsplash

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