Brisbane Airport Transfers

Explore connecting routes between Brisbane Airport and the heart of the city. Find out about transport options, compare prices and choose the most convenient way to start your visit.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

9 min read

Brisbane Airport Transfers

Brisbane | Bhavesh Patel

With its east coast position, cosmopolitan, vibrant and diverse atmosphere, it's no surprise that Brisbane stands out on the list of must-visit Oceania destinations. And to get you ready to explore the best things to do in Brisbane, this article provides a detailed guide on how to get from the airport to the city centre.

Find out about transport options to and from BNE (as Brisbane Airport is better known), with information on prices, amenities and travel times. Whether you prefer the convenience of a shared service or the speed of a taxi, you'll find everything you need to start your adventure in this vibrant and cultural city.

1. A private transfer, comfort, exclusivity and personalised attention

Private transfer| ©Ricky Hernandez
Private transfer| ©Ricky Hernandez

Experience the pinnacle of comfort and exclusivity with a private transfer to or from Brisbane Airport, the only service that personalises your experience from start to finish.

When you choose this air-conditioned minivan service, you'll be met by a professional driver who will take you seamlessly from the terminal to your accommodation anywhere in Brisbane. Enjoy a fast and comfortable journey, with plenty of space for your luggage. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport, guiding you on your way from your arrival in Queensland's capital city.

Another advantage of this type of service is that you avoid the hassle of connections, restricted public transport schedules and varying fares, arriving directly and safely at your destination in Brisbane, with the convenience of a fixed fare after providing your address at the time of booking.

Useful details

  • Journeytime: 15 - 20 minutes.
  • Price: from €39.
  • Benefits of using this method: This exclusive transfer offers you punctuality, safety and the peace of mind of avoiding the hustle and bustle of other transport options.
  • How to book this transfer: this type of service can only be booked online, so you can book your BNE airport transfer in advance without any hassle.
  • Recommended if: you are interested in comfort, efficiency, speed and a personalised transfer experience.

Book a transfer to/from the airport

2. Shared transfer, comfort at a reasonable price

Shared transfer| ©eGuide Travel
Shared transfer| ©eGuide Travel

When you land at Brisbane Airport (BNE), ditch the expensive taxis and cut down on pollution by opting for a shared transfer to downtown hotels. The service allows you to save money by travelling through the various transport companies Uber, Didi, Ola and Sheba, the latter of which is run by women for women.

Say goodbye to expensive taxis, book in advance for this convenient service in a shared sedan, bus or minivan. Meet your driver in the arrivals area, usually on the Skywalk and on Level 1 of the International Terminal, where you'll receive assistance with your luggage before boarding the air-conditioned car. Relax as you are driven to your destination in the city centre, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.

The service providers not only work with professionalism but also take care to give you a warm welcome to Brisbane, Oceania's new paradise.

Useful details

  • Journeytime: 20 - 25 minutes.
  • Price: from €19 per person.
  • Advantages of using this method: the transfer is one of the cheapest and from the very beginning it connects you with the local culture. On the other hand, drivers are usually willing to offer recommendations and suggestions to make your stay in Brisbane an experience tailored to your tastes.
  • How to book this type of transport: it is done online, on each operator's website. It is important to mention that this type of service is not booked in person, so to make use of it you should plan your transfer to your accommodation in advance.
  • Recommended yes: Recommended if you want to share your transfer to your hotel or accommodation at a competitive rate.

3. The train, the most practical option

Train| ©LOUIS DALBY
Train| ©LOUIS DALBY

Experience the speed of the Translink train for your transfer from Brisbane Airport to the city centre. This direct option gets you there in just 20 minutes, offering efficiency comparable to taxis, but at a better price.

Like taxis, this direct service gets you to the heart of the city in just 20 minutes. The frequency of the train is a bonus with departures every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during quieter times.

Once in Brisbane, the world is at your fingertips with Translink's connecting network. You'll have the opportunity to get close to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and the whole city.

Interesting details

  • Journey time: 20 minutes onwards.
  • Price: A single ticket on Airtrain starts from €12.3 and can be purchased at the train station or online.
  • Advantages of using this method: the transfer is one of the fastest, the journey is comfortable and the service has a good transfer frequency.
  • How to book this transport: You can buy your tickets online, as well as your go card on the Translink website, in both cases this advance purchase represents a saving of up to 30%.
  • Recommended yes: If you're looking for a convenient, competitively priced, frequent and comfortable option, the Translink train is your ideal choice.

4. A bus the longest but cheapest option

Brisbane Bus| ©Philip Bouchard
Brisbane Bus| ©Philip Bouchard

When it comes to Brisbane airport transfers, the cheapest and most popular option is the bus. This transport system is noted for its low fares, making exploring the city accessible to all budgets. However, it is essential to note that this financial saving sometimes comes with longer travel times.

This alternative presents itself as the ideal option for travellers who have enough time to explore the surrounding area while travelling to their destination.

4.1 Shuttle bus, public transport

Shuttle bus| ©Kim L
Shuttle bus| ©Kim L

Public transport shuttle buses offer the cheapest service of all the alternatives available. They are ideal if you are travelling on a tight budget and are travelling light, you just need to head to the stops around the airport and board the bus.

The departure frequency of these shuttles is usually once an hour, and you can also check the timetables on the websites of the main companies, namely Greyhound Australia, Translink and Byron Easy Bus.

Useful details

  • Journeytime: 30 minutes and upwards depending on the destination requested.
  • Price: from €2.
  • Advantages of using this method: it is the cheapest form of transport in Brisbane, plus you can opt for travel passes, allowing you to plan your entire journey in and out of the city.
  • How to book this transport: You can buy your tickets in advance on each company's website or at the airport.
  • Recommended if: you have enough time to wait for transport, want to save money and don't mind a short walk to your accommodation (the stops are pre-arranged).

4.2 Door to door shuttle bus

Brisbane Shuttle| ©Ouvsy
Brisbane Shuttle| ©Ouvsy

For those looking for a direct transfer to and from Brisbane Airport, Con-x-ion' s shuttle service as well as Far Hill Travel Pty Ltd 's bus shuttle offers an efficient and affordable solution. Operating from both terminals, this service provides door-to-door pick-up and drop-off to numerous destinations on the Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Convenience is the order of the day, as tickets can be purchased from both operators' websites, and in the case of Con-x-ion, tickets can be purchased from kiosks located throughout the airport terminals.

The international terminal has a visitor information desk for pick-up, while at the domestic terminal, shuttle staff await you on the concourse at the Virgin end. Due to the popularity of this service, advance booking is recommended.

Details of interest

  • Journeytime: 30 minutes and upwards, depending on destination.
  • Price: from €22.
  • Advantages of using this method: In both cases you can opt for the shuttle service to your hotel or to any of their pre-arranged routes around Surfers Paradise, Toowoomba, Goald Coast, Noosa or to the city centre.
  • How to book this shuttle: You can book the service when you arrive at the airport, however, to guarantee your transfer it is best to book in advance.
  • Recommended if: You want a comfortable, easy to organise and direct transfer to your accommodation.

5. A taxi, Lyft or Uber, a more comfortable option but with a high price

Using Uber| ©Dan Gold
Using Uber| ©Dan Gold

If you prioritise convenience above all else, choosing a taxi, Lyft, or Uber from Brisbane Airport to the city centre is the easiest, but also the most expensive option. With services available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, convenience is guaranteed, especially when haste or fatigue are key factors. However, be aware that speed comes at a price.

In Australia taxis are generally metered and Brisbane is no exception, so the cost of the service is relative. The fare is calculated based on time and distance, and can be more expensive during peak hours due to traffic congestion. However, with Uber or Lyft you can get an approximate fare in advance.

In a rush hour the transfer is more expensive because of the time in traffic, while in a regular hour it is likely to decrease. Taxis follow 3 fares, namely daytime, evening and night fares. They also specify that on public holidays and weekends there is an extra charge of approximately €2.20 on the final fare.

Details of interest

  • Journeytime: 20 - 25 minutes.
  • Price: from €29.
  • Advantages of using this method: the transfer is one of the fastest, the journey is comfortable and the service is personalised.
  • How to book this transport: no reservations are made, unless you decide to use a service such as Uber, recommended if you have data available on your phone.
  • Recommended if: a taxi transfer is the ideal way to speed up your arrival at your destination and you appreciate privacy. Another frequent reason for choosing a taxi is when you are carrying a lot of luggage, a transfer of this style allows you to move around comfortably. Finally, if you are travelling as a family or with a small group, taxis optimise your transfer time.

Comparison of airport transfers from the airport to Brisbane

  • Shared airport transfer between the airport and Brisbane
  • Comfortable option at a reasonable price
  • from €19
  • 20 - 25 minutes
  • Private transfer between the airport and Brisbane
  • Exclusive option with personal attention
  • from 39 €
  • 15 - 20 minutes
  • Airport to Brisbane train transfer
  • Ideal option for long city itineraries. for travellers with time on their hands.
  • from £12.3
  • 20 minutes and upwards, depending on destination and your choice of connections.
  • Airport to Brisbane bus transfer
  • The longest and cheapest option
  • from £2
  • 30 minutes and upwards depending on your destination.
  • Transfer by Lyft taxi or Uber between the airport and Brisbane
  • The most comfortable option, but with a high price tag
  • from €29
  • 20 - 25 minutes.

Can I get from the airport to Brisbane on the tour bus?

Tourist Bus| ©saxonessex
Tourist Bus| ©saxonessex

No, unfortunately from 2020 the Brisbane hop-on-hop-off bus will no longer serve the Queensland capital. According to the Brisbane Times report, the hop-on-hop-off bus service is being reorganised. It is likely to return in the future and with it, the shuttle service from the airport, one of the regular shuttle routes.

What other options do I have for getting from the airport to Brisbane?

Car Hire| ©Brock Wegner
Car Hire| ©Brock Wegner

If you're feeling adventurous or looking to take your experience up a notch, you still have a couple of other options for getting from the airport to Brisbane.

Hire a car

Companies such as Hertz, SIXT Car & Truck Rental Brisbane Airport and Thrifty Car Rental offer car rental services at BNE Airport. Almost all of them are located around the skywalk, so it's conveniently located.

Rental prices start at around €23 a day, and you have options from a sleek sedan to a spacious minivan, depending on your licence and your desire to shine and start your Brisbane city tours on your own. But, honestly, the move is not very common. First, because arriving in Australia often involves at least 24 hours between layovers and flights.

After so much time on planes, you want to relax as much as possible in this dream destination in Oceania. And the second reason is that private transport and public transport here are great, with reasonable prices. So why go to all the trouble, just let yourself go!

The Towncar service

Town car service is a current trend for customers looking for a transfer service with all the glitz and glamour of a limousine or high-end car. When you choose this form of transport, a luxury car and chauffeur will be waiting for you at the airport gates to transfer you with the most exclusivity you could ask for in terms of mobility. How much can it cost? Approximately €50 or more.

Which companies offer the luxury transfer service? In the capital of Queensland the list is enormous, the following stand out among the alternatives: Brisbane Luxury Transfers, Towncars Australia, a leading company in the area and Con-X-ion with its Premium service.