Brisbane Airport Transfers

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

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

10 min read

Brisbane Airport Transfers

Brisbane | Bhavesh Patel

With its position on the east coast, its 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 gives you a detailed guide on how to get from the airport to downtown.

Learn about transportation options to and from BNE (the acronym by which Brisbane Airport is best known), with information on prices, amenities and travel times. Whether you prefer the convenience of a shared service or the speed of a cab, here you will find everything you need to start your adventure in this city full of life and culture.

1. A private transfer, comfort, exclusivity and personalized 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 personalizes 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 ride, with plenty of room for your luggage. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport, guiding you on your way from your arrival in the capital of Queensland.

Another advantage of this type of service is that you avoid the hassle of connections, the restriction of public transport schedules and the variation of fares, arriving directly and safely to your destination in Brisbane, with the convenience of a fixed rate after indicating your address when booking.

Useful details

  • Travel time: 15 - 20 minutes.
  • Price: from 39 €.
  • Advantages 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 is available exclusively online, so you can book your BNE airport transfer in advance and without major inconveniences.
  • Recommended if: you are interested in comfort, efficiency, speed and personalized experience in your transfers.

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), forget about expensive cabs and reduce pollution by opting for a shared transfer to downtown hotels. The service allows you to save money by traveling through the various transportation companies Uber, Didi, Ola and Sheba, by the way, the latter company is led by women for women.

Say goodbye to expensive cabs, book in advance this practical service by sedan, bus or shared 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 center, 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.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: 20 - 25 minutes.
  • Price: from 19 € per person.
  • Advantages of using this method: the transfer is one of the cheapest and from the 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 transport: it is done online, on the website of each operator. It is important to mention that this type of service is not hired in person, therefore, to make use of it you must plan your transfer to the accommodation in advance.
  • Recommended yes: it is recommended if you feel like sharing your transfer to the 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 center. This direct option gets you there in just 20 minutes, offering efficiency comparable to cabs, but at a better price.

Like cabs, this direct service gets you to the heart of the city in just 20 minutes. The frequency of the train is a plus 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 will have the opportunity to reach the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and the entire city.

Details of interest

  • Travel time: 20 minutes onwards.
  • Price: a one-way ticket on the 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, you travel comfortably and the service has a good transfer frequency.
  • How to book this transport: you can buy your tickets online, the same as your go card on the Translink website, in both cases this purchase in advance represents a saving that can be up to 30%.
  • Recommended yes: if you are looking for a convenient option at a competitive price, good travel frequency and comfort, 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 transfers from Brisbane Airport, the cheapest and most popular option is the bus. This transportation system stands out for its low fares, making exploring the city affordable for all budgets. However, it is essential to keep in mind that this financial savings sometimes entails a longer travel time.

This alternative presents itself as the ideal option for those travelers who have enough time to explore the surroundings while traveling 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 among all the available alternatives. They are ideal if you are traveling on a tight budget and traveling light, you just need to head to the stops around the airport and board the bus.

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

Details of interest

  • Journeytime: 30 minutes onwards 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 trip in the city and from it to the surrounding area.
  • How to book this transport: on the website of each company you can buy your tickets in advance or at the airport.
  • Recommended if: you have enough time to wait for transportation, you want to save money and you don't mind walking a bit to your accommodation (the stops are pre-established).

4.2 Door to door shuttle bus

Brisbane Transfer| ©Ouvsy
Brisbane Transfer| ©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 you can purchase your tickets at the ticket kiosks located throughout the airport terminals.

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

Details of interest

  • Travel time: 30 minutes or more, depending on the 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 its pre-established routes around Surfers Paradise, Toowoomba, Goald Coast, Noosa or to the city center.
  • How to book this shuttle: you can hire the service when you arrive at the airport, however, to guarantee your transfer it is best to make a reservation in advance.
  • Recommended if: you are looking for a comfortable, easy to arrange and direct transfer to your accommodation.

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

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

If you prioritize convenience above all else, choosing a cab, a Lyft, or an Uber from Brisbane airport to the city center is the easiest option, though also the most expensive. 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 this case.

In Australia cabs 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, it can be more expensive during peak hours due to traffic congestion. However, with Uber or Lyft you can have an approximate of the fare in advance.

During rush hour the transfer is more expensive because of the time in traffic, while during a regular hour it is likely to decrease. Cabs follow 3 fares, namely daytime, evening and night fares. They also specify that holidays and weekends have a supplement of approximately € 2.20 on the final fare.

Details of interest

  • Duration of the trip: 20 - 25 minutes.
  • Price: from 29 €.
  • Advantages of using this method: the transfer is one of the fastest, the ride is comfortable and the service is personalized.
  • How to book this transportation: no reservations are made, unless you decide to use a service like Uber, recommended if you have data available on your phone.
  • Recommended if: the cab transfer is the ideal way to speed up your arrival at your destination and you appreciate privacy. Another frequent reason to choose a cab is when you carry a lot of luggage, a transfer of this style allows you to move comfortably. Finally, if you are traveling with a family or a small group, cabs optimize the transfer time.

Comparison of airport transfers from the airport to Brisbane

  • Shared transfer between the airport and Brisbane
  • Comfortable option at a reasonable price
  • starting at 19
  • 20 - 25 minutes
  • Private transfer between the airport and Brisbane
  • Exclusive option with personal attention
  • starting at 39 €
  • 15 - 20 minutes
  • Transfer by train between airport and Brisbane
  • Ideal option for long itineraries in the city. for travelers with time to spare.
  • from £12.3
  • 20 minutes and upwards, depending on the destination and connections you choose.
  • Bus transfer between the airport and Brisbane
  • The longest and cheapest option
  • from 2
  • 30 minutes onwards depending on the destination requested.
  • Transfer by Lyft cab or Uber between the airport and Brisbane
  • The most comfortable option, but with a high price tag
  • from 29 €
  • 20 - 25 minutes.

Can I go from the airport to Brisbane on the tourist 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 tourist bus service offering is being reorganized. It is likely to return in the future and with it, the shuttle service from the airport, one of the regular routes of this type of transport.

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.

Rent a car

Companies like Hertz, SIXT Car & Truck Rental Brisbane Airport and Thrifty Car Rental offer their services to rent a car at BNE Airport. Almost all of them are located around the skywalk, so it is convenient to locate them.

Rental prices are around 23 euros a day, and you have options from a sleek sedan to a spacious minivan, depending on your license 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 in airplanes, what you are looking for is 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 complicate things, let yourself go!

The Towncar service

Town car service or town car service is a current trend for customers looking for a transfer service with all the glitz and glamour that getting on board a limousine or high-end car can offer. By choosing this form of transportation, a luxury car with its respective chauffeur will be waiting for you at the airport gates to transfer you with the greatest exclusivity that can be asked for in terms of mobility. How much can it cost? Approximately € 50 or more.

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