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How to get from Brisbane Airport to Central Station

Q: How to get from Brisbane Airport to the Central Station?

To get from Brisbane A irport to Brisbane’s central station, your transfer options include a taxi or private transfer, the train, the bus or a shared shuttle. Travelling duration, excluding wait times, is around 25 mins by taxi, 20 mins by train and 50 mins by bus or shared shuttle.

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September 28, 2023

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is the third-largest city in Australia. It is a popular tourist destination with major landmarks and breathtaking views that attracts people from all parts of the world.

Now if you’re arriving at Brisbane Airport (BNE) and want to make your way downtown to the Central Railway Station to catch a train, you have four options: taxi, bus, shared shuttle and train. The distance from Brisbane Airport to the central station of Brisbane is just 15 km. Taking an airport taxi or private transfer is the most convenient travel option, taking about 25 minutes. The airport train, Airtrain, is the fastest way to get to the central station, taking around 20 mins. The cheapest but slowest and least convenient option is the bus, which takes about 50 mins to complete the route. Similarly, the shared shuttle will take 50 mins to reach the central station, however, practically, it’s only a good value-for-money option if you’re travelling solo.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Brisbane at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€88	25min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€30	25min	24/7
Bus	€4	50min	05:45–23:45
Shared shuttle	€24	50min	06:00–23:00
Train	€22	20min	05:04–22:04

How to get from Brisbane Airport to Central Station by taxi

An airport taxi is the most comfortable transfer option from Brisbane Airport to the central station. Taxis are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at BNE Airport, and the trip takes approximately 25 minutes. However, this depends entirely on the time of day and the traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from Brisbane Airport to Central Station

Brisbane Airport taxis don’t offer set rates as the cost depends on the time of day, number of passengers, and distance travelled. The fare would be determined using a taximeter. The approximate taxi cost from Brisbane Airport to the central station is €30 (AUD 50). However, this rate is likely to increase during peak times.

You can always pre-book a private transfer with Welcome and benefit from our round-the-clock service, competitive all-inclusive fares and pre-paid rides for your peace of mind – even during rush hour and traffic.

Cost

€30 (AUD 50)

Trip Duration

25 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Brisbane Airport (BNE).

Where do I get a taxi from?

At the International terminal, the taxi rank is located at the northern end. If you’re arriving at the Domestic terminal instead, you’ll find the cab stand towards the centre of the terminal, right upon exiting the building. There will be clear signs to help you find your way around.

Convenience

For comfort and convenience, getting a local taxi upon landing or booking your ride in advance is the best option if you’re travelling with a group, have lots of luggage, or simply want to enjoy your first moments in the city without rushing around and stressing over how to navigate the local transport system. With a taxi, you can relax and enjoy the ride, knowing that a reliable driver will pick you up from the airport terminal and drop you off outside the doors of the Central Railway Station.

Editor’s Note

Always ensure that you go for official taxis at the designated taxi ranks. Thankfully, only official taxis are allowed to wait at the ranks, and they’re easy to identify.

Useful Tips

All taximeters should be turned on and reset before the trip begins.

Book a taxi in advance if you are travelling with a group for guaranteed availability and convenience.

Please note there is a fee of €3 (AUD 4.50) added to the end fare for airport pickups.

How to get from Brisbane Airport to Central Station by bus

There is no direct public bus service from Brisbane Airport to Central Station. If you opt for the bus option, you need to locate the free Skygate bus. The bus takes you to Skygate Centre located at The Circuit, Brisbane Airport, which is about 15 minutes from the International Terminal and 5 minutes from the Domestic Terminal.

At Skygate, you will find the Translink 590 bus service that takes you into the city. The bus makes a stop at the Toombul Interchange and then terminates at the Roma Street Transit Centre, which is a short walk from Central Station. The trip takes about 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

How much is a bus ticket from Brisbane Airport to the central station?

One-way tickets cost around €2 (AUD 3.20) for adults and €1.00 (AUD 1.60) for children. You can purchase your ticket online in advance, or buy one at the bus station. Booking online in advance is recommended to secure decent seats and avoid waiting in line for tickets upon your arrival.

Cost

€2 (AUD 3.20)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

The Translink 590 bus from Brisbane Airport to the central station runs every 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The free Skygate bus runs from 6:20 am to 6:00 pm. The Translink 590 bus is available daily from 5:40 am to 11:40 pm.

Where do I get the bus from?

You’ll find the Translink 590 bus at the Skygate Centre bus stop, located at ‘The Circuit’ of the airport. It is a 10-minute walk from the Domestic Terminal and a 15-minute walk from the International Terminal. There are also free Skygate buses at the entrance of the terminals that provide fast transfers to Skygate Centre. From the Domestic Terminal, the Skygate service departs from the Orange Transfer Bus stops outside the Terminal, at the Qantas and Virgin ends, while at the International Terminal, the bus stop is located outside, on Level 4.

Convenience

Taking a bus from Brisbane Airport to the central station is the least convenient option. You would have to walk to the Skygate Centre to catch your bus or take another transfer, and once you disembark at the final stop you’d have to walk to your destination. This could pose a problem, especially if you have lots of luggage, travelling with a group or young kids, or have mobility issues.

Timetables

Free Skygate Loop Service

Translink 590

Editor’s Note

It’s best to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes before your departure time to avoid surprises. Seeing as delays are inevitable; if you want to get to your destination faster and prioritise your comfort and convenience, you can opt for an airport taxi instead, and travel at your pace.

Useful Tips

Booking your tickets online saves you money and prevents you from waiting in lines.

If you’re using a bus, remember to pack lightly. Buses have minimal luggage space and are often very crowded.

During peak hours, the waiting time could be up to 30mins or more.

How to get from Brisbane Airport to Central Station by shared shuttle

If a taxi is out of your budget, for a more affordable door-to-door transfer from Brisbane Airport to Central Station, you can take the airport’s shared shuttle service known as Con-X-ion. This bus service operates from both Domestic and International Terminals.

How much is the shuttle from Brisbane Airport to the central station?

A one-way ticket from Brisbane Airport to the central station on the Con-X-ion shuttle bus costs €12 (AUD 20). Children under the age of 1 travel for free as long as they don’t require a separate seat.

Cost

€12 (AUD 20)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

Your shared shuttle would arrive during the 20-min wait time outlined on your ticket confirmation.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The Con-X-ion shuttle bus runs from 06:00am to 11:00pm, with longer waiting times during the night service.

Where do I get the shuttle from?

Once you land at Brisbane Airport, from Arrivals, you can make your way to the Con-X-ion desk and check-in for the next departing shuttle. You will be directed to the designated departure point.

Convenience

The Con-X-ion shuttle bus from Brisbane Airport to Central Station is a comfortable and safe option. However, waiting times can be long between services. Moreover, keep in mind that if you are travelling with a group of 2 people or more, taking a taxi will end up costing you the same amount or less whilst offering a more convenient and private option.

Timetables

Con-X-ion

Editor’s Note

If your flight is delayed or you arrive late for a pre-booked departure, the bus will not wait and you will be required to make alternative arrangements at your own expense.

Useful Tips

Always remember to arrive and check in 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled departure to avoid causing delays.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the Con-X-ion sales kiosk, located at both airport terminals.

How to get from Brisbane Airport to Central Station by train

The Airtrain is the only train that runs through Brisbane Airport to Central Station. The train takes 20 mins to operate the 15 km route from the airport to the central station and is the fastest way to get into the city.

How much is the train from Brisbane Airport to Central Station?

A one-way ticket on the train from Brisbane Airport to the central station in Brisbane costs €11 (AUD 18) for adults and €5 (AUD 9) for children between the ages of 4-15 years old. The price remains the same regardless of the time of day.

Purchasing tickets online can secure you a 15% discount for one-way tickets or free return trips. Your tickets can also be purchased from the Airtrain ticket office at the airport or from the conductor on the train.

Cost

€11 (AUD 18)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

There are train departures every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during off-peak periods.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Airtrain does not run a 24-hour service. The first train departs at 5:04 am on weekdays and at 6:04 am on weekends/public holidays and the last train departs at 10:04 pm.

Where do I get a train from?

From the International Terminal, take the lift to Level 3 of the terminal building and follow the signs to the station. From the Domestic Terminal, make your way out to the front of the building and take the Skywalk to the station.

Convenience

The train is the fastest way to get to the Brisbane central station from the Brisbane Airport. There are departures every 15-30 mins, so the service is pretty reliable. However, travelling with a lot of luggage items may be challenging since there is limited luggage space onboard. Bear in mind, the train can also get really crowded during peak hours and the service stops running at 10:04 pm, so it’s only a good option if you’re plane lands during the day.

Timetables

Airtrain

Editor’s Note

Purchasing tickets from the conductor on the train is the most expensive option as there is often a surcharge. Online tickets are your best shot!

Useful Tips

WiFi is available on the train to stay connected on the go.

Peak times are between 7-9 am and 5-7 pm. The train is often crowded during weekends as well.

Ensure you arrive at the platform early, especially if you’re travelling during rush hour to avoid having to wait for the next departure if the train fills up.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Brisbane. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

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DAYTIME

€88.0

NIGHTTIME

€106.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

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How to get from Brisbane Airport to the Central Station?

To get from Brisbane Airport to Brisbane’s central station, your transfer options include a taxi or private transfer, the train, the bus or a shared shuttle. Travelling duration, excluding wait times, is around 25 mins by taxi, 20 mins by train and 50 mins by bus or shared shuttle.

What is the train fare from Brisbane Airport to Central Station?

A one-way ticket for the train from Brisbane Airport to the central station of Brisbane costs €11 (AUD 18) and the train will take about 20 mins to complete the journey.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Brisbane Airport to Central Station?

There are no fixed rates for taxis. The cost of a taxi from Brisbane Airport to the central station depends on the distance, traffic conditions, and number of passengers. However, the approximate taxi cost from Brisbane Airport to Central Station is €30 (AUD 50) for a 25-minute ride.

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How to get from Brisbane Airport to Central Station by taxi

Taxi fare from Brisbane Airport to Central Station

Cost

€30 (AUD 50)

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Brisbane Airport (BNE).

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Brisbane Airport to Central Station by bus

How much is a bus ticket from Brisbane Airport to the central station?

Cost

€2 (AUD 3.20)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The free Skygate bus runs from 6:20 am to 6:00 pm. The Translink 590 bus is available daily from 5:40 am to 11:40 pm.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Free Skygate Loop Service

Translink 590

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Brisbane Airport to Central Station by shared shuttle

How much is the shuttle from Brisbane Airport to the central station?

Cost

€12 (AUD 20)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The Con-X-ion shuttle bus runs from 06:00am to 11:00pm, with longer waiting times during the night service.

Where do I get the shuttle from?

Convenience

Timetables

Con-X-ion

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Brisbane Airport to Central Station by train

How much is the train from Brisbane Airport to Central Station?

Cost

€11 (AUD 18)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Airtrain does not run a 24-hour service. The first train departs at 5:04 am on weekdays and at 6:04 am on weekends/public holidays and the last train departs at 10:04 pm.

Where do I get a train from?

Convenience

Timetables

Airtrain

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Brisbane Airport to the Central Station?

What is the train fare from Brisbane Airport to Central Station?

What’s the cost of a taxi from Brisbane Airport to Central Station?

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