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How to get from Brisbane Airport to the City Centre of Brisbane

Brisbane is home to one of the country’s most revered art galleries, a flourishing live music community, and annual festivals. Located on Australia’s East Coast, also known as the Gold Coast for its famous sunny weather. Brisbane is Australia’s third-largest city and has a burgeoning population of cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries, green spaces and more, all worthy of any other big city in Australia.

When landing at Brisbane Airport (BNE), you have 3 different airport transfer options to get you to the city centre. Your first and most convenient option is to take a taxi or private airport transfer. Your second option is to take the airport Airtrain and your third option is to take a shared shuttle bus from BNE.

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.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €54 20min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €29 20min 24/7
Train €24.60 20min 05:00–22:00
Shared Shuttle Bus €26 50min 06:00–02:00

How to get from Brisbane airport to the city centre by taxi

Getting a Brisbane airport taxi to the city centre is definitely the easiest and most convenient travel option from BNE. Taxis are available 24/7 at Brisbane airport’s dedicated taxi ranks at both the International and Domestic terminals, both of which are staffed during peak hours. An off-peak ride to the city takes around 20 minutes, whereas a trip to the city centre during peak hours can take up to an hour.

Taxi fare from Brisbane airport to the city centre

The cost of a taxi from Brisbane airport to the city centre is calculated using a taximeter, so based on the time and distance travelled. Moreover, there are three tariffs based on the standard day fee, evening, night time, weekend or public holiday fee and an extra $3.50 AUD will be added to your end fare for an airport tax.
So when taking a Brisbane airport taxi into the city centre, you can expect to pay around €29 ($45 AUD) for your 20 minute journey, if you are travelling during the day and outside any peak hour.

However, if you wish to travel at a competitive fixed price, you can always book your private airport transfer in advance, at no extra cost.

Cost

€29 ($45 AUD)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*Rates can vary depending on the time of day

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Brisbane airport

Where do I get it from?

The official Brisbane airport taxis ranks are easy to find just outside the International and Domestic terminals, both of which are staffed during peak times.

Convenience

Taking a taxi for your Brisbane airport to city transportation is the most comfortable and efficient way to travel, especially after a long flight and if you are travelling with heavy luggage. Although taxis can get quite pricey at night or on weekends – they can also be the more cost efficient option if you are travelling in a group, as taxi fares are per vehicle and not per person.

Moreover, you can always book a private transfer company at a fixed rate price and avoid unforeseen expenses.

Editor’s Note

Tips are not expected, but are always appreciated. You can always tip 10 percent of the final bill for a smooth and courteous ride, or you can also let the driver “keep the change,” if that's easier.

Useful Tips

Please note that an airport surcharge of $3.50 AUD will be added to any taxi leaving Brisbane airport and has to be paid by the customer.
Taxis in Brisbane accept bank card payments and cash payments.
Authorised taxi drivers must display a current Authorised Driver licence at all times.

How to get from Brisbane airport to the city centre by train

Another great travel option is to take the train from BNE airport to Brisbane City, as they are direct and just like taxis, take 20 minutes to reach the centre. The train line runs every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours. Moreover, once you reach the city, you can travel to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and throughout Brisbane on the Queensland Rail suburban network.

How much is the Airtrain from Brisbane airport to the city centre?

A one-way ticket on the Airtrain costs €12.30 ($19 AUD) and can be purchased at the Airtrain desks in each of Brisbane’s terminals, or directly at the train station. It is good to know that if you purchase your Airtrain ticket online you can save 15% on your fare. Online tickets can be used two days either side of the booked date.

Cost

€12.30 ($19 AUD)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

There is an average waiting time of 15 minutes during rush hours and 30 minutes off rush hours for the Airtrain.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Airtrain runs from 05:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and 06:00 to 22:00 on weekends.

Where do I get it from?

The Airtrain has a station directly outside both the Domestic and International airport terminals.
Domestic terminal: You can find the Airtrain at the elevated Skywalk and is easily accessed using travellators.
International terminal: The Airtrain is located on level 3 (the arrivals are on level 2). Simply follow the “trains” signs to level 3 using the travellators or lifts.

Convenience

Taking the Airtrain from Brisbane airport to the city centre is an easy and very accessible transfer option as the trains are reliable and a comfortable way to travel. However, they do not offer very late services, so if you are arriving after 22:00 you will need to find another way to get to the city. Moreover, although they are the cheapest option, if you are travelling in a group of 2 people or more, taking a taxi would be even more cost efficient.

Editor’s Note

If you are planning on staying in Brisbane a while longer, you can always purchase a rechargeable "go card" or "go seeQ card" that can bring you further discounts.

Useful Tips

The Airtrain has an information counter where you can purchase tickets in the arrivals hall on level 2.
If you are having difficulty finding either Airtrain station, the airport staff are always happy to help guide you.
Children travel for free between the airport and the city stations, when accompanied by a paying adult. For all other routes, children under four years travel at no charge.

How to get from Brisbane airport to the city centre by shared shuttle bus

If you are looking for a door-to-door transfer to and from Brisbane airport, you can take the airport’s Con-X-ion shuttle bus service. The Con-X-ion bus operates from both terminals with a pick up and drop off service to many locations around Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

How much is a Con-X-ion shuttle bus ticket from Brisbane airport to the city centre?

A one-way ticket from Brisbane airport to the city centre on the Con-X-ion shuttle bus costs €13 ($20 AUD). Children under the age of 3 years travel for free, but need to be seated on one of their parent’s laps.

You can purchase your tickets online in advance or at the Con-X-ion sales kiosk at each airport terminal. Passengers will then be directed to their departing shuttle bus.

Cost

€13 ($20 AUD)

Trip Duration

50 Min.

Your shuttle bus should arrive during the 20 minutes outlined on your ticket confirmation.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

The Con-X-ion shuttle bus runs from 06:00 to 02:00 with longer waiting times during the night service.

Where do I get it from?

As you land at Brisbane airport, you can make your way to the Con-X-ion desk and check in to your departing bus shuttle. You will then be directed to your designated departure point.

Convenience

Although the Con-X-ion shuttle bus from the airport to Brisbane’s city centre is a comfortable and safe option, it is not considered the most convenient. Ticket prices are slightly higher than those of the Airtrain, for a longer travel time, and waiting times can be long in between services. Moreover, if you are travelling in a group of 2 people or more, taking a taxi is a cheaper option to get from the airport into the city.

Editor’s Note

There is another cheaper public bus option to get from Brisbane airport to the city, however it is much longer. You will need to make your way to the nearby Skygate Centre using the free Skygate Airport Transfer bus and then take the bus line 590 to the Toombul Interchange where there is a range of public transport options to the city, or other Brisbane suburbs.

Useful Tips

It is important to arrive and check in 5 minutes prior to your scheduled departure to ensure the service can leave on time.
Passengers arriving from delayed flights, who missed the last service of the day, are required to make alternative travel arrangements at their own expense.
Please note that the shuttle bus services are unable to wait for delayed flights or late passengers.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

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

Edit or cancel transfers

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Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How to get from Brisbane airport (BNE) to the city centre?

There are 3 different transfer options to get from Brisbane airport to the city centre. You can take a taxi or private airport transfer, the airport Airtrain or a shared shuttle bus.

How far is Brisbane airport from Brisbane's city centre?

Brisbane airport is located 22.2 km from Brisbane’s city centre. It will take you 20 minutes by taxi or on the Airtrain, or 50 minutes if you wish to take the shared shuttle bus.

How much is taxi from Brisbane airport to the city centre?

If you wish to take a taxi from BNE airport to the city centre your overall price should be around €29 ($45 AUD). Please be aware that various fees can be added to this price, such as travelling at night, on weekends, from the airport, etc.

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