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How to get from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes

The picturesque suburb of Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast in Australia is, as the name suggests, built around numerous lakes perfect for walking and running around and picnics with friends and family. Try your hand at water sports on Lake Orr, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing, or visit some of the area’s famous nearby beaches such as Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise.

When travelling from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes you have three main transfer options; taxi, private transfer, and the train. A local taxi or private airport taxi transfer is the most convenient way to travel since they offer the only door-to-door service and operate at any time of day, taking around 1 hour to reach the lakeside suburb under normal traffic conditions. On the other hand, the train is a great budget option but takes a further 45 minutes, not including wait times.

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 €188 60min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €145 60min 24/7
Train €52 105min 05:04–22:32

How to get from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes by taxi

The best way to get from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes is to take a taxi from the airport. Taxis are always available and can transport you directly to your destination in around 1 hour under normal traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes

Taxi drivers from Brisbane Airport are required to use a taximeter when calculating their fares which means you won’t know the final cost of your trip until you arrive at your destination. The fare will be based on the distance travelled and the time of day you’re travelling (with surcharges at night, on weekends, and holidays). Nevertheless, for this trip you can expect to pay around €145 (AUD 240) for up to 4 passengers, excluding tolls.

For anyone who likes to plan and budget for their trip, you can pre-book an airport taxi with a company such as Welcome. You’ll be given an up-front cost and receive a personalised service from pick-up to drop-off.

Cost

€145

Trip Duration

60 Min.

*Prices vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are readily available from Brisbane Airport at any time of day.

Where can I take a taxi from?

Whether your plane lands at the Domestic or International Terminal at Brisbane Airport, you’ll find the taxi rank conveniently located outside the terminal.

Convenience

When you take a taxi on arrival from Brisbane Airport, you’ll reach your destination in Varsity Lakes quickly and easily. If you’re travelling in a group and can split the costs, this option’s convenience score will line up with its affordability.

If you pre-book with Welcome Pickups, you’ll have a friendly and professional driver, a modern vehicle, and be offered a complimentary mini tour of the area along the way.

Editor’s Note

If you're arriving late at night or early morning, a taxi or private transfer is your best transport option as public transport doesn't run as frequently.

Useful Tips

Luggage trolleys are available near the baggage carousel to help carry your luggage to your taxi. If you pre-book a ride, your driver will also come to baggage claim to assist. 
Tipping isn't customary in Australia but if you're paying in cash, feel free to round up the fare or let the driver 'keep the change'.

How to get from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes by train

The best budget transport option from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes is to take the Brisbane Airtrain. Services run regularly and no transfers are required so you can settle in and relax for your 1 hour and 45 minutes journey (not including wait times). From Varsity Lakes it’s also possible to travel onwards to the Gold Coast.

How much does the train cost?

A standard one-way ticket on the Airtrain costs €26 (AUD 43) for each person travelling. Tickets can be purchased online, from the service desk or kiosk at the airport with a card or cash, or you can use contactless payment by tapping your credit/debit card on the card readers at the Brisbane Airport.

Cost

€26

Trip Duration

105 Min.

Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hour and every 30 minutes during off-peak times and on weekends.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Trains run from 05:04 to 22:32 on weekdays and from 06:04 on weekends.

Where does the train depart from?

Whether you’re arriving at the International or Domestic Terminal at Brisbane Airport, simply follow the clearly marked ‘Trains’ signs to reach the Airtrain platform.

Convenience

The train from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes is the cheapest transport option and is very straightforward, even if it isn’t the quickest. Keep in mind that from the station you will still need to make your way to your final destination either by public transport, taking a taxi or walking. For the added convenience of being dropped right at your door, you can pre-book a private airport taxi instead and avoid the hassle of transfers and wait times.

Editor’s Note

Be sure to check out the go seeQ card if you plan on using public transport during your visit to Varsity Lakes and the surrounding area.

Useful Tips

There is ample room for luggage on board including bulky items such as surf boards.
All trains are wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets on board.
Book your ticket online to save an extra 15%.

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

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€188.0
NIGHTTIME
€226.0
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

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 can I get from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes?

The main transport options between Brisbane Airport and Varsity Lakes include taking a taxi, which is the quickest option, or the train, which is the most affordable. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer for a more personalised service.

What is the distance between Brisbane Airport and Varsity Lakes?

Varsity Lakes is located approximately 95 km from Brisbane Airport, a distance most easily covered by taxi or private transfer.

What is the cost of a taxi from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes?

A taxi from Brisbane Airport to Varsity Lakes should cost you around €145 (AUD 240) for up to 4 passengers, not including any tolls or surcharges.

For a guaranteed and competitive set rate fee, opt for a pre-booked private transfer instead and unlock several other benefits.

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