How to Get to Brisbane. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Brisbane Airport (BNE) the main international and domestic airport. It connects the city to numerous domestic and international destinations.

BNE Gateway

Major Airports: Brisbane Airport (BNE), 17 km (11 miles) northeast of city center.
Domestic Airlines: Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex. Routes to major Australian cities.
International Airlines: Qantas, Virgin The land down under, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, etc. Routes from global hubs.

Flights & Facilities

Brisbane direct flight options from many significant global hubs. This connectivity Brisbane easily accessible for international visitors.

Connectivity & Services

Direct Flights: From Dubai, Singapore, Doha, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Auckland.
Price Fluctuations: Higher during Australian school holidays (mid-Dec to Jan, Easter, mid-year, Sep-Oct).
Airport Facilities: International & Domestic Terminals. Retail, dining, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, car rental.

Airtrain

Dedicated train service connects terminals to Brisbane City terminals and the Gold Coast. Fast, reliable.

Bus Services

Con-X-ion shuttles door-to-door. TransLink public buses to Toombul station for city connections.

Taxi & Ride-share

Dedicated taxi ranks. Ride-sharing services (Uber, Didi, Ola) have designated pick-up zones.

Airport Transfer Options

Pre-booking Benefits

For efficient airport transfers, notably during high season or with baggage.
Consider pre-booking an Airtrain ticket or an airport transfer service.
Car Rental: Major car rental companies have desks at both terminals.
Airport shuttle services: Con-X-ion.

Flight Booking Resources

Dollar Flight Club: Notifications for cheap flights.
Skyscanner: Compare flight prices from various airlines.
Book during shoulder or low seasons for potentially lower prices.
Higher flight prices during Australian school holidays.

Airport Services at BNE

Shopping & Dining

Retail stores, duty-free shopping, variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Passenger Comfort

Airline lounges, currency exchange services, ATMs, free Wi-Fi.

Ground Transport

Car rental services from major providers. Inter-terminal bus service.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Services

Brisbane a hub for land transportation, connecting it to regional Queensland and adjoining states.

Long Distance Connections

Queensland Rail (QR) Traveltrain: Long-distance services to Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville.
NSW TrainLink: Connects Brisbane (Roma Street) to Sydney and NSW.
Greyhound Australia: Extensive network to regional QLD, Sydney, Melbourne, etc.

Self-Driving Info

Driving in Oz: on the left-hand side of the road. This requires adjustment for drivers accustomed to right-hand driving.

Driving Requirements & Safety

Traffic Side: Left-hand side.
International Driving Permit (IDP): Recommended if foreign license not in English.
Safety: Seatbelts mandatory. Strict drink-driving laws (0.05% BAC). Speed limits enforced.

Road Conditions & Hazards

Roads in Queensland generally well-maintained and in good condition.

Hazards & Tolls

Wildlife: Aware of kangaroos, wallabies, especially at dawn/dusk in rural areas.
Fatigue: Significant hazard on long drives. Plan regular breaks.
Tolls: Apply on some motorways/bridges (e.g., Gateway Motorway). Electronic tolling (Linkt).

Long Distance Bus Operators

Premier Motor Service has services along the east coast, including routes to and from Sydney.

Bus Travel Options

Greyhound Australia: Cost-effective way to travel long distances.
Premier Motor Service: East coast routes.
Driving Tip: Map out rest stops and fuel stations in advance, especially in less populated areas.

Driving Age & Requirements

Minimum Age: Typically 21 for rental cars.
Surcharge: Some companies allow 18-20 with a surcharge.
Documentation: Valid driver's license (original) plus IDP if not in English.

Payment: Credit card for deposit.
Mobile Phone Use: Illegal while driving.
Car Rentals: DiscoverCars.com for comparing options.

Sea/River Arrivals

Cruise & Ferry Services

Brisbane's position along the river and near Moreton Bay has options for sea and river arrivals, especially for cruise passengers and island visitors.

Sea Arrivals

Cruise Port: Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) at Luggage Point for large international ships.
Domestic Ferries: To Moreton Island (MICAT ferry from Pinkenba) and North Stradbroke Island (Stradbroke Ferries/Sealink from Cleveland).
Immigration: Handled at BICT for international cruises. Standard passport/visa requirements.

River Transportation

The Brisbane River is a central artery for transport and recreation, influencing the city's character and continuous scenic vistas.

River Transit

CityCat (TransLink): Public ferry service along the Brisbane River.
CityHopper (TransLink): Free inner-city ferry service connecting riverside locations.
Connections: From BICT: taxis, ride-sharing, pre-booked shuttles. From Island Terminals: public buses or taxis on islands.

Departure Timing

International flights: 3 hours before. Domestic flights: 1-2 hours before.

Baggage Allowance

Check airline's specific baggage allowance and restrictions to avoid unexpected fees.

Exit Fees

No separate departure tax or exit fee. Incorporated into ticket cost.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

Brisbane Airport (BNE) has a selection of facilities for departing travelers in both the International and Domestic Terminals.

Check-in & Security

International Flights: Arrive 3 hours before.
Domestic Flights: Arrive 1-2 hours before.
Security Checks: Standard restrictions on liquids and prohibited items.

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Return your rental car, allow extra time for drop-off and transfer to the terminal.

Departure Amenities

Airline lounges, duty-free shopping (International Terminal).
Wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Last-minute souvenir shops, Wi-Fi access.

Train Station Facilities

Roma Street Station

Basic facilities, including cafes and local stores.

Central Station

Basic facilities, including cafes and convenience stores.

General Facilities

For train travelers.

Departure Reminder

Check your airline's specific baggage allowance plus rules before packing for your return journey to avoid unexpected fees.

How to Get to Brisbane