Brisbane Airport Guide

Brisbane Airport (BNE) is Queensland's main international airport and a gateway to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

The airport has two terminals in separate buildings:

• Domestic Terminal (T2 or Terminal D): A single building with airline areas and gate piers along one continuous secure-side terminal.
• International Terminal (T1 or Terminal I): A separate multi-level building for international flights.

Important layout note: The buildings are four kilometres apart and are not connected airside. A domestic-international transfer requires you to travel landside by the free Terminal Transfer Bus or paid Airtrain. Use Brisbane Airport's current terminal maps for airline check-in and gate locations.

Key fact: The Domestic and International terminals are separate buildings, four kilometres apart. A transfer between them is landside; a same-terminal domestic or international connection follows a different process.

Terminal Connectivity

The Domestic Terminal is one building with all domestic gate areas on the secure side. International-to-international travelers remain in the International Terminal, but whether they can stay in transit depends on their boarding pass, through-checked baggage, airline combination, and Australian visa eligibility.

Getting Between Terminals

Method	Where to board	Published ride time	Cost
Terminal Transfer Bus	Domestic: orange stop toward the Qantas end; International: Level 2, signed Domestic Transfer stop	About 10 min	Free
Airtrain	Domestic: across the Skywalk; International: Level 3	About 5 min, plus waiting	A$5 one way

Airtrain runs between the terminals every 15 minutes in peak periods and every 30 minutes off-peak, within its operating hours. The free bus is normally the more practical choice, especially after an international arrival with luggage. Check Brisbane Airport's transfer page before travel for current bus information.

For a planned domestic-international or international-domestic connection, Brisbane Airport's transfer guide recommends allowing at least two hours between flights. This is planning guidance, not an airline-guaranteed minimum; leave more time on separate tickets or when bags are not checked through.

International Arrival Process

All passengers arriving from an international port must pass passport control, collect luggage, and clear Customs and Quarantine before transferring to the Domestic Terminal.

1. Follow arrivals signs through passport control, baggage claim, and Customs/Quarantine.
2. If the onward domestic flight is with Qantas or Virgin Australia, use the Domestic Transfer Desk in the International Terminal when eligible to hand over the bag.
3. For other domestic airlines, take your luggage to the Domestic Terminal and check in there.
4. Board the free Terminal Transfer Bus outside International Level 2, then clear domestic security.

Domestic to International

Exit the Domestic Terminal, collect bags unless your airline confirms they are checked through, and use the transfer bus or Airtrain to International. Check in on Level 4 if required, then pass international security and outbound passport control.

International to International

If you already have an onward boarding pass and your luggage is checked to the final destination on the same or a partner airline, follow International Transit/Transfer Passenger signs to the Level 3 departures area. Otherwise, you may need to enter Australia, collect luggage, and check in again; confirm the process and any transit-visa requirement with the airline before travel.

Both terminals have an Airtrain station plus signed taxi, rideshare, rental-car, and shuttle facilities. Airtrain is the primary public-transport option for central Brisbane, with a published journey of about 20 minutes to the city and direct service through Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane.

For Gold Coast destinations, Airtrain continues south with a transfer to the G:link tram at Helensvale for beach precincts. Door-to-door shuttles serve Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, while road travel times vary with traffic on the Gateway Motorway.

Uber, DiDi, Ola, and 13cabs (app-based taxi) all operate at Brisbane Airport.

Rideshare pickup points:

• Domestic Terminal: Level 2, designated rideshare zone (follow signs)
• International Terminal: Ground level, designated pickup area outside arrivals

Typical fares to common destinations:

Destination	Uber/Rideshare	Taxi
Brisbane CBD	A$35-50	A$45-60
South Bank	A$35-50	A$45-60
Fortitude Valley	A$30-45	A$40-55
Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise)	A$100-140	A$140-180
Sunshine Coast (Noosa)	A$150-200	A$200-250

Taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals halls at both terminals. Taxis are metered with an airport pickup fee. Credit cards accepted.

Peak hour note: Traffic on the Gateway Motorway and around the airport can be heavy during morning (7-9am) and evening (4-6pm) rush hours.

Airtrain to Brisbane City

Airtrain links both airport terminals directly with Brisbane City stations. The trip to the city takes about 20 minutes; trains run every 15 minutes in weekday peak periods and every 30 minutes off-peak and on weekends. Service is not overnight, so check the current Airtrain timetable against your flight.

Translink's airport-service page lists Brisbane City fares from A$23.30 effective April 27, 2026. Fares and offers can change. You can buy an Airtrain ticket, or tap on and off with a go card or eligible contactless Visa/Mastercard; use the same card or device at both ends.

To use the train:

1. At the Domestic Terminal, take the Skywalk to the station; at International, follow signs to Level 3.
2. Buy a ticket or tap on with your chosen payment method.
3. Board a citybound train and alight at the city station closest to your accommodation.
4. Tap off with the same card or device if you used go card or contactless payment.

Lower-cost bus alternative

Translink Route 590 does not serve the terminals directly. First take the free Terminals-Skygate bus to Skygate, then change to Route 590 for Toombul and connections into the wider network. This takes longer and requires a transfer, so use the Translink journey planner before choosing it over Airtrain.

Brisbane Airport offers multiple parking options:

Domestic Terminal parking:

• ParkShort: From A$12/hour, A$60/day (closest to terminal)
• ParkLong: From A$25/day (shuttle to terminal)
• ParkValet: From A$45/day (drop car at terminal, collected for you)

International Terminal parking:

• ParkShort: From A$12/hour, A$60/day
• ParkLong: From A$25/day

Off-site alternatives:

• Andrew's Airport Parking: From A$12/day (shuttle service)
• Park N Fly: Various operators from A$12-15/day

Pre-booking online through the Brisbane Airport website typically offers 20-30% savings over drive-up rates.

Brisbane Airport has undergone dining upgrades, with a good selection at both terminals.

Domestic Terminal:

• Starbucks: Coffee and snacks
• Ribs & Burgers: Quality burgers and ribs
• Sushi Hub: Japanese takeaway
• Hudsons Coffee: Reliable Australian coffee chain
• The Coffee Club: Australian cafe chain
• Campos Coffee: Excellent Australian coffee
• Guzman y Gomez: Mexican fast casual

International Terminal:

• Bar Roma: Italian cuisine and wine
• Moo Moo Wine Bar: Australian steaks and wine
• PJ O'Brien's: Irish pub fare
• Gloria Jean's Coffees: Coffee chain
• Red Rooster: Australian fast food chicken
• Hungry Jack's: Australian Burger King equivalent

For the best food variety, the Domestic Terminal offers more options. Arrive early for International departures if you want to eat before your flight.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals:

• Network: "BNE Free Wi-Fi"
• Speed: Adequate for browsing, email, and video calls
• Limit: Unlimited, requires acceptance of terms

Connection requires accepting terms via browser. For faster speeds, airport lounges offer premium WiFi.

SIM cards are available at the International Terminal arrivals area:

International Terminal arrivals:

• Optus: Kiosk near arrivals exit
• Vodafone: Kiosk in arrivals area
• Telstra: Available at convenience stores

Carriers and typical prices:

• Telstra: Best coverage (essential for regional Queensland), prepaid from A$30 (30GB, 28 days)
• Optus: Good coverage, prepaid from A$30 (40GB, 28 days)
• Vodafone: Competitive data, prepaid from A$30 (40GB, 35 days)

Tip: If traveling to regional Queensland, the Outback, or the Great Barrier Reef, Telstra offers significantly better coverage than other carriers.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals:

• Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, NAB: Major Australian banks available
• ATMs available before and after immigration in International Terminal
• Domestic Terminal has ATMs in arrivals and departures areas

Most ATMs dispense Australian dollars (AUD). International cards (Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus/Plus) widely accepted.

Currency Exchange:

• Travelex: Both terminals (rates are not competitive)
• UAE Exchange: International Terminal

For better exchange rates, use ATMs to withdraw cash or exchange money in Brisbane CBD. Australia is highly card-friendly; contactless payments accepted almost everywhere.

Brisbane Airport offers duty-free and retail shopping:

Duty-Free (International Terminal):

• Heinemann Duty Free: Main duty-free retailer (liquor, cosmetics, fragrances)
• Good selection of Australian wine and spirits
• Australian souvenirs and gifts

Domestic Terminal:

• JR/Duty Free: Duty-free shopping for international departures
• Newslink: Magazines, books, and essentials
• Various retail outlets: Clothing, accessories, souvenirs

Australian souvenirs:

• Australia the Gift: Australian-made products
• Queensland-themed merchandise: Great Barrier Reef, koala, and surf-themed items

For the best duty-free shopping, International Terminal departures has the widest selection. Domestic Terminal has limited retail options.

Brisbane Airport has several lounge options:

Priority Pass Lounges

• Plaza Premium Lounge (International Terminal): Decent food and beverage options, shower facilities available. Can get crowded during peak departure times.

Airline Lounges

International Terminal:

• Qantas International Lounge: Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald, Business Class passengers
• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge: Star Alliance Gold, Business Class passengers
• Air New Zealand Lounge: Star Alliance Gold, Business Class passengers
• Emirates Lounge: Emirates Business/First Class passengers

Domestic Terminal:

• Qantas Club: Qantas Club members, Business Class, Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald
• Qantas Business Lounge: Premium domestic lounge with barista coffee
• Virgin Australia Lounge: Virgin Australia status holders and Business Class passengers
• Rex Lounge: Rex passengers

The Qantas Business Lounge in the Domestic Terminal is well-regarded, with quality food and a relaxed atmosphere.

At the airport:

• Pullman Brisbane Airport: Connected to the International Terminal via covered walkway (from A$180/night)
• Ibis Brisbane Airport: Budget option adjacent to Pullman (from A$130/night)
• Novotel Brisbane Airport: Connected to Domestic Terminal (from A$170/night)

Near the airport:

• Hotels in the Airport precinct are walkable or a short shuttle ride

Day rooms:

• Some lounges offer shower facilities
• Hotels may offer day-use rates (check availability)

For early morning international departures, the Pullman is the most convenient option with direct access to the International Terminal. For domestic flights, the Novotel offers similar convenience.

Brisbane is Queensland's capital and the gateway to world-famous natural attractions:

Brisbane City (20-30 min from airport):

• South Bank Parklands: Urban beach, cultural precinct, weekend markets
• Story Bridge Adventure Climb: Climb Brisbane's iconic bridge (from A$129)
• Brisbane River: CityCat ferry rides along the river
• Fortitude Valley: Nightlife, dining, and live music scene
• Queen Street Mall: Shopping and dining hub

Nearby Beaches (varies):

• Moreton Island: 75-minute ferry from Brisbane, sandboarding, snorkeling with shipwrecks
• North Stradbroke Island: 50-minute ferry, pristine beaches and wildlife
• Gold Coast beaches: 75-90 minutes south via car or shuttle

Day trips from Brisbane:

• Gold Coast: Theme parks (Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld), Surfers Paradise, beaches (75-90 min)
• Sunshine Coast: Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin's zoo), Noosa, Glass House Mountains (90-120 min)
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: World's largest koala sanctuary, 20 minutes from CBD
• Tamborine Mountain: Rainforest walks and wineries (60-75 min)

Getting around the city: The go card works on buses, trains, ferries, and the G:link tram (Gold Coast). Brisbane has an extensive public transport network. The CityCat ferry is a scenic way to travel along the Brisbane River.

Best for short layovers (5-6 hours): Take the Airtrain to South Bank, explore the parklands and cultural precinct, grab lunch overlooking the city skyline, then return via train. Allow 4+ hours minimum after clearing customs and before returning to the airport.

Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef: Brisbane is a common starting point for reef trips. Flights to Cairns (2 hours) or the Whitsundays (1.5 hours) depart regularly from the Domestic Terminal.