Brisbane International Airport

Brisbane Airport (BNE) is Queensland's largest airport and Australia's third-busiest, serving as the gateway to Southeast Queensland, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. Located approximately 15 km northeast of the Brisbane CBD in the suburb of Eagle Farm, it handles over 24 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals in separate buildings:

• Domestic Terminal: Home to Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex, and other domestic carriers. Features multiple concourses.
• International Terminal: Handles all overseas flights, located approximately 2 km from the Domestic Terminal.

Important layout note: The two terminals are not connected airside. Transfers between Domestic and International require traveling between buildings via the free Inter-Terminal Transfer Bus or the Airtrain.

Brisbane Airport is 15 km northeast of the Brisbane CBD. Travel times to popular areas:

• Brisbane CBD (Central Station, Queen Street): 20-30 minutes
• South Bank: 25-35 minutes
• Fortitude Valley: 20-30 minutes
• Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise): 75-90 minutes
• Sunshine Coast (Noosa): 90-120 minutes

Transport options include the Airtrain (fastest and most reliable), taxi, rideshare (Uber, DiDi, Ola), and Con-X-ion shuttle services to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

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

The Airtrain is the fastest and most reliable way to reach central Brisbane.

Route: International Terminal → Domestic Terminal → various stations → Central Station → Roma Street → South Brisbane → South Bank

Fare to Central Station:

• Adult: A$21.90
• Child (5-14): A$10.95
• Off-peak discount: A$17.55 (9am-3:30pm and after 7pm weekdays, weekends)

Journey time: 20 minutes from Domestic Terminal to Central Station

Frequency: Every 15 minutes (peak), every 30 minutes (early morning/late night)

Hours: First train around 5am, last train around 10pm (check timetables)

Payment: go card (Brisbane's transit card), contactless credit/debit card, or paper ticket

To use the train:

1. Follow signs to "Airtrain" at either terminal
2. Tap on with go card or contactless card at the gate
3. Board the train toward the city
4. Tap off at your destination

Money-saving tip: Purchase an off-peak return ticket if traveling during discount hours. The Airtrain connects directly to Brisbane's suburban rail network for onward travel.

Con-X-ion Shuttle

Con-X-ion operates scheduled shuttle services from Brisbane Airport to:

• Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Coolangatta): From A$55 adult one-way
• Sunshine Coast (Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra): From A$55 adult one-way

Book online in advance for the best rates. Shuttles depart from outside both terminals.

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.