GETTING TO AND AROUND BRISBANE

Arriving By Air

As a modern, progressive city forging its own path towards greater sustainability and accessibility for all, Brisbane offers an abundance of great transport options to help everyone explore with ease. 

Brisbane Airport is the award-winning aviation gateway to this stunning river city. Comprising both a domestic and an international terminal, Brisbane Airport is Australia’s largest airport by land size, and one of its busiest based on passenger numbers. The twin terminals operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, accommodating over 20 airlines flying to more than 70 domestic and international destinations. Boasting first-class facilities and a warm Queensland welcome, Brisbane has been repeatedly recognised as the Best Airport in Australia/Pacific according to the prestigious SkyTrax World Airport Awards.  

Within 15 kilometres of the city centre, Brisbane Airport affords convenient access to all this vibrant region has to offer. Getting from the airport to your desired destination is a breeze, with plenty of ground transport options available. The AirTrain offers a quick and seamless express transfer between terminals, and to the city centre, connecting in with Brisbane’s extensive suburban rail service. Tickets can be pre-purchased online at airtrain.com.au, on arrival at the station, or via contactless payment methods. 

If you’re self-driving, there’s plenty of parking onsite, including valet and self-parking options. There’s a host of reputable car hire companies with depots at the airport. And of course, taxi and rideshare services are readily available. 

Before heading out on your Brisbane-based adventure, be sure to call by the Visitor Information desks located within each airport terminal. Here you’ll find a treasure trove of travel advice, and friendly local experts who are happy to assist with bookings and planning the perfect itinerary for your Brisbane visit. 

Rail, Bus and Ferry Services

Brisbane proudly boasts an extensive public transport network of busways, train lines and ferry services that span across the city and throughout the region. 

The greater Brisbane region is connected to the CBD via an extensive network of speedy electric rail services. The two major city stations are Central and Roma Street, with all inbound train services traversing through these key rail hubs. 

Brisbane buses are another frequent and reliable means of getting about inner city and outer suburbs, offering cost-effective connectivity with major shopping centres, entertainment and dining precincts and other transport hubs. The City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus service circle the inner city regularly between 7am and 6pm weekdays, offering a free ride to destinations around the CBD and Spring Hill precincts.  

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore this river city is to follow its winding waterway aboard Brisbane’s cruisy and comfortable ferry services. The CityHopper is an excellent option for visitors, offering free travel between popular inner-city stations including South Bank, Kangaroo Point and New Farm. CityCat ferries travel between St Lucia in the south and Northshore Hamilton in the north, seven days a week. Cross-river ferries operate between cross points including Bulimba to Teneriffe, Kangaroo Point to Eagle Street and Norman Park to New Farm. 

One of the easiest ways to get about on Brisbane’s public transport network is by purchasing a TransLink go card, available for purchase at attended Queensland Rail stations, 7-Eleven and Night Owl stores and selected retailers. These handy, pre-paid travel cards can also be purchased online. Search ‘TransLink go card’ for further information. In most cases, paper tickets and contactless payment options are also available. For all public transport journey planning and ticketing information, please visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

Transfers, Tours, Taxis and Ride Share Services

Brisbane also boasts a diverse array of tour and transfer options to choose from, as you’d expect of a cosmopolitan capital city. 

Con-X-ion offers convenient, door-to-door transfers for airline and cruise passengers, as well as charter services. They specialise in providing pick-up and drop-off services to and from both airport terminals and all Brisbane ports. Tickets can be purchased via the Con-X-ion website, or at the sales kiosks within each airport terminal. Pre-booked Con-X-ion passengers arriving at Brisbane Airport should report to the Con-x-ion airport service desks to check-in. Passengers will then be directed to their shuttle buses and assisted through the boarding procedure by the driver.

For those chasing insider’s insights or entertaining audio commentary to accompany their exploration, our extensive range of expert-guided tours offer almost limitless opportunities to discover Brisbane’s hidden secrets from land, sea and sky. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, history buff, eager sports fan or food and culture connoisseur, we have a range of tours to suit your interests and itinerary. From family-friendly fun days out to action-packed adventures or multi-day sensory journeys, there’s something here for everyone. To learn more about our comprehensive menu of tour options, please visit one of our accredited Visitor Information Centres located at the Brisbane Airport or in Queen Street Mall, or visit our website at visit.brisbane.qld.gov.au. 

There are two main taxi services which operate in the greater Brisbane area. Black and White Cabs can be contacted on 133 222 or accessed online at blackandwhitecabs.com.au. The other company, 13Cabs, can be booked by phoning 13 2227 or visiting 13cabs.com.au. Brisbane is also home to a range of rideshare services, including Uber, DiDi, Ola, Lyft and GoCatch. 

Independent Exploration – Self-Drive Options

The beautiful city of Brisbane is perched in the southeast corner of sunny Queensland. It’s prime location and extensive road network makes it a popular self-drive destination for many Queensland residents and inter-state visitors. Driving your own vehicle (or hiring one here) offers the ultimate flexibility and almost unlimited access to the most remote corners of the expansive Brisbane region. 

You are permitted to drive in Queensland if you hold a valid Australian or foreign licence. If your licence is in a language other than English, you should carry an English translation of it when driving. 

Throughout the city and at the airport you’ll have access to all the major car hire companies, as well as some lesser-known independent operators. They offer everything from high-end luxury rides to rugged four-wheel drives, so you can find freedom to follow your own path and holiday your way. Some companies also offer pre-booking of wheelchair-accessible and hand-controlled vehicles on request. No matter how you like to move, you’ll find a hire option here to get you out and about exploring all that’s on offer. From yacht charters to motorhome rentals, our region offers a myriad of ways to get you and your crew mobile and chasing your own adventure!

Active Transport – The Cleaner, Greener Alternative

Queensland is affectionately referred to as ‘the sunshine state’, and this is the perfect place to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Brisbane climate with a walk, cycle or scoot to explore the city. Not only is this option great for your health, it’s also good for the environment!

Take a leisurely ride along the riverside or a relaxing stroll along picturesque walkways to enjoy eco-friendly exploration at its finest. There’s no better way to truly immerse your senses in the ambience, sights and sounds of the vibrant city centre.  Bring your own bike or hire one of 2800 e-bikes and e-scooters stationed across the city, using the Neuron or Beam smartphone app. Helmets are mandatory on all e-bikes and e-scooters, so don’t forget to strap yours on before you set out on your adventure.

Accessibility – Airport, AirTrain, Transfers and Taxis

Brisbane Airport strives to provide facilities that are accessible to everyone, including passengers and visitors with specific needs or disability. They have developed an Accessibility Journey Planner to help visitors with specific access needs to plan and navigate their way through the airport. To download this handy resource, please visit bne.com.au and search ‘Assistance.’  

Designated accessible drop-off and pick-up zones are available at both terminals for use by Disability Parking Permit holders. All International Terminal directory boards incorporate tactile and Braille features to aid accessibility. Accessible unisex toilets are located throughout both terminals. Changing Places bathrooms can be found on the central ground floor area of the domestic terminal, and on Level 4 behind the Flight Centre Store at the international terminal. Registered assistance animals are welcome within the airport, and special toilet and watering facilities are available for their use. Sunflower lanyards are available to promote staff awareness and aid an easier transition through the airport for those with hidden disabilities. 

AirTrain departs every 15 to 30 minutes from the Domestic and International Brisbane Airport terminals. The trains feature designated accessible seating for people with disabilities. LED screens display your journey, and audible announcements signalling each station. Airport stations accommodate wheelchair users, with lift access, platforms level to the train floor, and staff on-hand to assist with boarding where required. 

The Con-x-ion transfer service offers one bus equipped with wheelchair hoist capabilities, so prospective passengers travelling with a wheelchair will need to book their Con-x-ion transfer service at least two weeks in advance so this bus can be reserved for your service. Con-X-ion buses are not fitted with anchor points for wheelchairs. Wheelchairs and walking aids must be collapsible as they will be stored in the bus trailer. Mobility scooters can be no heavier than 28 kilograms and must fit in the trailer. All passengers need to ensure they can board, disembark (via hoist assistance if booked) and move around the bus unaided or, alternatively travel with a care assistant or companion.

For further details about accessibility of other transfer services please contact the operator directly to discuss your unique needs.

Wheelchair accessible taxis are available on request. Please advise if you require a wheelchair accessible vehicle at the time of booking. 

Accessibility – Tours and Public Transport

Accessibility of tour options will vary considerably with each individual company and in accordance with your unique needs. Factors which may impact access include the nature of the experience, the activities included within the tour, the existing infrastructure and other considerations. Please contact your preferred tour company directly to discuss any access requirements and determine if they can accommodate your unique needs. 

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is committed to making Brisbane’s public transport system more accessible to all, with a host of initiatives currently being implemented under the Disability Action Plan. 

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be taken on all Translink train services. Allocated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility devices are in the middle carriage on all train services. To use these spaces, please wait at the assisted boarding point indicated by the international symbol for access, a white wheelchair on a blue background, located in the middle of the platform. Where required, staff will deploy a ramp at these points for you to board or get off the train. Priority seating for people with a disability, older adults, those who are pregnant, have an injury or travelling with young children are located near the door in every carriage. Stations are announced audibly and in large, illuminated writing on display screens in each carriage. 

At the time of publishing this audio guide, Queensland Rail was in the process of undertaking a rolling Station Accessibility Upgrade Program. Accessibility of stations varies across the network, with many stations offering lift or ramp access, hearing loop aids and tactile ground surface indicators. Please visit queenslandrail.com.au to determine the accessibility features of stations on our network. 

Most buses on our network are accessible, with low floor entry, ramp access and allocated space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Busway stations are designed to be fully accessible, equipped with lifts, ramps and pathways, and tactile ground surface indicators to assist commuters who are blind or have low vision. Hearing loops are available at busway stations in the unlikely event of an emergency. 

All CityCat ferries are fully accessible, with four spaces for wheelchairs and mobility scooters on each vessel. CityHopper and Cross River Ferry services are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

For full details and the latest updates about accessibility on Brisbane’s extensive public transport network, please visit translink.com.au, navigate to the ‘Travel With Us’ tab and select ‘Accessibility’ from the drop-down menu.