This guide covers how the Airtrain, taxis, rideshare, the bus via Skygate and a door-to-door shuttle work from Brisbane Airport, and where to find each, using Brisbane Airport’s transport page and Translink’s airport services page. It gives no fares, so check current prices with each provider before you travel.
Airtrain
Travel to and from Brisbane Airport by rail is provided by Airtrain, a non-Translink operator that links the International and Domestic airports with Brisbane City and the Gold Coast. Its stations sit directly in front of each terminal. Brisbane Airport says the trip to Brisbane City takes 20 minutes, and Translink says the same.
Translink lists the Brisbane City stations as Eagle Junction, Wooloowin, Albion, Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane. You can also travel between every South East Queensland train station and the airport. For the Gold Coast, Translink says to use the tram to connect to the Airtrain at Helensvale. On board, Translink lists air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, luggage space, restrooms and information screens.
Frequency and hours
At 9 November 2026, per Brisbane Airport, trains run every 15 minutes at peak and every 30 minutes off-peak. The two official sources differ on operating hours, so neither should be treated as settled. At 9 November 2026, Brisbane Airport lists hours of 5:04am to 10:04pm on weekdays and 6:04am to 10:04pm on weekends. At the same date, Translink says services run between 4.30am and 10pm, every 15 minutes during peak times.
Tickets and tapping
Brisbane Airport says you can book on the Airtrain website or buy on arrival at the Airtrain station. At 9 November 2026, Translink says you can tap on and off with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card, including on a smartphone or other smart device, or with a go card. Each customer must use one card or device and tap on and off with the same one to avoid an extra fee. Pre-purchased single paper tickets are available at train and tram station fare machines or ticket offices.
When you transfer from Airtrain to another Translink service, contactless and go card transfer rules do not apply and a new journey begins. At 9 November 2026, per Translink, Airtrain tickets are only valid on train and tram services, and transfers to bus or ferry services are not permitted.
Finding the station
At the International Terminal, take the travelator or lift to Level 3 and follow the signs to the station. From the Domestic Terminal, go to the front of the building and take the Skywalk across to the station. If you land at one terminal and need the other, Airtrain offers a terminal transfer that takes 5 minutes, booked with Airtrain staff on arrival.
Taxi
At 9 November 2026, per Brisbane Airport, taxis are available 24/7 from sheltered ranks outside both terminals, with kerbside officers on hand at peak times. At the Domestic Terminal the rank is centrally in front of the building. At the International Terminal the cab rank is in front of the terminal on the Level 2 Arrivals Road, through the doors and out to the left. Brisbane Airport names two companies, 13cabs and Black & White Cabs.
Outside peak periods, the drive from the airport to the city is approximately 20 minutes. If you are going beyond the city, Brisbane Airport points to the 13cabs advanced fare estimator. At 9 November 2026, per Brisbane Airport, a fee is added to any taxi fare collected from the airport, and toll road fees are extra and the passenger’s responsibility.
Rideshare
Brisbane Airport lists Uber, Didi, Ola and Sheba among the rideshare services with airport pick-up. You order through your app and follow the signs to the Rideshare Booking areas. At the International Terminal, from Level 2 the exit is at the end of the building, behind The Coffee Club, followed by a ramp and path. At the Domestic Terminal, pick-up is on the central road between the taxi rank and the passenger pick-up and drop-off area, either side of the Skywalk.
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For cost, Brisbane Airport says to use Uber’s fare estimator or your rideshare app, and at 9 November 2026 it notes that a fee is added to rideshare fares from the airport.
Bus via Skygate
Brisbane City Council operates a bus service within the airport precinct. You make your own way from either terminal to the Skygate Centre, where, at 9 November 2026 per Brisbane Airport, route 590 runs seven days a week. Brisbane Airport says the bus connects to the rail network at Toombul Interchange. At 9 November 2026, Translink lists two ways to get between the airport and Skygate: the free Terminals-Skygate bus, or route 590, where Translink fares apply and no cash is accepted on buses.
Door-to-door shuttle
Brisbane Airport describes Con-x-ion as a door-to-door shuttle from both terminals to dozens of locations around Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Tickets can be bought online or at the sales kiosk at each terminal. At 9 November 2026, per Brisbane Airport, you meet your transfer at the Visitor Information desk at the International Terminal, and outside on the forecourt towards the Virgin end at the Domestic Terminal.
Cycling
Brisbane Airport can be reached by shared pedestrian and cycle paths and designated roadways where cycling is permitted (unless otherwise signed). Cycling is not permitted on Moreton Drive.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Airtrain take from Brisbane Airport to the city?
Brisbane Airport and Translink both say about 20 minutes between the airport and Brisbane City.
Can I use a go card or contactless card on Airtrain?
At 9 November 2026, Translink says you can tap on and off with a go card or a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card, using the same card or device each time.
Where do I find the Airtrain station?
At the International Terminal take the travelator or lift to Level 3; from the Domestic Terminal take the Skywalk from the front of the building.
Are taxis available at any hour?
At 9 November 2026, per Brisbane Airport, taxis are available 24/7 from sheltered ranks outside both terminals.
