This guide explains how taxis and ride-booking services work in Queensland, how to recognise each kind of vehicle, what passengers are responsible for and where complaints go. It contains no fares. Everything below is what Queensland Government pages say at 9 November 2026, not a statement that each rule is current: the pages were last updated on different dates and some are years old, so the page’s own last-updated date is given wherever a rule relies on an older page. Options from the airport are covered in Brisbane Airport to the City: Your Options.
Two kinds of service, two ways to get a ride
The Queensland Government’s ride-booking page refers to all ride-booking services, including GoCatch, Ola, Shebah and Uber, and says they are commonly known as ride-booking, ride-sourcing and ride-sharing. At 9 November 2026, the page says you must pre-book a booked hire vehicle using the booking options provided by the service provider, for example an app. It says you cannot hail a ride-booking vehicle from the street or from a taxi rank, and that a booked hire driver cannot drop you off at a taxi rank. It is also illegal to book your vehicle directly with a driver, unless they also have approval to operate as a booking entity.
Taxis work differently. The taxi page says that if you hail a taxi or get in at a rank, the driver cannot refuse a trip. A separate pick-up and drop-off page (last updated 4 March 2019) says taxis have exclusive access to taxi zones (or ranks) to pick up or wait for passengers. If you book a taxi instead, the page says you will receive a fare estimate when you book your trip.
Recognising your vehicle
At 9 November 2026, the Queensland Government’s identification page (last updated 4 March 2019) says taxis can be identified by a distinctive registration plate of the letter T and 5 numbers in maroon and white. That 2019 page says ride-booking vehicles do not have distinctive number plates. Instead, it says vehicles used for ride-booking services (excluding taxis and limousines) must display an identification sign approved by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The ride-booking page says you can identify your ride-booking vehicle by signs displayed on the front and rear windscreens. For safety, the ride-booking page says to check that the number plate of your vehicle matches the one on your app. For taxis, it says you can check your driver is authorised by viewing their driver display card, which must be displayed in the taxi.
What drivers and vehicles must meet
The ride-booking page says all authorised drivers undergo criminal and traffic history checks before becoming a driver and are continually monitored once they start. It says a ride-booking driver must comply with zero alcohol and drug limits and cannot drive while fatigued, and that all ride-booking vehicles must pass safety inspections every year. The pick-up and drop-off page (last updated 4 March 2019) says ride-booking vehicles are not permitted to use special purpose lanes unless they are entering or exiting a road, overtaking a vehicle turning right, or avoiding an obstruction.
Fares, receipts and assistance
This guide gives no fare amounts. The Queensland Government says ride-booking fares are not regulated by it. At 9 November 2026, the page says a fare estimate must be provided unless there is a reasonable excuse, for example the hirer opts out of receiving it, and that you can request a receipt which must include a break-down of your total fare and any additional charges. For taxis, the page says drivers must always use the taximeter, except in rural Queensland, where they do not have to have one. The ride-booking page says you can receive assistance to board and leave the vehicle and to load and unload luggage without additional charge. It also says you can be accompanied by an assistance animal if required, and the taxi page says taxi drivers are not allowed to refuse to take you because of your assistance animal.
Passenger responsibilities and safety
At 9 November 2026, the ride-booking page says passengers cannot consume alcohol during the journey and are responsible for wearing a seatbelt. If you have a child under 16 with you, it says you must ensure they are properly restrained. The page says the Queensland Government does not regulate the age of passengers who use these services, and to check with your service provider for any passenger age restrictions. For anyone travelling with children, see also Kids and Public Transport in Brisbane: A Parents Guide.
The taxi page says a driver is allowed to direct a person to leave or not enter the vehicle if the driver reasonably believes the person is creating or likely to create a disturbance or nuisance, or cause danger to anyone. On the passenger side, the vehicle and driver safety page (last updated 1 July 2019) says that if you have any safety concerns you can refuse to enter the vehicle or remove yourself as soon as you can do so safely and report your concerns to the booking entity.
How to complain
The Queensland Government’s complaints page, which shows a last-updated date of 4 November 2022, sorts complaints by type. For a crime such as assault, harassment, theft, dangerous driving or drink driving, it says to contact the Queensland Police Service immediately or as soon as practical after the incident. If you think a taxi driver overcharged you, refused your trip or did not start the taximeter, the page says to contact the taxi company so they can resolve it. It adds that a complaint lodged only with the department will help it take action against the driver but will not fix the issue for you. Complaints about vehicle condition, driver courtesy or waiting time go to the taxi, limousine or ride-booking company.
For complaints about transport legislation, including unauthorised drivers, unsafe vehicles and failure to provide a receipt or fare estimate, the same page (last updated 4 November 2022) says to lodge a complaint with the department using the complaint form or by calling 13 12 30. It lists the details to provide: the company, driver details, vehicle number plate, time of day, pick-up location and destination. If the provider does not resolve the issue, the page says you can take your complaint to the Office of Fair Trading, which offers a conciliation service, and that discrimination complaints go to the Queensland or Australian Human Rights Commission. For paying for public transport instead, see Go Card and Public Transport Tickets Explained.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hail a rideshare vehicle on the street in Brisbane?
At 9 November 2026, the Queensland Government says you cannot hail a ride-booking vehicle from the street or from a taxi rank, and that you must pre-book using the provider’s booking options, for example an app.
How do I know my ride-booking car is the right one?
At 9 November 2026, the Queensland Government’s identification page (last updated 4 March 2019) says vehicles used for ride-booking services (excluding taxis and limousines) must display an approved identification sign. The ride-booking page says to check that the number plate matches the one on your app.
Are rideshare fares regulated in Queensland?
At 9 November 2026, the Queensland Government says ride-booking fares are not regulated by it, and that a fare estimate must be provided unless there is a reasonable excuse.
Who do I complain to about a taxi?
At 9 November 2026, the Queensland Government’s complaints page (last updated 4 November 2022) says to contact the taxi company for overcharging or job refusal, and to lodge transport legislation complaints with the department by form or on 13 12 30.
