Brisbane Airport is Queensland's primary hub, serving as the gateway to the state capital and a departure point for exploring both the eastern coast and Australia's inland regions.
It is located approximately 13 km from Brisbane's city center.
How to get to Brisbane International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BNE
Parking near Brisbane International Airport
The parking, located a short distance from the terminals, offers various price tiers.
Approximately 20-28 Australian dollars for short-term parking up to 2 hours, while long-term parking with shuttle (AIRPARK) drops to about 10 dollars a day booking online in advance.
How to get to Brisbane from BNE
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Sunshine Coast
Brisbane International Airport: Bus to/from Brisbane Central
Brisbane Domestic Airport: Bus to/from Brisbane Central
Car rental at Brisbane International Airport
Well-known car rental brands have a counter in the arrivals area.
Car rental is useful for reaching the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, both a short distance from Brisbane.
Bring your driving license, passport (or local document), and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; always check the fuel policy before returning the vehicle. English-language driving licenses are generally accepted for visitors; for others an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation is generally required.
Hotels near Brisbane International Airport
The airport precinct (Skygate)
Novotel and ibis Brisbane Airport are in the Skygate precinct, reachable on foot or with the free shuttle that links hotels and terminals every morning from 4 to 9; for the rest of the day it's under 5 minutes by car.
Best for: Stopovers of just a few hours and departures before 5am, when the Airtrain isn't running yet.
- Free shuttle running exactly during the hours when the Airtrain isn't yet in service
- The DFO Skygate with shops and restaurants is right next door, for dinner or a coffee without moving the car
- Around it is a shopping centre with offices, not a neighbourhood: in the evening there's little beyond the DFO
- Getting to central Brisbane still takes 20-25 minutes by Airtrain or car
Recommended hotels
- Novotel Brisbane Airport In the Skygate precinct a few minutes from the terminals, with a free shuttle running every morning from 4 to 9; rooftop pool with views and a gym for those with a long layover. View availability
- ibis Brisbane Airport 5 minutes' walk from the Domestic terminal, the cheapest room in the Skygate precinct with the same free shuttles as Novotel and Pullman next door. View availability
Ascot and the motels of Kingsford Smith Drive
About 10 minutes by car or a short taxi ride from the terminals; some motels offer their own shuttle on request. Doomben railway station is a few steps from some of these motels but isn't connected to the Airtrain.
Best for: Those who want to spend less than in the Skygate precinct while staying a few minutes' drive from the airport, with Racecourse Road and Doomben racecourse within easy reach.
- Lower prices than the airport precinct, just a few extra minutes by car
- Racecourse Road, with bars and restaurants, within walking distance of several motels
- A car or a taxi is needed: you can't get there on foot from the airport
- A residential area, designed more for drivers than for pedestrians
Recommended hotels
- Airport Ascot Motel Art Deco-style motel on Kingsford Smith Drive, a few minutes from Racecourse Road and its restaurants; pool and airport shuttle. View availability
- Best Western Airport 85 Motel Opposite Doomben railway station, 10 minutes from the airport; outdoor pool and free continental breakfast included. View availability
Central Brisbane
Non-stop Airtrain from both terminals to Central Station in about 20-22 minutes (from 22.30 Australian dollars one way); the service starts at 4:30 and runs every 15-30 minutes.
Best for: Those staying more than one night who want the river, the City's galleries and the restaurants of Elizabeth and Queen Street within walking distance.
- Central Station and the tram/CityCat lines to get around the whole city
- Many more restaurants and evening venues than the airport area
- During rush hour, traffic makes the taxi slower and more expensive than the Airtrain
- For flights before 6am the Airtrain isn't running yet
Recommended hotels
- Sofitel Brisbane Central Direct access from Central Station via internal escalators, convenient for those arriving on the Airtrain with luggage in tow; heated rooftop pool. View availability
- ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street A few steps from the Treasury Casino and the botanic gardens along the river; a cheaper option than the 5-star chains in the centre. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 8
- with Priority Pass
- 1
- paid entry
- from 65 AUD
- earliest opening
- 06:00
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport features an international terminal and domestic terminals, connected by Airtrain or a shuttle service.
From check-in to gate in the international terminal typically takes 8–10 minutes. Security screening is the point most subject to queuing during peak hours.
Map of Brisbane International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does the Airtrain to central Brisbane cost?
Roughly 23.30 Australian dollars one-way (standard fare as of 27 April 2026), reducible to 19.81 AUD with a 15% discount for booking online in advance; a surcharge over the standard urban Go Card fare.
Q. Does Brisbane airport have several terminals?
Yes, a domestic and an international terminal, linked by a free shuttle service.
Q. Is there a cheaper way than the Airtrain to reach Brisbane?
Yes, a shared taxi or ride-sharing service can be comparable to or cheaper than individual Airtrain tickets for groups of several people.
Q. Is it worth arriving well ahead of time for an international flight from Brisbane?
Yes, 3 hours ahead is generally recommended for international flights.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Escape Lounge (International Terminal).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is 65 AUD, at Escape Lounge (International Terminal).
Q. What time does the first lounge open?
At 06:00: Escape Lounge (International Terminal).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
