Brisbane International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

The Airtrain links the airport to central Brisbane in about 20-22 minutes, with fares starting at 22.30 Australian dollars per person: for those staying more than one night, the centre is almost always the right choice, with the river, the galleries and the restaurants of the City within reach of the tram and the CityCat. The calculation changes with dawn departures, when the Airtrain isn't running yet (it starts at 4:30), and with stopovers of just a few hours, for which a hotel in the airport precinct avoids the trip into the city altogether. Those wanting to spend less without giving up proximity to the airport can look at the motels along Kingsford Smith Drive, in Ascot, a few minutes' drive from the terminals.

The airport precinct (Skygate)

At the airport · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.

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Ascot and the motels of Kingsford Smith Drive

Airport area · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

Airport Ascot Motel: Art Deco-style motel on Kingsford Smith Drive, a few minutes from Racecourse Road and its restaurants; pool and airport shuttle.
Best Western Airport 85 Motel: Opposite Doomben railway station, 10 minutes from the airport; outdoor pool and free continental breakfast included.

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Central Brisbane

City centre · 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.

Pros

Central Station and the tram/CityCat lines to get around the whole city
Many more restaurants and evening venues than the airport area

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.

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