Brisbane Airport is around 13 km northeast of the city centre, and the fastest way in is a dedicated rail service that also happens to reach much further afield — all the way south to the Gold Coast in one journey. For most travellers, that single line covers the whole transfer question.
The Airtrain: fast, direct and unusually far-reaching
The Airtrain runs from both the domestic and international terminals directly into Brisbane's Queensland Rail network, reaching Central Station in the CBD in around 20 minutes. Trains run roughly every 15–30 minutes through the day. Because the Airtrain operates on the same tracks as Brisbane's suburban and interurban rail network, the same service continues south through Brisbane to the Gold Coast, reaching stations near Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta in around 90 minutes from the airport without changing trains.
Fares are charged at a premium above standard Queensland Rail fares to cover the dedicated airport infrastructure, so it costs more than an equivalent suburban train journey elsewhere in Brisbane — but it remains competitive with a taxi, especially for the Gold Coast run, where the alternative is a considerably longer road journey. Tickets can be bought at station machines or with a Queensland go card if you already have one.
Taxi and ride-share
Taxis and ride-share services (Uber and others) operate from designated pickup areas at both terminals. The journey to central Brisbane takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic on the Airport Link tunnel and Gateway Motorway, and fares are noticeably higher than the Airtrain, as is typical for most Australian capital cities. This remains a sensible option for groups, late-night arrivals, or anyone travelling with a lot of luggage who'd rather avoid the walk between terminal and station.
Airport shuttle and coach services
Door-to-door shuttle services connect Brisbane Airport to hotels across the city and, notably, to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, which is a popular option for travellers heading straight to a resort rather than into Brisbane itself. These are typically pre-booked and shared with other passengers, so they take longer than a direct taxi but cost less.
Two terminals, one connection
Brisbane Airport has separate domestic and international terminals connected by a free shuttle bus, and it's worth confirming which terminal your Airtrain, taxi or ride-share pickup is departing from, particularly if you're connecting between an international arrival and a domestic onward flight. The Airtrain station serves both terminals directly, which makes it one of the more foolproof options if you're unsure exactly where you need to be.
Arrival practicalities
The international terminal has currency exchange, ATMs and SIM card counters in the arrivals area, and English signage throughout makes the airport straightforward for first-time visitors. A Queensland go card, if you plan to use Brisbane's wider public transport network during your stay, can be bought at the airport or in the city, though many travellers simply buy a single Airtrain ticket for the transfer itself.
If you're arriving on an international flight and continuing straight on to a domestic connection — common for travellers heading onward to Cairns, the Whitsundays or interstate — allow ample time for the walk or shuttle bus between terminals, as it's a longer transfer than at some other Australian airports and easy to underestimate when planning a tight connection.
Which should you choose?
The Airtrain is the best option for almost everyone heading into central Brisbane or south to the Gold Coast — it's fast, frequent, and avoids the traffic that can build up on the motorways at peak times. Choose a taxi or ride-share if you're arriving late at night, travelling in a group where the fare splits favourably, or heading somewhere the train doesn't reach directly.
Families and travellers with a lot of luggage sometimes find the walk between the terminal and the Airtrain platform, plus navigating station gates and ticketing, a bit more effort than simply stepping into a taxi — worth weighing if you're jet-lagged and would rather minimise decisions on arrival. For everyone else, the time and cost savings of the Airtrain are hard to ignore.
- Fastest into the CBD: the Airtrain (about 20 minutes to Central Station).
- Best for the Gold Coast: stay on the same Airtrain service (about 90 minutes, no change).
- Best for groups or late arrivals: a taxi or ride-share.
Onward travel from Brisbane
Brisbane connects north along the coast to Noosa and south along Australia's east coast — see our route guide for Sydney to Brisbane by XPT train, coach or a short flight. For the wider Australian rail network, including the long-distance interstate services, see our overview of Australia by train. If you're arriving from overseas, check our Australia's ETA & eVisitor guide for the online travel authorisation most visitors need, and our overview of Oceania entry requirements for the wider region.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast?
The Airtrain runs directly from the airport terminals through Brisbane and on to the Gold Coast without changing trains, reaching stations near Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta in around 90 minutes.
Why is the Airtrain more expensive than a normal train in Brisbane?
The Airtrain charges a premium above standard Queensland Rail fares to cover the cost of the dedicated airport line and infrastructure. It's still generally cheaper than a taxi for the equivalent journey.
How long does a taxi take from Brisbane Airport to the CBD?
Around 20–30 minutes in normal traffic, depending on conditions on the Airport Link tunnel and Gateway Motorway. The Airtrain is usually faster and considerably cheaper.
Can I use a Queensland go card on the Airtrain?
Yes, a go card can be used, though the Airtrain premium fare still applies. Many travellers simply buy a single ticket from the station machines instead, especially if they won't need a go card elsewhere in Queensland.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport and rail information: Brisbane Airport and Airtrain official sites.
- General transport network information: Queensland Rail / TransLink.