GETTING around Brisbane

Air & Airtrain

Brisbane is the closest destination for many international travellers to Australia with Brisbane Airport offering excellent connectivity to key destinations across the country. Read the ‘Travelling to Brisbane’ guide to learn everything you need to know about planning your journey. Once you’ve arrived, getting around Brisbane is easy with its first-class network of travel and transport links.

From the Brisbane Airport, board the Airtrain for a direct transfer to The City, approximately a 20-minute journey. Brisbane’s Airtrain is fully accessible, with lift access, level boarding, dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and prams, and station staff on hand to provide support. Private transfers, door-to-door airport shuttle bus or rideshare options are also available from the Brisbane Airport.

Brisbane Public Transport - Translink

Brisbane’s public transport system, Translink, offers a clean and green network of busses, trains, ferries (CityCats), all integrated so you can travel seamlessly between each service. Public transport fares include a 50-cent flat rate across all zones and modes of transport across the Translink network, offering an affordable and easy way to travel within Brisbane.

Smart Ticketing is available on all public transport, allowing passengers to tap on and off with contactless credit or debit cards, including cards stored in smartphone digital wallets. Go cards, Brisbane’s electronic tickets, can be purchased and topped up at selected retailers, online, or via the Translink app. They can also be managed easily through the Translink website or app. For enquiries regarding public transport or to plan your journey, visit the Translink website.

 

Buses

Brisbane’s frequent, reliable and comprehensive bus network makes it easy to explore the city and Brisbane’s diverse neighbourhoods, as well as ensuring access to key destinations across the Brisbane region. Buses connect the city with inner and outer suburbs, as well as major shopping centres, entertainment precincts, railway stations, and ferry terminals. The Brisbane Metro complements this network by providing a high-frequency, rapid transit service linking key hubs from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, Brisbane City. All buses are fully air-conditioned and accessible, featuring low-floor entry and wheelchair ramps to support passengers with mobility needs. Plan your journey using the Translink Journey Planner.

Trains

Brisbane’s train network spans the Greater Brisbane region, offering direct access from the city to neighbourhood precincts and surrounding areas including Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast - making day trips easy and affordable. Two major train stations, Central Station and Roma Street Station, serve as key hubs for all inbound trains. The network is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring lifts, ramps, tactile indicators, clear audio-visual announcements, and wheelchair spaces on trains to ensure a smooth journey for all passengers. Plan your journey using the Translink Journey Planner.

Ferries - CityCats

Let the river be your guide. Brisbane’s iconic Ferries, also known as CityCats, are a popular, fast, and scenic way to explore the city. The high-speed catamarans cruise along the Brisbane River, connecting key destinations including South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves, Kangaroo Point, Eagle Street Pier, New Farm Park, Northshore Hamilton and University of Queensland, St Lucia.

Offering one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to travel, CityCats run frequently throughout the day and stop near major attractions, dining precincts, and cultural hubs, making them ideal for both sightseeing and accessing key city spots. Citycats offer wheelchair and pram access, toilet facilities and open decks for sightseeing. For timetables, ticketing, and route information, visit Translink.

Taxis & Rideshare

Taxi ranks are available at the Brisbane international and domestic airports, as well as throughout The City and inner-city precincts. Ride in a taxi to be assured of a quick and efficient way of getting around Brisbane. A standard taxi will cater for four passengers or fewer. For wheel-chair access or to transport five to 10 passengers, it’s best to order a Multi Passenger Taxi. Contact Black & White Cabs - 133 222 or 13cabs - 13 22 27.

Brisbane rideshare options include popular services like Uber, DiDi, Ola and Shebah, with bookings and payments processed through their respective mobile apps. These services offer convenient, on-demand transport across the city and suburbs, operating 24/7. Many rideshare vehicles also offer accessible options, and some services provide pet-friendly or women-only rides for added comfort and safety.

Driving

You are permitted to drive in Queensland if you hold a valid Australian or foreign licence. If your licence is in a language other than English, you should carry an official English translation when driving. Remember, in Australia, driving is on the left side of the road, and speed limits apply, as indicated by posted signs.

Walking, Bikes & Scooters

Make the most of Brisbane’s warm, sunny climate by exploring the city by foot, by bike, or on an e-scooter. Brisbane boasts an extensive green network of accessible walking and cycling paths, connected by scenic bridges and linking riverside precincts, parks, and inner-city neighbourhoods. It’s a healthy, affordable, and fun way to get around. For extra convenience, hop on a Lime, Neuron, or Beam e-scooter and cruise through Brisbane with ease.

Start planning your Brisbane adventure today.