Wondering the cheapest way to get to Brisbane Airport? There are a few ways, we will break down in this article: by train, shuttle, ride-share, and your own car.
Taking the Airtrain between Brisbane CBD and the airport is both an affordable and convenient option for travellers. At just $10.95 with a Go-Card, it's a budget-friendly choice that also saves time, especially for those looking to avoid traffic or delays. The Airtrain offers direct transfers every 15 minutes during peak times, and every 30 minutes during off-peak times. Despite its convenience, the Airtrain may not be ideal for families with heavy luggage or children, as navigating the train with multiple bags can be challenging.
Operating from 5:00 AM to midnight (Monday to Saturday) and 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sundays, travellers who use the Airtrain from Brisbane City will be at Brisbane Airport within 20 minutes. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip, it’s best to book your tickets in advance on the official Airtrain website, guaranteeing your seat and a stress-free experience.
User reviews of Brisbane's Airtrain are mixed, with both positive and negative feedback. Many appreciate the affordable fare, especially with online deals (always check the website before purchasing your ticket). The train is convenient for transporting travellers from key locations, like Roma Street & Fortitude Valley. The service is generally considered safe, with helpful staff assisting passengers when needed.
Despite these benefits, several issues were raised regarding punctuality, with delays and changes to the train schedule due to track work. Passengers sometimes had to switch to buses, leading to longer travel times. Others mentioned the lack of clear information, such as the absence of a timetable on the website and inaccurate departure boards at stations, which added to the confusion. Some travellers also expressed dissatisfaction with the limited operating hours, with the train service stopping at 10 PM (on Sundays), which can be inconvenient for late-night departures and arrivals. Cleanliness was another concern, with dirty seats reported in some carriages. Despite these challenges, the Airtrain remains a practical option for many, but it’s important to check for delays and disruptions before choosing this transport method.
Overview of Airtrain Ticket Rates
| Ticket Type | One-way fare | Round fare |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Paper Ticket) | $11.00 | $22.00 |
| Adult (Go Card) | $10.95 | $21.90 |
| Child (Paper Ticket) | $5.50 | $11.00 |
| Child (Go Card) | $5.47 | $10.94 |
| Concession | Concession fares do not apply between Brisbane City Stations & Brisbane Airport |
If you're travelling with a group, or simply don't mind a few stops on the way to your destination, taking a Brisbane Airport shuttle bus is worth considering.
Transfer prices from Brisbane CBD to Brisbane Airport, or vice versa, vary depending on the provider and type of service, making it possible to choose an option that fits different budgets and group sizes. Con-X-ion offers one-way shared shuttles for around $32 to $63, ideal for solo travelers or small groups. This service provides door-to-door transport, which includes multiple stops along the route, making it a budget-friendly but slightly slower option. Col's Transfers is another shared service with similar pricing and a door-to-door approach, also suitable for those looking for an economical ride.
For travellers seeking a direct, private transfer, Redy2Go and Jayride provide exclusive bookings for groups, reducing the number of stops and offering more privacy. While this comes at a higher cost, it can be worthwhile for families or groups who prefer to travel together without additional passengers. Redy2Go, however, only operates between specific Brisbane City hotels and the airport, which may limit pick-up and drop-off locations but streamlines the journey by focusing on select areas.
Brisbane Airport shuttle services offer several options, each with strengths and potential drawbacks depending on your needs. Con-X-ion shuttles are popular for affordability and provide reliable service, though users report occasional delays and communication issues. Redy2Go offers both shared and private rides, with mixed reviews noting reliability concerns, especially regarding cancellations and refund issues.
Jayride stands out for its private transfers, receiving praise for professionalism and timely service, although strict cancellation policies can be a drawback for some. Finally, Col's Transfers provides door-to-door service with generally positive feedback for private rides, while the shared shuttles can be time-consuming due to multiple stops. Private transfers are often recommended for quicker, direct service, while shared options suit budget-conscious travellers.
Overview of Brisbane Airport Shuttle Services
| Provider | One-way fare | Round fare |
|---|---|---|
| Con-x-ion | $32.00 | $64.00 |
| Redy 2 Go (Private transfers only) | $71.70 | $143.00 - $200.00 |
| Jayride (Private transfers only) | $64.99 | $129.00- $240.00 |
| Col's Transfers | $32.00 | $64.00 |
The rates shown above are online rates and therefore will differ daily, and may not be the same rates displayed at the time of publication. For the most updated online rates for your travel dates, visit the shuttle provider's website.
Taking an Uber, Lyft, or Didi from the city to Brisbane Airport isn't the cheapest option, but it is relatively convenient and affordable. This is particularly true for parties of two, who could spend $77.46 on a round-trip in an Uber X. Many user reviews have mentioned getting a bit lower rates when using Didi compared to Uber. Lyft, however, tends to be in the same price range as Uber. Despite this, it is always a good idea to get price estimates on the different platforms at the time in which you need the transportation, to secure the best rate.
Many users express frustration with Uber's increasing unreliability, particularly with frequent cancellations and price surges. Some users mention multiple Ubers cancelling at the last minute, especially during peak times, leading to delays. A few have stopped using Uber as frequently due to these issues, citing other services like DiDi as better alternatives.
Rates to Uber from Brisbane Airport to Brisbane CBD
| Type of Uber | Rates during Peak Hours (7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) | Rates during Off-Peak Hours |
| Uber X | $38.73 | $35.14 |
| Uber Green | $38.73 | $35.34 |
| Uber Pet | $44.98 | $41.59 |
| Comfort | $46.23 | $41.92 |
| Comfort Electric | $50.20 | $45.28 |
| Uber XL | $56.66 | $52.76 |
| Premier | $78.69 | $73.38 |
One-way taxi fares to or from Brisbane Airport typically range from $40.00 to $50.00. An additional $4.54 fee applies to all pick-ups or drop-offs at the airport. Additionally, any toll road fees are not included in the fare and are the passenger’s responsibility.
It's important travellers keep in mind that various taxi companies doing this route (Brisbane Airport - Brisbane CBD) are known to be a bit unreliable, and user reviews have reported numerous no-shows, particularly en route to Brisbane Airport with 13 Cabs. While some appreciate the ability to book via the app and report decent service, others have faced issues like drivers complaining about app bookings and price fixing. However, some regular users suggest building relationships with drivers to ensure better service.
Most Brisbanites think travelling in your car to the airport is going to cost a fortune, and for some official car parks, that's mostly true. However, there are affordable car parks available that will only cost you between $108.00 - $187.00 for a week of parking. Travellers should remember that when you book your parking online, the rate will always be cheaper than those incurred when driving up on your day of departure.
User reviews for Brisbane Airport parking reflect a mix of convenience and cost. Official on-site options, such as AIRPARK and AIRPARK 2, are praised for their affordability but criticized for long shuttle wait times. Parking directly at the terminals offers unmatched convenience, though many feel the premium price (ranging from $108 to $219) doesn’t justify the value. Andrews Airport Parking, a 5-minute off-site option, earns high marks for its personalized, on-demand shuttle service. However, some users note their vehicles return with dirt or bird droppings.
Overall, on-site parking is convenient but expensive, and off-site alternatives often offer better service at a lower cost.
| Car Park | Cost per Week | Service & Travel Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrews Airport Parking Brisbane | $156.25 | Shuttle: 5 min | Book |
| AIRPARK | $108.00 | Shuttle: 10 min | Book |
| AIRPARK 2 | $108.00 | Shuttle: 10 min | Book |
| AIRPARK Undercover | $149.00 | Shuttle: 10 min | Book |
| Park&Fly | $189.00 | Walk: 5 min | Book |
| ParkLong | $191.00 | Walk: 4 - 8 min | Book |
| ParkPremium | $217.00 | Walk: 2 - 5 min | Book |
| ParkValet | $219.00 | Walk: 2 - 4 min | Book |
The rates shown above are online rates and therefore will differ daily, and may not be the same rates displayed at the time of publication. For the most updated online rates for your parking duration, visit the Brisbane Airport parking website.
Greyhound Australia no longer operates between Brisbane Airport and Brisbane City due to licensing restrictions. Travellers are therefore encouraged to consider one of the transportation options above.
Ultimately, the right option depends on your budget, how much luggage you're carrying, and whether you prioritize convenience, comfort, or affordability.
Please note that the information above is provided for reference only, and does not constitute travel advice. For the most recent and relevant information about Brisbane Airport, you should check the official website. All information cited is subject to change.
