Getting to Brisbane

Visitors destined for Brisbane can choose from a variety of options for getting here, with arriving by air being the most popular means for those coming from abroad. The road network is well-developed, making driving by private or hire car a good option and also providing good conditions for coach services coming from Australian cities. Trains from NSW and Queensland arrive in the city. Brisbane’s international airport is a busy facility that provides connections with domestic cities as well as with significant Asian and international destinations.

By car

Distances in Australia are vast. The Pacific Highway has been upgraded, making for a more enjoyable drive from the south. From Sydney, the distance is 938kms and the journey usually takes about 12 hours. From the north, Noosa to Brisbane is about a 2-hour drive. The drive from Cairns is best done over several days. The total distance is approximately 1,700kms and it takes about 22 hours to complete the journey. When driving long distances, share the driving and take rest breaks every 2 hours in order to avoid driver fatigue.

By rail

Brisbane’s Central Station, located in Roma Street, serves the city and provides connections to and from major Australian destinations. From Sydney, the journey can be made by train in 14 hours, while from Barcelona, it takes 24 hours. For more information on schedules and services, visit the rail provider’s website at: www.railaustralia.com.au/; or call them on: +61 8 8213 4592.

By bus

Buses arrive in Brisbane regularly at the main bus terminal at the Transit Centre on Roma Street. Greyhound Australia operates services to over 1,100 Australian destinations. Phone: +61 7 4690 9950; website: www.greyhound.com.au.

By air

Brisbane International Airport is located 13kms from the centre of the city and is a modern facility offering daily scheduled flights to and from a large number of domestic, Asian and international destinations. Bus services, operating at 30-minute intervals, run between the airport and the Roma Street Transit Centre. Train services are also available. Meanwhile, taxis are on hand, as are car hire companies. The airport offers good passenger facilities including ATMs, currency exchange services and information desks.

Brisbane International Airport

Brisbane International Airport operates two terminals. The Domestic Terminal has two levels, while the International Terminal has four levels. Flights operate daily to cities such as Bangkok, Los Angeles and Taipei. Foreign currency exchange, travellers’ cheques and travel insurance are available from Travelex outlets on levels 2, 3 and 4. The Visitor Information Service and Bookings desk is located in Arrivals, on level 2. International passengers can buy duty free on arrival at Brisbane for consumption during their stay in Australia.

Brisbane airport transportation

The airport offers door-to-door bus services to Brisbane City, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Coachtrans runs services between Brisbane International Airport and Brisbane Transit Centre and to all CBD Hotels. A train operates from the airport to Brisbane City, with the trip taking 22 minutes. Trains depart frequently from both the domestic and international terminals. A porter service is available and Airtrain ticket booths can be found in the Domestic Terminal. Meanwhile, taxis are available from the Domestic Terminal, with the taxi rank situated in front of the terminal, and the International Terminal, from Arrivals level 2.