Getting to Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport has train stations right in front of both terminals, so the Airtrain is usually the easiest way there. One thing to know up front: it has its own fare, separate from the rest of the network.
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How to get to Brisbane Airport
🚆 By Airtrain
The Airtrain runs from Central, Roma Street, Fortitude Valley and South Bank to both terminals in about 20 minutes, every 15 minutes at peak and every 30 minutes off-peak, roughly 5am to 10pm.
🌴 From the Gold Coast
Airtrain services run direct between the Gold Coast line and the airport, so you can board at Helensvale or Robina without changing in the city.
🚕 Early or late flights
Trains don't run all night. For a red-eye departure or a late arrival outside roughly 5am to 10pm, plan a rideshare or taxi instead.
Getting home after the flight
Just landed? The Airtrain platform is right outside each terminal, with the city about 20 minutes away. Services wind down around 10pm, so if you land late check the next train before you clear the gate, and fall back to a rideshare if you've missed it.
Check the last service →About Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport is Queensland's main international gateway, with separate Domestic and International terminals a few minutes apart. The Airtrain link has connected both terminals to the city and the Gold Coast line since 2001, and each station sits directly in front of its terminal with lifts and step-free access for luggage.
It's worth planning around the Airtrain's own timetable rather than assuming trains run all night: the roughly 5am to 10pm window comfortably covers most flights, but very early departures need a backup plan.
On the day
Give yourself one train's worth of buffer: if you're aiming for a specific service, being one train early costs 15 to 30 minutes, while missing it with a check-in deadline is a much worse morning.
Brisbane Airport travel questions
How much is the Airtrain to Brisbane Airport?+
The Airtrain has its own fare, separate from the Translink network: around $23 one way between the city and the airport, with a discount for booking online and kids 14 and under travelling free with a paying adult. The 50c flat fare does not apply to airport stations.
Does the 50c fare work to the airport?+
No. The Airtrain is privately operated and airport stations have their own fares, around $23 one way from the city. The 50c fare covers the rest of the Translink network right up to the airport line.
How long does the train take from the city to the airport?+
About 20 minutes from Central, with services every 15 minutes at peak and every 30 minutes off-peak.
How do I get to the airport for an early flight?+
Trains start around 5am, which suits most morning departures. For anything earlier, book a rideshare or taxi the night before.