Getting Around Brisbane: A Practical Guide
Brisbane offers visitors several ways to navigate the city, with public transport coordinated through Translink and managed by the Queensland Government and local councils. The main transport modes are trains, buses, ferries, walking, and cycling, each with distinct advantages depending on where you're headed.
Public Transport Fares and Payment
All public transport in Brisbane operates on a simple, visitor-friendly pricing system. A flat 50-cent fare applies to any journey—train, bus, or ferry—regardless of distance, with a limit of three transfers per journey. The only exception is the Airtrain service to and from the airport, which costs $22.30 (with a 15% discount for online booking).
You can pay in three ways:
- Contactless card: Use any Mastercard or Visa, including digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You touch on and off at validators or fare gates as you board and alight each mode. Failing to touch off results in a $2.50 fixed fare.
- Go Card: A reusable smart card available at train stations, busway stations, and selected shops. It requires a $10 deposit and can be topped up with travel credit up to $250.
- Paper ticket: Available at train and busway stations or fare machines.
Trains
Brisbane's rail network is extensive and most trains run through the city centre, making them reliable for reaching the CBD and connecting suburbs. All train services stop at key interchange stations: Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Central, and Roma Street, regardless of their starting point or destination. Trains generally operate from 4 AM to midnight, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
The network includes interurban services connecting Brisbane to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Bicycles are permitted on all Citytrain services at any time, and many stations have bicycle racks.
Buses and the Busway Network
Brisbane has an extensive bus network comprising over 400 routes. The city's most distinctive public transport feature is the Busway—dedicated rapid transit corridors that channel buses into the CBD via three main routes: the South East Busway, Northern Busway, and Eastern Busway. Central hubs for bus services are King George Square and Queen Street stations.
Most bus routes operate from 6 AM to 11 PM minimum, with express services available. The Brisbane Metro and CityGlider routes offer high-frequency services specifically designed for city travel:
- Brisbane Metro M1: Runs every 5 minutes during weekday peak hours (6 AM to 6 PM) along the busway from Roma Street to Eight Mile Plains, with less frequent service at other times.
- Brisbane Metro M2: Similarly frequent service between RBWH and UQ Lakes.
- Blue CityGlider (Route 60): High-frequency north-south service between West End and Teneriffe for quick cross-city travel.
All-night bus services called NightLink operate on Friday and Saturday nights. Be aware that express buses (marked with blue stops rather than white) do not stop at all stations, and during peak hours additional express routes make very few stops. Ask the driver if unsure whether your bus will stop at your destination.
Ferries
Ferry services operate on the Brisbane River, providing a scenic alternative to other modes. The CBD has three main ferry wharves: North Quay, Riverside, and QUT Gardens Point. Ferries follow the same 50-cent flat fare as other public transport and are integrated into journey planning apps.
Walking and the Riverwalk
Brisbane is walkable in the inner city and features the Brisbane Riverwalk network, which runs along much of the Brisbane River foreshore through the inner-city area. The longest stretch extends between Newstead and Toowong, while a particularly popular section runs beneath the Kangaroo Point Cliffs between South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point. Several sections of the Riverwalk are built out over the river itself, offering scenic walking routes for exploring the city.
Cycling
The city has dedicated bikeways including the South-East Bikeway, which runs adjacent to the South East Freeway and connects to the Goodwill Bridge at South Bank. The Bicentennial Bikeway continues along the Brisbane River toward Toowong. Bicycles can be transported on ferries (CityCats) and Queensland Rail trains at any time; many ferry stops have bicycle racks.
A bike station at King George Square busway station offers amenities including showers and locker rooms for members. Lime scooters are also available as an alternative micro-mobility option in parts of the city.
Getting from Brisbane Airport to the City
Brisbane Airport is the main gateway for visitors arriving by air. The Airtrain service connects directly to the CBD on the Airport rail line and is jointly operated by the City of Brisbane and Brisbane Airport. At $22.30 per journey (with a 15% online discount), it's more expensive than standard public transport but provides a direct connection.
Alternatively, if arriving at the nearby Gold Coast Airport, you can take the 760 bus to Varsity Lakes station and transfer to a train for 50 cents total—a much cheaper option, though it takes longer.
Journey Planning and Real-Time Information
The Translink website and app can be used to plan journeys with full navigation and real-time updates. Apple Maps and Google Maps also provide similar journey planning capabilities for Brisbane's public transport network.
Tips for Visitors
- Trains, buses, and ferries interchange at key stations in the CBD: Roma Street, Central, Cultural Centre, and King George Square—plan connections at these hubs.
- In outer suburbs, bus services may be less frequent; check timetables in advance.
- During peak hours, buses are occasionally up to 10 minutes late due to traffic.
- Failure to touch off public transport using contactless card will result in a $2.50 penalty; always validate your exit.
- The combination of the busway and rail network provides excellent coverage across the city.