Welcome back to Travel 101 with Airtrain, our four-part series covering everything you need to know about Brisbane’s favourite airport travel option. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Brisbane, a regular business traveller or heading off on a well-earned holiday, understanding your ticket and payment options can help you prepare for a smooth journey ahead. From booking online in advance to purchasing at the station, there are flexible options designed to suit every type of traveller. In this blog, we’re breaking down Airtrain ticket options and payment methods to help you breeze from the terminal to your destination.
What types of tickets are available?
Airtrain has a variety of ticket types to suit every traveller’s needs so that you can travel your way.
Online tickets
One of the easiest ways to secure your fare is to pre-book online via the Airtrain website. We accept online ticket payments using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. A confirmation email will be sent straight to your inbox, and a text message will be sent to your phone with your tickets to upload directly to your phone the day before travel.
When you’re at the station, there’s no need to queue up to purchase a ticket – just present your online ticket at the station gates and go. Booking online also gives you access to exclusive discounts and special offers that aren’t available at the station.
Go card
If you already have a go card for travel across South East Queensland, you can simply touch on and off to pay for your Brisbane airport travel. All SEQ train stations, including Airtrain Domestic and International stations, have go card facilities. At the Airtrain station, follow the signs to the dedicated gate. Your fare will be automatically calculated when you tap on and off.
Smart Ticketing
Smart ticketing allows you to pay for Brisbane airport travel with your Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card at Airport stations. You can use either the physical card or a card stored in the digital wallet of your smart phone or smart watch. At the Airtrain station, follow the signs to the dedicated gate. Your fare will be automatically calculated when you tap on and off.
Station ticket machines (paper tickets)
Airtrain tickets can be purchased at the Airtrain Domestic and International stations, as well as all suburban train stations on the Queensland Rail network. Tickets bought at the station must be used on the day of purchase.
How do I calculate the cost of my ticket?
Our online fare calculator makes it easy to understand the cost of your Airtrain ticket before you travel. Simply type in your departure station and choose form one-way or return travel to then see the different Airtrain ticket prices that apply for different ticket types – online tickets, go card and Smart Ticketing, and paper tickets purchased at the station.
Does Airtrain have any ticket offers or discounts?
Airtrain offers a range of deals to make your journey even more affordable.
15% online discount
For Airtrain tickets pre-booked online for journeys between Brisbane Airport and Brisbane City stations, an exclusive 15% discount applies. City stations include South Brisbane, Roma Street, Central, Fortitude Valley, Bowen Hills, Albion, Wooloowin and Eagle Junction. Terms and conditions apply to the 15% online discount.
$16 city fare
Special reduced fares of $16 per person apply to travel in groups of two or more adults between Brisbane Airport and Brisbane City stations. You can access this offer by purchasing your Airtrain tickets online or at an Airtrain station. Terms and conditions apply to the $16 city fare offer.
Kids travel free
Airtrain prides itself on being a family-friendly Brisbane airport travel option. Kids aged 14 and under travel free when accompanied by an adult between Brisbane Airport and Brisbane City stations. You can even combine the kids travel free and $16 city fare offers, meaning the total travel cost for two adults and all children (aged 14) is just $32. Terms and conditions apply to the kids travel free offer.
Airport travel with Airtrain
When it comes to Brisbane airport travel with a variety of ticket options and great prices, look no further than Airtrain. Stay tuned for our next Travel 101 with Airtrain blogs where we dive into comfort and accessibility, and getting from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. You can also go back and read our latest blog on Travel 101 with Airtrain: The basics.