Welcome to Brisbane! Whether you’re at Brisbane Airport for a short time while you wait to board a domestic flight or you’re there for hours ahead of an international flight, there is plenty to keep you occupied at Brisbane Airport.
With extensive new developments and refurbishments to the airport over recent years, there are countless opportunities to dine, shop, wander or relax as you go from one journey to the next. Check out our top travel hacks for Brisbane Airport.
Transfer easily between terminals
While you might see references to “Brisbane Domestic Airport” and “Brisbane International Airport”, there is technically only one Brisbane Airport with but two terminals – the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. On your boarding pass, you might see the Domestic Terminal listed as T2 or Terminal D, and the International Terminal referred to as T1 or Terminal 1.
There’s no need to walk the four kilometres between terminals – thanks to Airtrain you can transfer between terminals in just 5 minutes and for only $5.10. Trains have plenty of room for you and your luggage, and run every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during off-peak periods.
Train stations are located a short walk from both terminals. To find the Airtrain station from the Domestic Terminal, make your way out to the front of the terminal and take the Skywalk (covered walkway) across to the station. From the International Terminal, take the travellator or lift to level 3 of the terminal building and follow the signs to the station.
Store luggage for ease of movement
Self-storage solutions are available at both the Domestic and International Terminals. These lockers are a game-changer for those occasions when you arrive at the airport with an item you don’t need to take on your travels, or have hours to kill at the airport and don’t want to be weighed down with your carry-on luggage. Lockers can be used any time of day or night, with short and long-term rental options, and range of sizes to fit anything from a small bag to a stroller.
At the Domestic Terminal, you’ll find lockers outside the Qantas and Virgin Terminal areas in the covered median strip.
At the International Terminal, lockers can be found on Level 1 (ground floor) adjacent to the car park entrance.
Kill time with retail therapy – and snag a bargain!
The variety of shops at Brisbane Airport is only continuing to grow, with something for everyone. At the Domestic Terminal, you’ll find loads of your favourite Aussie retailers, including Country Road, Peter Alexander, Mimco, Sunglass Hut, Mecca and more. You’ll surprise yourself with the bargains you find when you check the sale rack at an airport franchise.
At the International Terminal, be sure to check out the duty free stores where you can get more expensive items like fragrances, cosmetics, watches, technology and liquor at significantly reduced prices. Be mindful that quantity limits and restrictions may apply – find out more here.
Kick back and relax
Sometimes it’s best to embrace the quiet time at the airport and relax. With free high-speed Wi-Fi available across all areas of the Domestic and International Terminals, you can trawl through your social media accounts, watch a movie or listen to a podcast.
Even if you’re not a lounge member with an airline, you don’t need to miss out. At the International Terminal you can get pay-per-use entry to Plaza Premium Lounge or Aspire Lounge. With lounge and spa facilities available, you can feel comfortable and refreshed before you take flight.
The International Terminal is also home to an airport spa – Wellness Spa – offering a wide range of treatments as well as a quiet area where you can relax until your flight is called.
Getting to and from Brisbane Domestic and International Airports
Whether you’re travelling to Brisbane or returning home, you can count on Airtrain’s comfortable and reliable service to get between Brisbane Airport and the rest of the world.
Airtrain runs express from the Brisbane Airport and stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations. From there, you can continue on to the Gold Coast, and access buses or trams from Helensvale station. Our services run every 15 minutes during peak times, and every 30 minutes off peak.
Visitors should check out the go see Q card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams, as well as 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. To purchase your smartcards or to find out more, head to the nearest Airtrain counter.
When you arrive at Brisbane Airport, head to the Airtrain platform and stop in at the Airtrain counter where you can purchase travel cards, pre-book attractions and more.
Make travel fuss-free with a go card, accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
You can also get around South East Queensland with Translink’s Smart Ticketing system, which allows you to simply tap and travel with Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Image source: Jesse Collins
