Brisbane Airport transfers: simple choices for busy operators

Brisbane Airport sits close to the city, so the first and last mile can be fast if you plan it well. The airport is about 14 km from the CBD and the road run can take around 20 minutes in light traffic. Two simple rules help most teams. Know your terminal. Lock in the pick up plan early.

Many crews now prebook a Brisbane airport taxi so the vehicle, timing, and rider data are set before wheels down.

Know your terminals

There is one airport with two terminals. Domestic and International sit about four kilometres apart. A free terminal transfer bus links them. The ride is about ten minutes and it runs often. This is useful for split arrivals or last minute airline changes.

If your group lands in both terminals, agree a single meeting point before take off. Add names and mobile numbers to the booking. Keep it simple and write it down.

Five common ways to reach the CBD

• Airtrain. The train runs between the airport and the city in about 20 minutes. Services run from early morning to late evening, with peak headways as low as 15 minutes. It is direct to Central and easy with light bags.
• Metered taxi. Cabs queue outside both terminals. Allow 20 to 40 minutes to the CBD as traffic varies by time and weather. An airport fee applies to trips that start at the airport and tolls, if used, are extra.
• Prebooked rides and private transfers. Reliable for late arrivals, heavy gear, or crews on duty rosters. Meet and greet helps when travellers are tired.
• Rideshare. Works well outside the peaks. Expect price moves when demand is high. Use the signed pick up zones.
• Shuttle or charter coach. Good for larger teams. Fix the manifest the day before to avoid delays at loading.

When time is tight

• Aim for a 30 minute buffer in the morning peak. This saves stress.
• For a terminal change, allow 20 minutes end to end including wait time.
• For crews with tools or samples, request a van or people mover.
• For late flights, use a service that tracks flight numbers and adjusts pick up time.

Costs and approvals

Set clear rules. Who rides the train, who uses a taxi, who needs a prebooked car. Tell travellers that an airport levy is added to fares that start at the airport and that tolls are on top. Keep receipts in one place. It keeps finance happy.

Why prebooked works for industry travellers

• Predictable timing. A driver meets the traveller at a known point. The file shows the contact if plans change.
• Price clarity. You see cost bands and vehicle types before pick up. That helps with budgets.
• Duty of care. The supplier records the trip, the driver, the time. This supports safety and audit needs.
• Paperwork done. One invoice, named riders, easy export to your system.

Brands that specialise in prebooked airport rides can make this easy. Kiwitaxi offers fixed price options, meet and greet, and vehicles that fit different team sizes.

Quick run sheet for arrivals

• Share flight numbers with the driver. Ask for tracking to be on.
• Agree the meeting point. Domestic or International, level, and door.
• Confirm vehicle size and luggage count.
• Plan for delays. Tell travellers to message if they are held at immigration.
• Keep a backup option in the brief. Train or taxi if plans change fast.

Brisbane facts at a glance

• Airport to CBD is about 14 km by road.
• Airtrain to the city takes about 20 minutes and runs from early morning to late evening.
• Two terminals. A free bus links them in about ten minutes.
• Airport levy applies to taxi fares that start at the airport. Tolls, if used, are extra.

Keep the plan short. Keep the contacts clear. Choose the mode that matches the job. Your travellers will thank you and your schedule will hold.