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Car Hire

At less than 20 miles from the CBD, Brisbane Airport is a conveniently-located hub that is also the third-busiest airport in Australia after the airports in Sydney and Melbourne. A major base for the likes of Virgin Australia and Jetstar, Brisbane Airport is laden with car hire companies that offer vehicles which are suitable for exploring the iconic Gold Coast and beyond.

Who to Book With
Car hire suppliers can be found at Level 2 of the International Terminal and at Level 1 of the Domestic Terminal. Companies at Brisbane Airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Redpspot and Thrifty.

Need to Know Essentials
You will need to show the following documents at vehicle collection:

- Full British driver’s licence (both parts) and an International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Credit card that was used to make the reservation
- UK passport to confirm identification
- Printed confirmation of the booking

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Australia is famous for its network of highways and well-maintained roads that connect its cities and states. Those that wish to drive inland are advised to purchase a GPS device or to discuss their route with locals before setting off. Foreign drivers are required to carry an IDP with them at all times in addition to their home licence. Many roads in Brisbane's CBD are one-way and become easier to drive on after 16:00 when traffic eases. Parking in the city generally costs around £10 per day.

See our guide to Australia for more information on driving here.

Transport

Brisbane Airport is well connected to the city of Brisbane. Those driving can easily get to and from the CBD via the M1 road, which is also referred to as the Gateway Motorway. Options for those without their own transport include taxis, trains and buses that are reasonably-priced, efficient and regular.

Trains
Trains between the airport, the Gold Coast and Brisbane are supplied by Airtrain. The service runs from 05:45 until 22:00 every day and departs every quarter of an hour. Rail transfers are also possible between the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal for around £3 per person.

Taxis
Taxis into the city can be obtained from the taxi rank in front of the Domestic Terminal or the taxi rank at Arrivals’ northern end, outside Level 2 of the International Terminal. Services are supplied by Black & White Cabs and Yellow Cab.

Taxi prices:
Brisbane Airport to Brisbane city centre is about £25

Buses
CXN, or Con-x-ion Airport Transfers, makes bus transport between Brisbane Airport and the CBD possible seven days a week. Connections serve Brisbane city centre, Brisbane Cruise Terminal, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. A typical one-way transfer from Brisbane Airport to the city costs around £12 and a return is priced at about £21.

Facilities

Terminals
Brisbane Airport has two terminals: the Domestic Terminal (which serves 46 Australian destinations) and the International Terminal (which serves 32 overseas cities). Between them, they handle over 20 million passengers per year, which makes the hub Australia's third-busiest airport.

Parking
The International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal both have their own car parks but costs are roughly the same. Regular promotions mean drivers can often obtain a 14-day stay for around £100 or a month’s stay for £150.

Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available to passengers via the BNE Free WiFi service network, which can be connected to easily anywhere in the Level 3 and Level 4 retail areas of the International Terminal and in the Level 2 retail area of the Domestic Terminal's Central Area.

Information Services
Information is located on Arrivals Level 2 of both terminals and is operated by the Southern Queensland Tourism board.

Useful Numbers
Switchboard: +61 7 3406 3000

Accessibility
Disabled passengers that require assistance are asked to inform their airline or travel agent of their needs prior to travelling. Wheelchairs can be booked and specific seating requirements can be reserved. Brisbane Airport is laden with designated accessible parking bays for disabled passengers as well as accessible toilets and lifts.

Restaurants and Bars
Restaurants in the International Terminal include Noodle Box, Subway, Red Rooster and Eagle Boys. These establishments sit alongside bars and cafés such as Aromas, Donut King, Hudsons Coffee, Merlo, the Coffee Club, Spoon Deli Café and the Moreton Bay Ale House. The Domestic Terminal is home to Cavu, Giancarlo, Merlo and Velluto.

VIP Lounges

International Terminal:
Qantas Business Lounge
Qantas International First Lounge
Emirates Lounge
Air New Zealand Lounge
Singapore Airlines Worldwide SilverKris Lounge

Domestic Terminal:
Qantas Club Lounge
Qantas Domestic Business Lounge
Virgin Australia lounge Brisbane

Money and ATMs
ATMs from the likes of ANZ and rediATM can be found in both terminals, as can Travelex booths that have ATMs but are mainly meant for exchanging foreign currencies into Australia dollars.

Shopping
The International Terminal hosts shops with clothing and accessories fit for the Gold Coast, such as beachculture, Rip Curl and Sunglass Hut, alongside fashion designer outlets such as Oroton and Purely Merino. Suitcases and other similar items can be purchased from Carry On. In the Domestic Terminal, Rip Curl is currently the only shopping option. Both terminals have branches of News Travels, from where books and magazines can be obtained.