Travel update: ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred latest travel information for South East QLD and Northern NSW
South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism & Events Queensland
With riverside expressways and an extensive public transport system, getting around Brisbane is straightforward and efficient.
By Mark Sariban
Brisbane is an easy city to get around. The metropolitan area has a great range of options for public transport, driving, cycling and walking. Here’s how to move around the city with ease.
River City Cruises, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Brisbane has an extensive public transport system of buses, trains and ferries. To use the network, it’s recommended that you purchase a TransLink Go Card. You can also purchase pre-paid paper tickets at stations and fare machines before boarding a bus, train or ferry service.
Tip: If you are using a credit card, debit card or mobile device instead of a Go Card, be sure to use the same payment method when you tap on and tap off.
Brisbane is serviced by domestic and international terminals at Brisbane Airport (BNE). There are several options for reaching the city from the airport.
Tip: Even if you’re travelling in a group of four or more, it will be less expensive to travel to the city by Airtrain than taxi or rideshare.
In Australia, airlines, trains, buses and ferries have accessible options for people using mobility devices, as well as services for hearing and vision impaired travellers.
City Cat, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Brisbane’s rail network is a great way to visit attractions across the city and reach the surrounding suburbs. Use the Journey Planner tool to map your route.
Brisbane has a number of busways that separate buses from other traffic on the roads. The bus network is an efficient way of hopping around Brisbane and its neighbourhoods. Use the Journey Planner tool to map your route.
The Brisbane River makes its way through the centre of Brisbane, so ferries are a popular way to get around.
James Street, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Driving in Brisbane is straightforward and safe, but you may want to check whether your hotel charges a daily parking fee.
Brisbane is serviced by two major taxi companies, 13cabs and Black & White Cabs.
Tip: Female travellers can also book a ride with Shebah, a rideshare service with all-women drivers catering to women. (Adult men can use the service if they need to transport a child who requires an approved child safety seat.)
Make the most of your time in Brisbane with a guided tour. There are numerous tour operators providing customisable half-day and full-day tours of the city and surrounds, including Prestige Day Tours and, for foodies, Delectable Tours.
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River Walk, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Joining a sightseeing river cruise is a great way to get to know Brisbane.
With an extensive network of separated bike paths, including along the riverbanks surrounding the city centre, cycling around Brisbane is easy.
Tip: E-bikes and other e-mobility devices are not permitted on roads in the city centre, however, you can ride them on the CityLink Cycleway.