About Brisbane Airport
Queensland's gateway to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Whitsundays and Outback QLD. Split-terminal layout with T1 (international) and T2 (domestic) 2 km apart.
Getting There
By train
Airtrain runs every 15 minutes from both T1 and T2 to Brisbane CBD (Roma Street, Central). 22 minutes to CBD, $22 one-way; cheaper return tickets. Trains run 05:30 to 22:00 — limited late-night services.
By car
M3 Gateway Motorway connects T1 and T2 with Brisbane CBD (15 km) and Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast. Allow 25 minutes off-peak, 40+ minutes during peak. Drop-off lanes at both terminals.
By taxi & rideshare
Taxi to CBD: $45–$55, 20–30 minutes. Uber, DiDi available — clearly signed pickup zones outside both terminals.
By bus
Con-x-ion shuttles to Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast tourist hubs — pre-book online. Translink buses to outer suburbs.
Transfers
Parking
Visitor Tips
- •T1 (international) and T2 (domestic) are 2 km apart — allow 90 min for connections via free terminal bus or paid Airtrain
- •Airtrain to Brisbane CBD: 22 min, $22 — faster than driving via the M3 motorway
- •Tropical biosecurity is strict on fruit, plants and wooden souvenirs from Asia/Pacific
- •SmartGate clears eligible ePassport holders in under 90 seconds
- •Brisbane runs 24/7 — no curfew, useful for late international red-eyes
Airport Layout
Runway configuration and terminal area for Brisbane Airport.
Runways
2 runways • longest 3,560m • total 6,860m • Wide-body capable (e.g. Boeing 777, Boeing 787)
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Headings | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01R/19L | 3,560 m | 45 m | Asphalt | 27° / 207° | Yes |
| 01L/19R | 3,300 m | 60 m | Asphalt | 27° / 207° | Yes |
Security & screening at Australian airports
Recommended arrival times
- Domestic flights: arrive 60 minutes before departure
- International flights: arrive 2–3 hours before departure (longer for first-time international travellers)
What you can carry on
- Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs): containers up to 100ml for international flights, all in a single transparent 1L resealable bag. Domestic flights have no LAG restrictions on most airlines.
- Lithium batteries (in personal devices): allowed in carry-on only. Spare batteries up to 100Wh permitted in carry-on; batteries over 160Wh prohibited.
- Sharp items including scissors with blades over 6cm, knives, and tools must be packed in checked baggage.
Prohibited items
- Firearms (require declaration and approval)
- Explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases
- Pepper spray, mace, tear gas
- Self-defence weapons including knuckle dusters
Full list: ABF prohibited items
International arrivals — biosecurity
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plant material, animal products, soil, wooden items, and outdoor equipment on your Incoming Passenger Card. Fines start at AUD $626 and undeclared prohibited items can result in penalties up to $660,000 or visa cancellation. When in doubt, declare it.
Useful links
- Smart Traveller (DFAT) — travel advisories
- Australian Border Force — customs and biosecurity
- Aviation Security (Department of Infrastructure)
Specific to Brisbane Airport
Brisbane is the gateway for travellers heading to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Whitsundays, and Outback Queensland. The split-terminal layout is the main thing to understand.
The two-terminal trap
T1 (international) and T2 (domestic) are 2 km apart in separate buildings. Connections need the free terminal transfer bus (every 5–15 min, 25 min door-to-door) or paid Airtrain ($5 one-way). Allow 90 minutes minimum for international-to-domestic, 2 hours if you have checked baggage to recollect and re-check.
SmartGate makes immigration fast
ePassport holders 16+ from 17+ eligible countries (USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, NZ, EU, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, China and others) typically clear in under 90 seconds. Departure SmartGate is now standard at all international gates.
Best landing approach for views
Approaches from the south offer glimpses of the Brisbane River and CBD skyline through left-side windows. Pacific Ocean views are right-side on north-coast departures.
Tropical biosecurity is stricter here
Brisbane is a major fresh-produce inspection hub. Travellers from Asia and the Pacific should expect baggage screening for fruit, plant material, and wooden souvenirs. Detector dogs work the baggage hall — they are well-trained, friendly, and find things you forgot were in your bag. Fines from AUD $5,500.
Onward travel from BNE
Airtrain to CBD: 22 min, $22. Hire car from the multi-storey is faster for caravan/4WD pickup if heading north. Rideshare and taxis cluster at T1 and T2 separately — they are not interchangeable.
Nearby Attractions
Quick Facts
Stay connected on arrival — Airalo eSIM
Skip airport SIM kiosks — install Airalo before you fly and activate the moment you land.
Scan to install on your phone
Quick Stats
- Class
- international
- Runways
- 2
- Longest runway
- 3,560 m
- Max aircraft
- Wide-body capable
- Elevation
- 4 m
- Annual passengers
- 16.9M(2022)
- Opened
- 1988
At a Glance
Airport Codes
- IATA
- BNE
- ICAO
- YBBN
Location
- City
- Brisbane
- State
- Queensland
- Timezone
- Brisbane
Plan Your Visit
- Best Time
- Year-round. Cooler dry season (Apr-Oct) is most popular for tourism — book early. Wet season (Nov-Mar) brings storms but is also when most international low-cost flights run.
Good to Know
Airlines
Car Hire
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
Dump Points(5)
Sandgate Shorncliffe Boat Ramp
Free · 6.6km
Manly Boat Harbour Dump Point
Free · 11km
Capalaba Dump Point
Free · 16.6km
John Fredericks Park West
Free · 16.6km
Pine Rivers Showground
Free · 17.1km