Getting Around Brisbane with iBestTravel
While many Brisbanites drive from A to B, Brisbane’s integrated transport system, along with shared bike and pedestrian trails, means that you don’t need a car to explore the city. The transport network provides easy access to Brisbane’s best galleries, restaurants, bars, and live music venues, particularly in the vibrant inner neighborhoods including the Central Business District (CBD), South Bank, West End, Fortitude Valley, and Newstead.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting around Brisbane.
Zones, Tickets & Passes in Brisbane
TransLink oversees Brisbane’s bus, train, and ferry services. For assistance in planning your travel, the MyTransLink app is highly recommended as it includes useful journey planners and timetables.
Brisbane operates with eight travel zones, although most cultural, dining, and entertainment venues are located in Zone 1. A single-ride paper ticket for Zone 1 is priced at $4.90, with a children’s ticket at $2.40 (for ages 5 to 14). The ticket allows unlimited transfers on buses, trains, and ferries within a two-hour window. Always remember to pre-purchase tickets from ticket vending machines located at train stations and major bus interchanges prior to your journey.
The Brisbane Go Card
If staying for several days, consider using an electronic Go Card (available with starting balances of $10 for adults and $5 for children). This card is available from station ticket machines, 7-Eleven convenience stores, and newsagents. It covers all zones, providing over a 30% discount on individual trips, and an additional 20% off-peak discount during weekdays. Children with a child Go Card can travel for free on weekends.
To use the Go Card, simply tap on at the start of each trip and tap off at the conclusion. There’s no need to tap off when transferring at the same station between trains.
Brisbane Airport also sells the tourist go seeQ Go Card, offering unlimited travel for three or five days (adult $79 and $129 respectively; child $40 and $65).
Take the Ferry for Gorgeous “Brissy” Views
The ferries in Brisbane are attractions in themselves, offering stunning views of the city reminiscent of Manhattan while allowing for a relaxed experience moving between riverside neighborhoods.
The Difference Between the CityCat & the CityHopper Ferry
CityCat catamarans are the largest and fastest in the fleet, serving 18 stops along the Brisbane River. Key stops encompass popular landmarks such as South Bank Terminals 1 and 2 (which provide access to South Bank Parklands, Queensland Art Gallery, and the Gallery of Modern Art), QUT Gardens Point (for the City Botanic Gardens), Riverside, and New Farm Park.
The CityCat services operate every 15 to 30 minutes from approximately 5 am until around 11 pm (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). Conversely, CityHopper ferries are slower and service fewer stops; however, they are free, making them perfect for budget-conscious travelers wishing to enjoy views between South Bank and New Farm. CityHopper services run every 30 minutes from about 6 am until midnight.
Walk Brisbane’s Neighborhoods
While public transport is efficient for inter-suburb travel, attractions within individual neighborhoods are often concentrated on a few streets. Popular pedestrian areas include Boundary Street in the indie-rich West End, and Ann, Brunswick, and James Streets in the nightlife hotspot of Fortitude Valley. Therefore, walking is particularly favorable, especially during the warm summer months.
The Kurilpa, Victoria, and Goodwill Bridges offer pedestrians direct access between the CBD and the cultural precincts of South Bank. It is an easy 10 to 15-minute walk from South Bank to West End along Melbourne Street. Moreover, the Brisbane River is accompanied by kilometers of scenic walking and cycling trails, such as the 870-meter Brisbane Riverwalk, which is built directly over the water. Remember to wear a sun hat and apply SPF 50+ sunscreen!
Cycle on the Waterfront
Cycling along Brisbane’s riverside trails offers another delightful way to absorb the superb climate. Whether pedaling from the City Botanic Gardens to Kangaroo Point via the Go Between Bridge or moving from Howard Smith Wharves to Teneriffe through the Brisbane Riverwalk, the options are plentiful.
The Brisbane City Council’s online Cycling Brisbane Bikeway Map provides detailed information about on- and off-road routes, including bike repair shops, parking locations, and vital water fountains for hydration.
Neuron Mobility offers e-bikes and e-scooters throughout the city; just download the Neuron app to locate them and manage your rentals. Rates vary from “pay per ride” to multi-day passes, making it convenient to find a pricing structure that suits your needs. For longer cycles, Riverlife provides excellent bike rental options, with standard adult and children’s bikes costing $25 per day.
It’s essential to note that riding on main streets without dedicated bike lanes can be both stressful and dangerous. Therefore, it’s advisable to stick to cycle lanes, car-free paths, and quieter side streets. Additionally, avoiding cycling during the hottest parts of the day is prudent.
Brisbane by Bus
Buses in Brisbane cover all city areas, operating every five to 30 minutes from about 5:15 am until nearly 11 pm. NightLink services are available throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays.
Major bus interchange stops include the Queen Street and King George Square Bus Stations in the CBD, as well as the Cultural Center stop in South Bank. Several routes also conveniently connect to Woolloongabba, along with route 375, which offers access to inner-city Paddington and its boutique shops, cafes, and antique stores.
Take the Train Between South Bank & The Valley
All six suburban train lines in Brisbane connect the CBD stations of Central and Roma Street to Fortitude Valley. Notably, three lines (Ferny Grove and Beenleigh, Shorncliffe and Cleveland, Airport and Gold Coast) also stop at South Brisbane and South Bank stations—making them ideal for transitioning to “The Valley” after visiting South Bank. Trains commence operations around 4:30 am, with the final train for most lines departing Central between 11 pm and 1 am.
Taxis & Ridesharing
Taxis may be hailed at ranks, flagged down on the street, or requested via apps such as Black & White and 13cabs. Flagfall starts at $2.90 and increases after 7 pm and on weekends. NightLink flat-fare taxis are available on Friday and Saturday nights (11 pm to 5 am) and can be hailed from designated ranks in the CBD and Fortitude Valley, often providing a more economical option than standard taxis.
Ride-sharing services such as Uber, DiDi, Ola, and Shebah are also accessible, with Shebah offering an entirely female fleet of drivers catering to women and children.
Accessible Transportation in Brisbane
Brisbane is generally accommodating for travelers with disabilities. All city buses, trains, and CityCat catamarans are equipped to handle wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as are major attractions. However, CityHopper ferries do not provide these facilities. For more comprehensive information, including lists of accessible train stations and ferry stops, please consult the TransLink website.
