How to get around Brisbane by ferry, train, and bus

Essential Transport Modes

• Ferries and CityCats: Best for riverside travel between South Bank, the CBD, Howard Smith Wharves, and New Farm, avoiding road congestion.
• Buses and Busways: Dedicated bus corridors bypass highway traffic and serve inner suburbs that lack train lines.
• Trains: The suburban network links central stations like Central and Roma Street to outer suburbs and regional hubs.
• Walking: Pedestrian bridges connect the CBD directly to South Bank, making walking the quickest way across the river.

Tickets and Payment

Translink operates an integrated network covering all public modes:

• Contactless Payment: Tap on and off with a credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet. Standard travelers do not need a transit card.
• go Card: Reusable transit card. It is unnecessary for most visitors unless requiring concession fares.

Airport to City Transfers

• Airport Train: Reaches central stations in twenty minutes. Low effort with dedicated luggage racks, but sits in a higher cost band.
• Taxis and Rideshares: Take twenty to thirty-five minutes door-to-door. In a higher cost band, but economical for groups.
• Public Bus Transfer: Taking a local bus to a suburban train station sits in the budget band, but requires heavy luggage handling and more time.

Practical Advice

Rush Hours: Weekdays 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM see crowded commuter lines, though dedicated busways move freely.

Last Services: Trains and ferries run until roughly midnight, with reduced late-night frequencies.

Luggage and Accessibility: CityCats and major stations offer ramp access. Ferries have limited space for oversized bags during peak hours.