Brisbane Airport is currently undergoing a $3.8 billion upgrade, and the International Terminal’s $135 million expansion was completed in 2018. All this is great news for travellers, who now enjoy faster boarding times and the benefit of extra facilities such as new arrival and departure zones, two new walk-out gates and four new aerobridges. Click here for cheap flights to Brisbane.
Travellers will find a wide range of services and facilities at Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal.
For all airlines, international check-in is located on Level 4 (Departures Hall) of the International Terminal. Inside the terminal, the Departures board lists the check-in desk assigned to each flight.
Each airline has its own luggage restrictions (weight, size and quantity) so you’ll need to check with your carrier about what’s relevant to you, before you fly. Brisbane International Terminal helps you take the guesswork out of weighing your luggage before your flight, with scales located near the check-in desks.
If you don’t want to be encumbered by your hand luggage, baggage trolleys are complimentary in the International Terminal and available in the car park, in the Departures Hall on Level 4, or at Baggage Claim in the Customs Hall on Level 2.
If you have luggage to store, luggage lockers can be found on level one (ground floor) of the International Terminal, next to the car park entrance.
Arriving passengers will be able to collect their baggage from the baggage carousels located on Level 2 in Arrivals.
You’ll find Travelex currency exchange desks at Brisbane International Airport where over 40 different currencies can be purchased. For convenience, the terminal also provides international currency ATMs which dispense Australian, New Zealand and US dollars as well as Euros. Another easy option is pre-purchasing your foreign currency, traveller cheques and more at Travel Money and pick it up before you head to the airport.
Brisbane International Airport also provides Airport Ambassadors, who roam the airport and are always available to answer your questions.
What’s the best way to get to and from Brisbane Airport?
There are a number of ways for travellers to get to and from Brisbane International Terminal.
Taxi: Taxis are available 24/7 from the International Terminal. The cab rank is at the northern end of the building, and a one-way fare from the airport to Brisbane City can be between $45 and $55, depending on the time of day and the traffic conditions.
Rideshare and Uber: There’s no problem booking Uber or other rideshare pick up services from Brisbane Airport, which was one of the first airports in Australia to enable this mode of transport. From Level 2, follow the Ride Booking signs at the northern end of the terminal down the ramp to the pick up area.
Airtrain: One of the quickest options for getting to and from Brisbane Airport is via the Airtrain. Services run every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes in off-peak periods. The fare is around $18 from Brisbane Airport to Central Station in the city (and vice versa), and takes roughly 20 minutes. Airtrain also connects into the Queensland Rail suburban network, and can take you express to the Gold Coast. To find the Airtrain station within the International Terminal, take the lift or travellator to Level 3 and follow the signs.
Door-to-door transfer: For the traditional style of airport transfer, Con-X-ion shuttle bus transfer service goes to a huge number of locations around Brisbane, the Gold coast and the Sunshine Coast.
Car rental: Brisbane Airport offers a number of car rental services. To hire a car from Brisbane airport, simply ask your Flight Centre Travel Expert to arrange it for you. At the International Terminal, the car rental booths are located on Level 2, behind Spoon Cafe.
Brisbane Airport parking: Both short term and long term parking is available at Brisbane International airport. The airport also offers valet parking and premium parking, with all parking bookable in advance, online. If you have a large vehicle, note that the undercover car park height at the International Terminal is 2.3 metres.
AIRPARK: Brisbane Airport parking also includes the AIRPARK facility – a stand-alone car park located onsite at Brisbane Airport, around a seven to ten-minute drive from the terminals. AIRPARK offers budget, long-term parking, and can be used by anyone travelling domestically or internationally. Access to both terminals is fast and easy, with a free shuttle bus arriving at the AIRPARK waiting area every 15 minutes in peak times, and every 25 minutes at other times. AIRPARK provides 24-hour CCTV, and has everyday drive-up rates or discounts for booking in advance, online. There is also an undercover option (online booking only). The car park height at AIRPARK is 4 metres, and 3.2 metres for AIRPARK Undercover.
Electric vehicle charging points: You can charge your electric car at Brisbane Airport. At Brisbane International Terminal, you’ll find charging points in the car park via ParkValet. Cables are provided and charging is included in the ParkValet rate. There are also charging points in the DFO multi-level car park on the ground level. Again, cables are provided and charging is included in the hourly rate.
Brisbane Airport parking tip: If you’re using the valet parking service, you can have your car washed while you’re away, for an additional fee. There is also a car wash located at the BNE Service Centre, which offers automatic and hand car wash services.
How do I transfer between terminals?
It’s easy to get between terminals at Brisbane Airport, thanks to the complimentary Terminal Transfer Bus that runs between 4am and 11pm, with an approximate journey time of 10 minutes. Note that this timing is approximate and does not include any waiting time. From Brisbane International Terminal, the bus departs from kerbside on Level 2 of the Arrivals
Brisbane International Terminal offers a range of dining options and bars where you can enjoy a substantial meal, drink or a quick bite before your flight. Before security, options include fresh Mexican cuisine, sushi, hot chicken, modern Australian cuisine, deli-cafe style casual dining as well as coffee, tea and cake. After security, you can look forward to burgers and bar food, Asian-style street food, subs, juices and some of Queensland’s best produce, with a glass of premium wine or bubbles.
Restaurants and bars at Brisbane International Terminal include:
You’ll have the chance to pick up some last-minute gifts, essential travel items or do some duty free shopping at Brisbane International Airport. Buy a new bestseller before your flight, treat yourself to a watch or sunglasses, or select a uniquely Australian gift before you depart.
Shops at Brisbane International Airport include:
Skygate is a retail wonderland less than 5km from Brisbane Airport. From the airport, you can get to Skygate via the free transport shuttle which runs from each terminal, or if you wish to drive you can take advantage of Skygate’s free parking.
Skygate is best known for being the home of DFO Brisbane, offering ‘discount factory outlet’ prices from more than 147 big brands including Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Nike and more. There are also cafes, a 24-hour Woolworths supermarket, a dentist, medical centre, fitness facilities, beauty salon and more. Skygate also has plenty to keep the kids happy, with a giant, Barrier Reef-inspired playscape as well as children’s menus at a number of Skygate eateries. And, just across the road, you’ll find Golf Central BNE: a putt putt course for all ages, with 18 different destinations to swing through, including an on-site cafe.
The International Terminal at Brisbane Airport features four airline lounges plus two lounges which are open to all travellers, for an entry fee: Plaza Premium Lounge and My Lounge – Home of Virgin Australia. Each lounge is located past the security checkpoint and immigration.
Qantas Brisbane International Lounge, airside, Level 4
Qantas knows how to look after its guests and with the majority of Qantas international flights from Brisbane departing in the mornings, there are two things this lounge does well: barista coffee and a great breakfast. Anyone needing to plug in will find plenty of spaces to work quietly, making use of the fast and free Wi-Fi. There are also private shower suites and a good choice of comfortable places to relax. Contact your Flight Centre Travel Expert to enquire about Lounge eligibility.
Air New Zealand Lounge, Level 3, after security
The Air New Zealand Brisbane International Lounge is a sleek and spacious place to relax and refresh before your flight. Airpoints Elite, Gold, Elite Partner and Koru members are all welcome, as are Business Class passengers departing on Air New Zealand flights. As with all Lounge access, if you have any queries, contact your Flight Centre Travel Expert.
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, Level 3, after security
The Singapore Airlines Lounge within Brisbane International Terminal is designed to be like a ‘home away from home’ for guests, with different areas modelled on spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens. The lounge also offers special productivity pods to enable guests to work in privacy and comfort, as well as a generous buffet with a selection of hot entrees and Singaporean specialties.
Emirates Lounge, Level 3, after security
Like Emirates Lounges worldwide, the Emirates Lounge at Brisbane International Terminal offers a comfortable and sophisticated space in which you can take it easy or tap out a little work before your flight. One of the most popular features of this lounge is the ability to board your flight directly from the lounge, with no need to return to the terminal.
Plaza Premium Lounge, Level 3, after security
The only non-Airline lounge at Brisbane International Terminal is the Plaza Premium Lounge. Any traveller can access the lounge, with a 2-hour package available for $60 and a 5-hour package available for $70. Children aged 2-11 receive a 30% discount. The Plaza Premium Lounge offers everything you would expect from an airport lounge, such as food, beverages, showers and Wi-Fi, and is adjacent to the Plaza Premium Wellness Spa.
My Lounge – Home of Virgin Australia, after security, close to Gate 77
Virgin Australia’s lounge at Brisbane Airport is the first of its kind in Australia, welcoming all checked-in passengers from any airline, across any ticket class, on a pay-per-use basis. While it’s not technically a Virgin Australia lounge, Virgin’s business class guests as well as Gold and Platinum Velocity members plus members travelling to New Zealand will have priority access. If you’re not a Virgin Australia guest, you’ll be able to pre-book online or in person on the day of travel for $60 and $70 respectively. Perks include barista-made coffee, a handpicked wine list, a hot and cold buffet, as well as showers with luxury toiletries.
Brisbane Airport has three hotels within its immediate vicinity. You can book your Brisbane Airport Hotel right now or talk your Flight Centre Travel Expert if you’d like to know a little more about each of these hotels. Here’s a brief overview:
Novotel Brisbane Airport
The 4.5-star Novotel is located just minutes from both the Domestic and International terminals, within the Skygate precinct and the shopping hub of Brisbane’s DFO. To get to the Novotel from the terminals, simply catch the orange Transfer Bus that departs regularly or ask your Flight Centre Travel Expert to book you a transfer with the hotel.
Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotel
Located just a few minutes’ drive from Brisbane Airport International Terminal, in the hub of the airport precinct, lies Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotel. This 5-star hotel offers 132 elegantly appointed rooms, a stylish restaurant and bar, 24-hour reception and room service, as well as the top floor Executive Club Lounge and Bar overlooking Brisbane Airport.
Ibis Brisbane Airport Hotel
Ibis Brisbane Airport Hotel is found just a short drive from Brisbane International Terminal, right in the heart of the airport precinct. This 3.5-star property offers 243 rooms including 99 superior rooms, an alfresco restaurant, rooftop bar and function space, as well as easy access to the Brisbane Airport Conference Centre, right next door.