Skip the Brisbane Airtrain: SAVE Using My Airport Hack!

Do you want the cheapest way to get from the Brisbane airport to the City? Are you tired of dropping a $20 One-Way fare using the Brisbane Airtrain to the City? Then, I have just the Hack for you skipping the Airtrain and cutting that down to just “50 cents per person” using Public Transport.

This will work from both the Domestic and International Airport, and it will still benefit you, if your final destination is the Gold Coast, or travelling North to the Sunshine Coast.

It’s simple really, but while the Brisbane Airtrain takes about 30 mins to get into the City, in comparison to roughly 1 hour using my process here, I think the cost outweighs the excess time.

So, don’t let overpriced transport eat into your travel budget, travel like a local and make every dollar count!

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Cheapest way to Get from Brisbane Airport to City using Public Transport

The cheapest way from the Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City is using the FREE Skygate Bus to the DFO, catch a bus to Toombul, and Train to Brisbane Central Station. You’ll end up at the same spot, but a price difference from $20 to 50cents.

You might call this a secret hack and you would be surprised how many Brisbane locals don’t know about it.

This is especially convenient if you have a long connection between flights from the airport and only have a day to explore the city.

But, please keep reading and and I’ll explain how a local works it, and how easy it is for you to do it too! Otherwise, click for the video below for a first-hand look and directions!

Step 1 – Using the Free Terminal Transfer Bus to Skygate

All right, the first thing you need to know is that both Domestic and International terminals have FREE terminal bus transfers.

This isn’t the Airtrain, this is a completely free shuttle that transits between the Domestic and International terminals for airline connections.

However, note there are three different shuttle buses, so I’m going to help you get on the right one.

If you’ve landed at the Domestic terminal, head outside towards the pick-up and drop-off area. Look for a big orange shelter area with a Bus symbol on a sign, which details the three services:

• International Terminal Transfer,
• Airpark Transfer,
• and Skygate Transfer.

There is one available at both the Qantas and Virgin End, but if you can’t find it, please just ask an airport staff member for directions, everyone’s usually helpful, including at the international terminal.

You will see the buses come and go from this area, which can be blue or orange. The colour of the bus won’t matter, but you do need to look at it’s Destination sign to know where it’s going.

You’ll want the one that details “Skygate or DFO“, or otherwise known as the Direct Factory Outlet. This is a convenient Shopping Complex that allows people to visit hundreds of stores, eat at the many cafes or restaurants, or essentially fill in time while staying close to the Airport.

The Airport and Terminal shuttles run every 10 minutes or so, but the Skygate one comes past every 30 minutes between the hours of 630am to 6pm. The standard departure times are listed at the shelter, or you can see the image below.

These Buses even have extra room for large suitcases and luggage bags. It takes about 10 minutes for the shuttle to get to the DFO Skygate.

What is Skygate & the DFO?

You’ll end up in the middle of two large buildings. On one side, is a 24-hour Woolworths, a few Takeaway food choices, and a luggage locker area.

Across the road from that is the Novotel Hotel, which is one of the many places you can stay close by the Airport, when you’re looking for an overnight stay. Or you can choose from other areas in Brisbane to stay, if needed.

➡  Compare prices for accommodation HERE with Booking.com

On the other side is the actual DFO! Its open from 10am to 6pm daily and contains hundreds of popular brands for clothes, shoes, outdoor wear, kitchenware and so many others. Along with a large food hall with even more choices to sit and enjoy a snack or meal.

You can hang around the DFO during a long layover, or when transiting through Brisbane. Otherwise you can continue on to the next part of our journey today to use the Public Transport.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

Step 2 – Catching a Public Bus to Toombul Interchange

The Skygate bus will drop you off in the same area you need to catch the next bus.

You have two different stops to choose from using the Translink Public Transport.

• Stop 2 is your bus to Cannon Hill, Carindale Shopping centre & Garden City Shopping Centre, over south side of Brisbane
• Or what we are doing today from Stop 1 on 9th Avenue, which will connect to Toombul Interchange for the Train line into the City.

The buses route you’ll need is Service 590, but don’t make the mistake of getting on this same service from Stop 2, as that’s the one going to Mount Gravatt.

This is where the Translink app (on Apple or Android) is your best friend, but you will need Data Service to use it. Download the app on your phone before you travel.

• Open it up, tap “Journey Planner,”
• If your location is on, you just need to enter your destination as the “Toombul Interchange.”
• It will show you real-time bus schedules, how far you need to walk to the stop, which stop to wait at, and how long it’ll take & cost.

Super easy, right?

To use the bus service, you’ll need to Tap your Go Card, or a contactless card like your Visa Card or a smart device like a phone or watch.

It’s very important that each person has their own device to use this service. Families or groups will need to purchase from a ticket machine, but I don’t see one of these located at the DFO.

This bus ride will take around 10 minutes, depending on traffic, to get to the Toombul Interchange. It’s also the end of the line, so you shouldn’t need to press the button for the bus to stop.

Why is the Public Transport so cheap?

This is where the current 50 cent one-way public transport fares come into play.

Hopefully this will be around for some time, but depending on when you’re watching this video, it could have changed. However, prior fares would have only been a couple of bucks, so still cheaper than paying $20 or more for the Brisbane Airtrain.

Step 3 – Walking from Toombul Interchange to Toombul Train Station

When you get off at Toombul Interchange, please don’t forget to Tap off from the Bus Service as you exit the vehicle. If you’re keen for Bus transport, you can just wait for the next service here and drive into the city.

From here you can catch another bus direct into the city, or other areas around Brisbane. But, if you still want the train, It’s now just a short walk away from the Bus to the train.

As much as it’s still classed as Toombul, the Bus Interchange and Train Station are not in the same spot.

From the bus interchange, you’ll exit and follow the footpath to Sandgate Road.  It’s a very busy street, so you won’t miss it.

Press the button for the pedestrian crossing and wait for “Walk”sign.

There is Six lanes of traffic, so you’ll need to use it.

Step 4 – Catching a Train from Toombul to Brisbane Central Station (CBD)

Within a couple of hundred metres from the Interchange, you’ll get to the Train Station.

Either walk up the Stairs or use the lift, then back down again to the platform you need.

Don’t forget to tap your card ON to start the Train service. However, as this is a continuing service from Skygate, then it should be a $0 dollar fare when you eventually tap off from your final destination.

As mentioned before, the Trains from here travel north to the Sunshine Coast or south to the Gold Coast. Plus, because the 50cent fares are for ALL one-way travel, you still pay the same amount for anywhere in the Translink network.

Trains will stop at Toombul Station every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day. This is when the Translink app will come in handy once again, or you can use the TV Boards at the station to tell you a platform number.

However, you’ll likely need Platform 1 if you’re heading into the City or Central Station.

Enter the Train from here, and it will take about 15 minutes to get into Brisbane City.

Wrap up!

So, did you like my simple Brisbane Airtrain hack? As much as Bus Public transport in Brisbane isn’t my favourite, I do find this process easy and definitely helps with the Budget Traveller in mind.

However, If you’re looking for more insider tips, tricks, and local travel advice, check out my other Brisbane articles to help you plan smarter and explore more for less.