Brisbane gives you more options than most Australian airports. The Airtrain adds a rail option, Uber and DiDi compete with taxis, and transfers serve those who want certainty. Here is how they compare.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Airtrain | Taxi | Uber/DiDi | Private transfer | |--------|----------|------|-----------|------------------| | Price to CBD | AUD 22 (EUR 13) | AUD 45-60 (EUR 27-36) | AUD 35-55 (EUR 21-33) | AUD 70-100 (EUR 42-60) | | Duration | 20 min | 20-30 min | 20-30 min | 20-30 min | | Door to door | No (station to station) | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Night service | No (until ~22:00) | Yes (24 hrs) | Yes (24 hrs) | Yes (24 hrs) | | Child seats | N/A | Not provided | Not provided | On request | | Luggage space | Limited | Boot only | Boot only | Flexible | | Airport surcharge | N/A | AUD 3.70 | Included in price | None |
When the Airtrain wins
For solo travelers and couples heading to the CBD, the Airtrain is hard to beat. At AUD 22, it is less than half the taxi fare and takes only 20 minutes. It runs every 15 minutes during peak times and connects directly to Central, Roma Street, and South Bank stations. If your hotel is near a station and you are traveling light, this is the obvious choice.
The Airtrain loses its edge with heavy luggage, strollers, or destinations that are not near a station.
When a taxi or Uber wins
For door-to-door service at a reasonable price, taxis and Uber are the practical middle ground. Uber is typically 10-20% cheaper than taxis, but taxis are right outside the terminal while Uber requires walking to the pickup zone in the car park.
For three or more travelers, a single taxi at AUD 50 split three ways (about AUD 17 each) beats individual Airtrain tickets.
When a transfer wins
Transfers justify their premium in these situations:
- Families with children who need car seats — the only option that provides them
- After 22:00 when the Airtrain has stopped and you want guaranteed transport
- Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast trips where a fixed price is much better than a long metered taxi ride
- Groups of 4-6 where a single minivan transfer is cheaper than multiple Ubers
- Business travelers who want a professional meet-and-greet without standing in queues
The verdict
The Airtrain is best for solo CBD trips during operating hours. Taxi or Uber for door-to-door convenience within Brisbane. A transfer for families, late nights, groups, and destinations beyond the city. Brisbane has enough options that you can match transport to your specific situation — there is no single right answer.