Brisbane Public Transport – How To Travel Around Brisbane Without A Car

Brisbane has a number of different public transport options, including the bus, train, ferry or taxi and car sharing.

The City Loop

If you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to get around Brisbane, then the City Loop is perfect! It’s a free bus service that takes you through the city centre, stopping at key locations such as the Queen Street Mall, Central Station, Treasury Casino, South Bank Parklands, and more.

Bus Services

There are two main bus services in Brisbane: TransLink and private operators. Both offer regular routes throughout the day, with some buses running 24/7.

You can also use the Translink website or app to find out when the next bus will arrive.

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/buses

Train Services

If you do decide to travel by train, there are a number of main lines running through the city and stopping at Roma Street, Central Station and the Fortitude Valley. The Brisbane lines include Ferny Grove and Beenleigh, Shorncliffe and Cleveland, Airport and Gold Coast, Caboolture / Sunshine Coast and Ipswich / Rosewood, Redcliffe Peninsula and Springfield and Doomben.

It is best to get off at Central for the central business district and shopping.

You can purchase a GoCard for travel in South East Queensland.

For more information, including timetables and maps visit the Translink website.

Ferries

You can also take a ferry across the Brisbane River. There are two ferry services operating in Brisbane; one operates between North Stradbroke Island and South Bank, while the other connects Kangaroo Point with New Farm. Both operate daily during daylight hours.

The ferry service includes CityCats, KittyCats, CityHopper and 23 terminals. This is operated by Brisbane City Council.

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/citycat-and-ferry-services

Taxis and Car Sharing

If you do decide to travel by taxi, make sure you agree on a price before you set off. It’s not uncommon for taxis to charge more than double what the meter says. Also, ensure you use an official taxi company as there are some rogue operators out there who will try to rip you off.

• Black and White Cabs: https://www.blackandwhitecabs.com.au/
• 13 Cabs: https://www.13cabs.com.au/

There are three main car-riding apps Uber, X and X.

• DiDi: https://web.didiglobal.com/au/
• Ola: https://ola.com.au/
• Uber: https://www.uber.com/au/en/

Gold Coast Public Transport

Nearby the Gold Coast has bus and tram travel. You’ll need to purchase a go explore card from a TransLink Info kiosk, any 7-Eleven or Night Owl store, hotels and selected retailers.

Go Explore: https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/ticket-types/visitors-and-tourists/go-explore