Getting Around Brisbane 2032

By Toby Edmanson, BRIS2032 — Independent Coverage  ·  9 July 2026
Brisbane city skyline above the river
Nearly everyone arrives the same way: fly into BNE, then a quick run into the city.

Getting to Brisbane is the easy part. Almost everyone flies into Brisbane Airport (BNE), which has separate domestic and international terminals a few kilometres apart, linked by the Airtrain. From either terminal, that same Airtrain gets you into the city centre in about 20 minutes; taxis and rideshare take a similar time outside peak. Interstate visitors have more options again: short domestic flights from every capital, or the drive up the coast. The one thing worth planning early isn't the route, it's the timing: Games-period flights and beds fill fast, so book flexible and book ahead.

TL;DR
  • Fly into Brisbane Airport (BNE) — domestic + international terminals, linked by Airtrain.
  • Airtrain reaches the CBD in ~20 minutes; taxis and rideshare are similar.
  • Short direct hops from every Australian capital; international via direct routes or a Sydney/Melbourne connection.
  • Book flights and a flexible room early — Games-period demand is high.

Flying in from within Australia

Every mainland capital has short direct flights to Brisbane, roughly 1.5 hours from Sydney, around 2 to 2.5 from Melbourne and Adelaide, and longer from Perth. Expect a lot more services during the Games, and expect them to sell out, so book the moment your dates are firm.

Flying in from overseas

Brisbane has direct international flights from parts of Asia and the Pacific, plus some long-haul routes, and connects to many more origins via Sydney or Melbourne. Airlines typically add Games-period capacity closer to the event, so keep an eye on new routes as 2032 approaches.

Getting from the airport into the city

The Airtrain runs from both terminals to central Brisbane in about 20 minutes and links into the wider train network, so you can often reach your suburb without changing to a car. Taxis and rideshare are readily available, and the Brisbane Metro bus network has an airport extension planned in time for the Games. However you arrive, you won't need a hire car to get into town.

A Brisbane public transport interchange in the CBD
Brisbane's public transport reaches the CBD without a hire car.

Sort the bed before the flight

Flights for 2032 aren't bookable yet, and won't be for years. Accommodation is the opposite. Southeast Queensland has about 46,000 hotel rooms, less than half of Paris, and new supply is running well behind target. Rooms in good locations will go long before ticket ballots are decided. A free-cancellation rate costs nothing to hold and locks today's price.

Check Brisbane stays on free cancellation →

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Should you drive?

If you're coming from elsewhere in Queensland or northern New South Wales, driving is fine. But once you're in Brisbane, park the car and use public transport. Games-time city parking is expensive and traffic is heavy. See our guide to getting around Brisbane 2032 for the local network.

FAQ

How do I get to Brisbane for 2032?

Fly into Brisbane Airport (BNE), then take the Airtrain (~20 min), a taxi or rideshare into the city. Interstate visitors can also drive or fly short-haul.

How far is the airport from the city?

About 15 km north-east of the CBD, roughly 20 minutes by Airtrain.

Can I fly direct internationally?

From some origins yes; many others connect via Sydney or Melbourne. More Games-period services are likely closer to 2032.

Do I need a car once I'm there?

No. Trains, buses and CityCat ferries cover the venues. Parking during the Games is costly.

Local guide by Toby Edmanson, BRIS2032 — Independent Coverage. Planning the rest of the trip? See where to stay and how to get around.
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