Exploring Brisbane Australia Airport Terminals and Transport

Brisbane Airport is a major hub in Australia, serving over 22 million passengers annually. It has two terminals: the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal.

The International Terminal is the larger of the two, with 20 gates and a range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges. It's designed to handle international flights, with a separate area for arrivals and departures.

Getting to and from the airport is easy, with a range of transport options available. The Airtrain is a convenient and affordable way to get to Brisbane's city center, taking just 20 minutes.

You can also take a taxi or ride-sharing service, which can be booked in advance or hailed on the spot.

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The Brisbane Airport has two terminals: the international terminal and the domestic terminal. The international terminal is a large building with four levels and 14 bays with aerobridges, including four that can handle A380s.

The international terminal has a range of lounges, including the Emirates lounge, which is the first outside Dubai to have direct access to A380 aerobridges. You can also find lounges for Air New Zealand, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Aspire, and Plaza Premium.

The domestic terminal is a two-storey curved building with three satellite arms extending beyond the building. It has three distinct areas serving different airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.

The domestic terminal has a range of facilities, including lounges for Qantas and Virgin Australia. Qantas has nine bays served by aerobridges, including one served by a dual bridge, and three lounges. Virgin Australia has 11 parking bays, nine of which are served by aerobridges, and two lounges.

Here are some of the facilities you can find at the airport:

Eagle Farm was Brisbane's first airport, built in 1925 on former agricultural land. It's located 6 km north-east of the Brisbane central business district.

The airport was initially used by Qantas in 1926, but most flights operated at Archerfield Airport due to its superior landing surface. This was a problem for Eagle Farm, as it struggled to attract long-haul international services.

Charles Kingsford Smith landed at Eagle Farm on 9 June 1928, after completing the first trans-pacific flight in his Fokker F.VII, the Southern Cross. This historic flight was a major achievement for the airport.

The United States Armed Forces upgraded the airfield during World War II, bringing it to a standard that made it the main civilian airport for the city. This was a significant improvement, but the airport's facilities were still inadequate by the 1960s.

Some of the infrastructure at Eagle Farm Airport was incorporated into today's Brisbane Airport. For example, the north-east end of the main runway survives as taxiway Papa of the present airport.

The Eagle Farm international terminal is now the Brisbane Airport cargo terminal. This is a testament to the airport's history and its eventual replacement by a more modern facility.

Brisbane Airport's international terminal has four levels, with level 1 housing airline offices and baggage handlers, and level 4 handling departure check-in.

The airport has multiple lounge facilities at both terminals, including airline lounges like Emirates and Qantas, as well as pay-per-use lounges for non-members.

You can store your luggage at the airport using self-service storage options, available for both short and long-term rental. These storage options come in various sizes to fit different types of luggage and musical instruments.

There are also free shower facilities at both terminals, but you'll need to bring your own towel and shower products.

The airport has a wide range of services and facilities, including ATMs, vending machines, water stations, and smoking areas.

Here are some of the other services and facilities you can find at the airport:

And if you need help or have questions, you can ask one of the airport's volunteer Ambassadors, who are always happy to assist.

Getting to and from Brisbane Airport is relatively easy, with two railway stations available for passengers. The InternationalAirport railway station is elevated and located next to the international terminal.

Both railway stations are privately owned and operated by the Airtrain Citylink consortium, which means fares are more expensive than a regular suburban ticket. However, they're less than half the cost of a taxi fare, making them a more budget-friendly option.

The Airtrain Citylink travels via the Queensland Rail network to Fortitude Valley and the Brisbane CBD, with most trains continuing to the Gold Coast via South Bank.

The airport has two railway stations as part of a privately owned airport rail line. They're located next to the international terminal and domestic terminal, respectively.

Both railway stations are privately owned and operated by the Airtrain Citylink consortium. This means fares are more expensive than regular suburban tickets.

The Airtrain Citylink travels via the Queensland Rail network to Fortitude Valley and the Brisbane CBD. Most trains continue on to the Gold Coast via South Bank.

Fares on the Airtrain Citylink are less than half the cost of a taxi fare. This makes it a relatively affordable option for travelers.

Getting around the airport is a breeze, thanks to the free inter-terminal bus that connects the two terminals and the nearby Skygate shopping precinct. This convenient service also stops at the DFO and adjacent Novotel Brisbane Airport hotel.

You can use this bus to get to the Skygate shopping precinct, which is a great place to pick up some last-minute essentials or souvenirs.

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If you're planning to get around without public transport, there's a convenient option available. Car hire desks are located inside the Virgin Australia terminal.

You can easily access the car park where you'll pick up and drop off your rental, and it's just a short walk from the terminal via the Skywalk.

Pre-booking your rental can save you time and money, so be sure to do that in advance.

If you're flying out of Brisbane Domestic Airport, you're in luck because parking is a breeze. Brisbane Domestic Airport parking is located just a short walk from the Virgin Australia terminal.

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If you're looking for alternative parking options, there are several offsite parking facilities to choose from. Skyclean airport parking offers convenient and affordable on-demand transfers to Brisbane Airport.

Andrews airport parking is the largest offsite parking option, located just five minutes away with 24-hour service and an on-demand free shuttle. This is perfect for travelers who want to be close to the airport without breaking the bank.

Long-stay parking is another great option, open 24/7 with valet and car wash services available. It's just a few minutes' walk away from both terminals, making it a convenient choice for travelers.

ParkValet is the easiest way to get your car parked at the Brisbane airport, with 24-hour surveillance and car wash facilities for added convenience.

Here are some of the parking options available at Brisbane Airport:

Brisbane Airport has seen significant growth over the years, with annual passenger numbers increasing from 9.7 million in 1998 to 24 million in 2019.

The airport's domestic passenger numbers have been steadily increasing, reaching 17.6 million in 2019, up from 7.4 million in 1998. International passenger numbers have also seen a surge, growing from 2.3 million in 1998 to 6.4 million in 2019.

Here's a breakdown of the airport's annual passenger numbers from 1998 to 2022:

The airport's passenger numbers took a significant hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2020 seeing a 63.7% decrease in total passengers. However, the airport has since seen a strong recovery, with 2022's numbers being 87.7% higher than 2019's.

The 1988 opening of Brisbane Airport marked a significant milestone in its development. The airport was built by Barclay Brothers at a cost of $400 million.

Construction commenced in June 1980, and the new airport was opened on 19 March 1988. Prime Minister Bob Hawke hosted the opening ceremony.

The airport was built on the former Brisbane residential suburb of Cribb Island, which was demolished to make way for the airport. Large amounts of sand were pumped from nearby Moreton Bay to raise the swamp land above the tidal range.

The 1988 facilities included a domestic terminal, state-of-the-art maintenance facilities, and a 75 m (246 ft) tall air traffic control tower.

The new parallel runway at Brisbane Airport was a massive undertaking that took over eight years to complete, finally opening on 12 July 2020.

The construction of the new runway was a complex process, involving the dredging of 13,000,000 cubic metres of sand from Moreton Bay, which took a significant amount of time to settle.

The proposed budget for the new runway was $1.3 billion, and it ended up costing over $1 billion to complete, which is a significant reduction in cost.

The new runway is 3,300 m long and was constructed on swamp land 2 kilometres west of the existing terminal area, parallel to the existing main runway.

The asphalting of the new runway began in 2019 and was completed by late that year, while the line-marking of the runway started in mid-February 2020.

The new runway was completed on 30 April 2020, and it officially opened on 12 July 2020 with a Virgin Australia flight to Cairns being the first to take off from the new runway.

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The decommissioning of runway 14/32 on 30 March 2020 made way for the new runway to be used for aircraft parking, which was a crucial step in the operational readiness and testing phase.

The first flight to operate from the new runway was Virgin Australia's flight VA781 to Cairns on 12 July 2020.

As of September 2024, plans had begun for a terminal three development. This new terminal will reportedly service both domestic and international flights.

Brisbane Airport's annual passenger numbers have been steadily increasing over the years. By 2017, they reached 23.1 million.

The growth is expected to continue, with a projected increase to around 50 million by 2035. This is a significant jump, and it will be interesting to see how the airport adapts to the change.

Here's a breakdown of the total annual passengers for Brisbane Airport from 1998 to 2022:

The pandemic had a significant impact on passenger numbers, with a drop of 63.7% in 2020. However, the numbers have been recovering since then.

Brisbane Airport has made significant developments to deliver for Queensland.

The airport's largest development aimed to restore customer confidence and ensure the airport was a healthy facility using COVID-19 safe protocols.

Since implementing these protocols, the airport achieved Airport of the Year by the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC).

At Brisbane Airport, you'll find a range of services and amenities to make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

You can access ATMs, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations for your electronic devices, making it easy to stay connected and take care of any last-minute tasks.

Luggage trolleys are available to help you transport your bags, and if you need any medical assistance, there are first aid facilities on site.

Lost property is handled by the airport staff, and if you're traveling with a little one, you can take advantage of the parenting rooms.

Free showers are a great way to refresh yourself before or after your flight, and if you need to send a package, there's a postal service located just outside the terminal.

There's also a prayer room and telephones available for your use, and if you're feeling thirsty, you can grab a drink from the water stations, which include a hot water station.

Smoking areas are designated for those who need a quick cigarette break, and if you're in a hurry, you can grab a snack or drink from the vending machines.

Brisbane Airport also offers volunteer Airport Ambassadors who roam the airport and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

The Brisbane International Terminal has a range of lounges available, including dedicated airline lounges and the Plaza Premium Lounge, which are open to all travelers for an entry fee.

You'll find the Qantas Brisbane International Lounge on Level 3, after security, where you can enjoy barista coffee, a great breakfast, and private shower suites.

The terminal has four levels, and the departure lounge is located on Level 3, airside, with comfortable seating areas and fast and free Wi-Fi.

Here are some of the lounges and restaurants you can find at Brisbane International Terminal:

The AVCAIR FBO & VIP Lounge is a fantastic option for those who want to travel in style. Located on the North Apron of Brisbane Airport, it offers direct airside access for VIP movements.

This lounge is perfect for those who need to travel quickly and efficiently, as it handles VIP and FIFO (fly-in fly-out) movements, including ad hoc military, medical, and charter flights.

One of the standout features of the AVCAIR FBO & VIP Lounge is its ability to handle a range of different types of flights, making it a convenient option for those with varied travel needs.

If you're looking for a lounge experience that's a bit more accessible, you can also consider the Plaza Premium Lounge at the International Terminal of Brisbane Airport.

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If you're looking to relax in style before your flight, the lounges at Brisbane Airport are a great option. The Virgin Australia Lounge is open daily from 60 minutes before the first Virgin Australia flight departure until the last Virgin Australia flight departure.

Located in the Virgin Australia Terminal at Brisbane Domestic Airport, it's opposite Gate 41. If you're flying internationally, you'll find a number of dedicated airline lounges, including the Emirates lounge, the first outside Dubai with direct access to the A380 aerobridges.

The Qantas Brisbane International Lounge is a great spot to grab a barista coffee and a great breakfast, perfect for those early morning international flights. It's located on Level 3, after security.

If you're not a member of a particular airline's lounge program, you can still access the Plaza Premium Lounge or the Escape Lounge (coming soon!) at the International Terminal. These lounges are open to all travellers for an entry fee.

Here's a quick rundown of the lounges you can find at the International Terminal:

Brisbane International Terminal has a range of dining options and bars where you can enjoy a meal or a drink before your flight.

You can find modern Australian cuisine at the terminal, which is a great way to experience the local flavors.

Casual dining options are also available, perfect for a quick bite before takeoff.

There are lots of delicious coffee stops throughout the terminal, so you can grab a cup of coffee to go with your meal.

Brisbane International Terminal has everything you need to refuel before your flight, from substantial meals to quick bites and plenty of coffee.

If you're looking for a bite to eat at Brisbane International Terminal, you're in luck. There are plenty of options to choose from.

Boost Juice is a great spot for a quick and healthy snack. The Coffee Club is another popular choice for a coffee and a bite to eat.

Dandelion & Driftwood is a great option if you're in the mood for something a bit more upscale. Departure Lane is perfect for those looking for a casual dining experience.

Fonzie Abbott Coffee is a great spot to grab a coffee on the go, while Hudsons Coffee is a good choice if you need a caffeine boost. Subway is a great option if you're looking for a quick and easy meal.

If you're in the mood for something a bit different, Windmill & Co is definitely worth checking out.

Here are some of the restaurants and bars included at Brisbane International Terminal:

Brisbane Airport has three hotels within its immediate vicinity.

You can find the perfect accommodation in Brisbane by talking to your Travel Expert or browsing our Brisbane hotel deals online.

Brisbane Airport is close to several hotels, making it easy to find a place to stay.

For help finding the perfect accommodation, you can also check out our Brisbane hotel deals online.