Travel in Brisbane
As a student in Brisbane it’s easy – and cheap – to travel between your home and classes or work.
Our modern, connected city is home to great public transport options, including an extensive bus network, multiple train lines, and regular ferry services that crisscross the river.
For active travel, you’ll find more than 6,000 km of paths, walkways, and bikeways to move around the city on foot, by bike or e-scooter.
And Brisbane’s transport network is only getting better, with $7 billion in public transport infrastructure projects in the works. These include the all-new high-capacity Brisbane Metro, the 10km Cross River Rail line, and new Green Bridges that will further connect the city’s lively precincts.
Navigating Brisbane’s public transport network
Public transport in Brisbane is run by Translink. Use Google Maps, visit the Translink website or download the MyTranslink app to navigate your way around the city with ease.
The MyTranslink app offers real-time information about buses, trains and ferry services in Brisbane, and you can add stations or bus stops to your ‘favourites’ tab for quick access.
The best way to use Brisbane’s public transport network is with a go card. This electronic pass makes it easy to travel in South East Queensland.
Using a go card is fast, convenient and cheaper than buying paper tickets. It’s easy to top-up and use, and the best part is that students can get discounted fares.
Transport discounts for students
Eligible full-time university, TAFE and post-secondary students can apply for a 50 per cent concession fare on TransLink public transport services (excluding Airtrain), regional QConnect bus services and approved regional ferry services.
You will need to purchase an adult go card and then apply for the concession fares. More details here.
Free transport in Brisbane
Brisbane has a handful of free bus and ferry services that make navigating the inner-city simple.
The CityHopper is a free ferry service that runs every half hour between Sydney Street (New Farm) and North Quay, stopping at Howard Smith Wharves, Eagle Street Pier, Kangaroo Point and South Bank Parklands.
There are also three free bus lines. On weekdays the Spring Hill Loop (Bus 30) connects Brisbane City and Spring Hill, and the Brisbane City Loop (Bus 40 and 50) runs buses clockwise and anticlockwise through the CBD.
South of the river, the South Brisbane Loop (Bus 86) runs seven days a week along Grey Street, Montague Road, Vulture Street and Tribune Street, connecting the Cultural Centre, South Brisbane station and South Bank busway.
Late-night public transport options
Brisbane is a safe place to live, study and play, but as with any big city, you need to take care on a night out. Brisbane’s NightLink bus service offers a budget-friendly option to get home after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Getting to and from Brisbane Airport
The Airtrain service is the fastest and cheapest way to access both the domestic and international terminals at Brisbane Airport.
From the city, you can reach the airport in under 20 minutes.
The service does not offer cheaper concession fares for students, but if you book online you can often access discounts and promotions.
Shared e-bikes and e-scooters
Brisbane’s streets are home to more than 3,000 electric bikes and scooters that offer an efficient and convenient way to travel around the city.
You can download an app and hire these e-bikes and e-scooters by the minute from two companies: Neuron and Beam.
When riding an e-bike or e-scooter in Brisbane, you must follow certain road rules set out by the Queensland Government.
The rules include:
- Wear a helmet
- Keep left
- Give way to pedestrians
- Travel at the designated speed
- Keep a safe distance from other path users
- Only travel on the bicycle side of a shared path
To familiarise yourself with the rules, you can join a free workshop with Cycling Brisbane and build your confidence with a guided ride.
Taxis and rideshare services
To get somewhere fast and direct, or for a safe way home after a night out, you can order a taxi or car via a rideshare app.
Taxi ranks are found across the inner-city or you can order one from Black & White Cabs on 133 222 and 13cabs 13 22 27.
For rideshare, you can download apps and order private transfers with Uber, DiDi, Ola, Lyft and GoCatch.