Top Brisbane Airport transit tips so you are not one of those people scuttling like a cockroach, desperate to get to the gate before it closes. Yep, that was me recently so I’m making sure I’ve got all the best tips for you, and me!

Top Transit Tips for Brisbane Airport

I used to cut it fine to avoid wasting time, but that changed when I missed a flight and had to pay an exorbitant amount to get a seat on the next plane.  Sigh. Now I’m more likely to be in the queue when bag drop opens or transiting through security with plenty of time to spare, especially when I am travelling through Brisbane Airport.

I always focus on the gate closing time rather than the departure time. If you can, aim for two hours before boarding a domestic flight at Brisbane airport.  Even when you have carry-on luggage, you never know what the queues may be like. On my last airport flight I encountered the sort of traffic that’s usually associated with the start of school holidays.  It was just an ordinary Monday morning but I sat in the car for an extra 10 minutes just trying to get to the dropoff area and then had to sprint to the bag drop.

Airports have changed too.  I can find plenty of good food at the airport for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I have my favourite coffee spots and some shops where I can’t resist a browse.  I’d rather sit down with a good brew working on my computer using the free Wi-Fi than stressing in a car trying to get to the airport.

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Plan Your Trip to Brisbane

Arriving at Brisbane Airport opens the door to one of Australia’s most vibrant and welcoming cities. After collecting your bags, you’ll find seamless options for getting into the heart of Brisbane. The Airtrain offers a quick 20-minute ride to the city center, connecting you directly to key locations like South Bank and Central Station. Alternatively, taxis and rideshares are conveniently accessible from the arrivals area, ready to whisk you away. Once you’re in the city, Brisbane’s riverfront precincts, bustling dining scene, and cultural gems like the Queensland Art Gallery and South Bank Parklands are just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re here for business, a weekend getaway, or as a stopover, Brisbane’s unique mix of laid-back charm and urban energy promises a memorable experience.

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Here are my top tips for a happy transit at Brisbane Domestic Airport

Check in online

Airlines are moving strongly towards online checkin as a primary way to join a flight.  This is operational at the Jetstar checkin where there is only a bag drop.

Prepare for Airport Security

There’s always a queue to go into airport security screening so use this time to make sure you have your laptop, phone and charging banks in one handy spot. Umbrellas and hairspray, or any aerosol, also needs to be screened. Take off your belt if it has metal on it and also remove anything from your pockets. These can all go into a bag for easy retrieval.

Don’t be afraid to jump the queue

If you are close to the closing time for your flight, speak to an attendant and get yourself moved to the front of the queue.  It can mean the difference between catching or missing a flight.

It always starts at the airport with coffee

There are two places in the airport where I can be guaranteed to find my favourite coffee fix.

Level 2, Opposite Gate 41, at Virgin end of the terminal is where you’ll find me stopping for a Fonzie Abbot coffee.  Voted as one of the top caffeine dealers in town, Fonzie Abbot is a locally-grown business that supplies many cafes with what they call their ‘sweet F.A.’ carefully sourced and roasted coffee beans. It opens at 4.30 am.

You’ll find local coffee brand Bellissimo at Bound on Level 2, near gate 23.

Use that waiting time to grab a bite

Getting to the airport early means you’ll have time for breakfast, lunch or dinner on your flight.  I’m always surprised at what I’m served on a plane.  It might be a tiny power ball for breakfast on a three-hour flight or cheese and bickies for dinner.  Best to eat before you board or take something with you, unless you want to trust buying something from the airline cart.

Brisbane’s Domestic Airport has a food court with plenty of options.

  • The latest taste sensation at Brisbane Airport is Brooki Bakehouse.  You’ll make someone very happy if you turn up with some Brooki cookies.  They are next level.  Find it on Level 2 near Gate 25 after security.
  • Seeds by Bruno Loubet is a great place to get healthy food all day long. Bruno is an amazing, Michelin-stared chef and at Seeds he shares the sort of food he likes to eat at home.  It’s good for you and tastes great too.
  • Sushi from Sushi Sushi is my favourite carry on choice as it’s easy to carry and eat.

It doesn’t matter if your passion is Mexican, Vietnamese or Japanese, Mad Mex, and Roll’d have that covered.

 

Shop till you fly

At Brisbane’s domestic airport the shopping options alone will see that time fly.  You will be able to catch up with the latest fashions, bag a bargain from the sale rack, pick up some pyjamas or find new sunnies from the Sunglass Hut.

There are some of my favourite women’s clothing retailers including Mimco, Witchery, Peter Alexander, Seed Heritage and Victoria’s Secret to browse. Mott and Mulberry and New Farm Confectionery are perfect for that upcoming birthday or a thank you gift for your next destination.

Go with the beat

You are not dreaming if you think you hear live music on Friday and Sunday evening.  From 4 pm to 7 pm there’s a late-week BNE Beats program with local musicians playing at the Domestic Terminal’s Great Northern and Glasshouse Bars.

Art Up

Since you’ll be sitting on the plate for a few hours, why not stroll around the airport.  I like to check out the Bricks BNE Display on level two created by the airport’s Artist-in-Residence Ben Craig.

Need a sleepover?

Got an early morning flight or can’t make your night connection.  Located right next door to Brisbane Domestic Airport, The Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotel and it’s sister Ibis Hotel next door, will have you sleeping comfortably with only five minutes of travel.

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Kerry Heaney is a frequent traveller from Brisbane Airport.