Brisbane Airport arrival guide for international students

Landing in a new country after a long flight is a lot to take in. This guide walks you through Brisbane Airport’s international terminal, from the plane to your first night, so you know what’s coming at each step.

The Airtrain fare here is approximate. It was last checked on 2 Nov 2026 and fares do change, so check the official links under Sources before you travel.

Through arrivals: passport control, customs and biosecurity

International flights arrive at Brisbane International. That’s the name to use when you tell someone where you’ve landed.

After you leave the plane you go through passport control, collect your bags, then go through customs and biosecurity before you’re out in the arrivals hall (Tourism Australia). Our guide to arriving in Australia covers each step, including SmartGates, the passenger card and bringing medicines.

Meeting someone at the airport

If someone is meeting you on foot, the place to meet is the Arrivals Hall, on Level 2 (Brisbane Airport).

If they’re collecting you by car, you go to them: follow the green signs down to the Passenger Pick-Up area on Level 1. Pick-up there is free for up to 10 minutes (Brisbane Airport).

The easiest plan is for your driver to come in only once you’re ready. When you have your bags and you’re through biosecurity, send them something like this:

I’ve landed at Brisbane International. I’ll follow the green signs down to the Passenger Pick-Up area on Level 1. It’s free for up to 10 minutes.

Being picked up by car

Your driver should follow the green signs to the Passenger Pick-Up area on Level 1 (Brisbane Airport).

Here’s a made-up example of how it can go smoothly. Aiko’s housemate has offered to collect her. Aiko messages when the plane reaches the gate, then goes through passport control, collects her bags and goes through biosecurity. Only then does she send the message above and head down to Level 1. Her housemate pulls in a few minutes later, well inside the free 10 minutes.

Getting from Brisbane Airport to the city

There are three main ways into the city. The Airtrain fare is approximate and was last checked on 2 Nov 2026.

Airtrain

• About $23, about 20 minutes (TransLink).
• The Airtrain station is reached from Level 3. Take Airtrain to Central Station (Brisbane Airport).

Airtrain suits you best if you’re travelling light.

Rideshare

• Usually more than public transport, depending on traffic and the time of day. Check the estimate in your rideshare app before you book.
• Follow the Rideshare signs.

Taxi

• Usually more than public transport, depending on traffic and the time of day.
• Follow the Taxi signs.

Which one should you choose?

• One suitcase, daytime, on a budget: Airtrain, at about $23.
• Lots of luggage, travelling late, or very tired: a rideshare or taxi takes you to the door. It usually costs more than public transport.
• Someone’s collecting you: Passenger Pick-Up on Level 1, as above.

Paying for transport: go card and contactless

You don’t have to buy a card before your first trip. You can buy a go card at the machine or ticket window at the International Airport station, or tap on with a contactless Visa or Mastercard (Airtrain).

A go card works on TransLink buses, trains (including Airtrain), ferries and trams. Touch on at the start of a journey and touch off at the end, and the fare is taken from your balance automatically. TransLink also offers contactless payment with a debit or credit card (TransLink).

If your card was issued overseas, check with your bank about international transaction fees before you rely on it for transport.

For more on getting a transport card, see our first week in Australia checklist.

SIM cards and Wi-Fi

Before a prepaid mobile service can be used, the provider has to check your identity, such as your name, date of birth and address. Bring your passport or other ID when you buy or set up the SIM (ACMA).

The terminal has free Wi-Fi: choose “BNE Free Wi-Fi” and register your details to connect (Brisbane Airport).

Once you have an Australian number, watch out for scam texts. They often pretend to be your bank, your telco or a delivery company. Don’t tap links in texts you weren’t expecting: use the organisation’s own app or website, and never share passwords or one-time codes (ACMA).

Your first night

You made it. A few things worth knowing before you sleep:

• Emergencies: call Triple Zero (000). Calls are free. Say Police, Fire or Ambulance and give your exact location (Triple Zero Australia). From a mobile you can also dial 112, which reaches the same service (Triple Zero Australia).
• Feeling unwell but it’s not an emergency? The healthdirect helpline, 1800 022 222, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a registered nurse can speak with you. If English isn’t your main language, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be transferred (healthdirect).
• Non-urgent police help in Queensland: Policelink, 131 444, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free interpreters are available (Queensland Police Service).
• Arriving in summer? Sip water even when you’re not thirsty, and avoid being outdoors between 11am and 3pm on very hot days (healthdirect).
• Check your clock. Queensland doesn’t use daylight saving (nor do Western Australia and the Northern Territory), while the southern states move their clocks forward an hour from October to April. So time differences, with home and with other states, change over summer (Study Adelaide).
• Still looking for a room? Rental scams often use cheap listings, an owner who is overseas and can’t show the place, and a request for money upfront. See a place in person, or ask someone you trust to, before you pay anything (Scamwatch).

Tomorrow, start on the first week checklist. When you’re ready to look for work, our Australian CV guide is the next step.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to get from Brisbane Airport to the city?

About $23 by Airtrain to Central Station (approximate, last checked 2 Nov 2026). A rideshare or taxi usually costs more and depends on traffic and the time of day.

Where should my friend pick me up?

At the Passenger Pick-Up area on Level 1, which is free for up to 10 minutes. Follow the green signs down once you have your bags and you’re through biosecurity.

Do I need to buy a go card at the airport?

No. You can tap on with a contactless Visa or Mastercard, or buy a go card at the International Airport station. With a go card, touch off at the end of every trip.

Can I use my phone as soon as I land?

You’ll need ID for a prepaid SIM, so keep your passport handy. Until then, the terminal has free Wi-Fi: choose “BNE Free Wi-Fi”.

What number do I call in an emergency?

Triple Zero (000). From a mobile, 112 reaches the same service.