Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Brisbane Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
I was woken up to a cup of coffee brought to me by Noel, the cleaner!!! I was almost moved to tears and so thankful. – weltresiende
BNE Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Brisbane Airport (Code: BNE).
What to Expect
Brisbane Airport contains two terminals—International and Domestic—connected by AirTrain. Both terminals contain plenty of landside and airside shopping, and a 24-hour supermarket can be reached by shuttle. You will also find free WiFi to help pass the time. There are lounges in both the Domestic and International Terminals, with at least one offering paid access to economy-class passengers. See Airport Lounges below for locations and rates.
Sleeping in Brisbane Airport
Travellers report that the International Terminal offers the best sleeping conditions primarily due to more comfortable seating options—including comfy couches airside and landside—than found in the Domestic Terminal. That said, noise and cold temperatures have been identified as a problem throughout the airport, so consider earplugs and a warm sweater or blanket.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- International Terminal, Level 4 Departures is the most comfortable area.
- International Terminal, as you exit the Departure areas, turn right, and you’ll spot a few 2-seater leather lounge chairs – not ideal, but better than other seating options.
- International Terminal, near Gates 75-76: big, comfortable couches.
There are no dedicated rest zones in either terminal, so if you do manage to find a couch, lay down and try to catch some needed zzz’s.
Do you have a good location, airport tip or photos to add? Click here for our review form.
Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. A new airport hotel is next to the International Terminal and can be accessed by AirTrain and shuttle bus. Other nearby airport hotels are serviced by shuttles. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Good to Know
There are free showers located in multiple restrooms throughout the airport.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Brisbane Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Brisbane Airport:
- Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotel – Five-minute walk to the Domestic Terminal. » Check Rates
- Ibis Budget Hotel » Check Rates
- Novotel Brisbane Airport » Check Rates
- Comfort Inn & Suites Northgate Airport Hotel – Free airport shuttle. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Brisbane Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, Level 3, near Gate 82. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
- Air New Zealand Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, Level 4, near Gate 82. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Aspire Lounge – Location: Airside, Level 3, near Gate 77. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- Qantas Club – Domestic Terminal, Landside, Level 2, near Gate 22 • International Terminal, Airside, Level 3.
Airline Lounges
Singapore Airlines Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, Level 3, near Gate 82. • The Emirates Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, level 3, near Gate 75. • Virgin Australia Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Airside, Level 2, near Gate 40.
Related Pages: Brisbane Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Cold drinking water dispensers are available free of charge. Locations: throughout the airport. A self-service hot water dispenser is available for those Cup’ O Noodles or hot tea moments. Location: International Terminal, Level 3, next to the public bathrooms near The Coffee Club.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the terminal operate with varying schedules, with many open from 4:00AM until “late”, which coincides with the daily flight schedule. The following concessions are open 24 hours: Woolworths Market (Location: Skygate, located 5 km’s from airport, accessible by free shuttle bus). Vending Machines: Locations: International Terminal: Level 1, 2, 3 & 4 and Domestic Terminal: Level 1 & 2.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Storage is available in the International Terminal (ground floor, entrance to the car park) • Domestic Terminal outside the Virgin & Qantas Terminals • Skygate Shopping Center, between the centre and the DFO, as well as inside the DFO. Storage rates are AU$14.00 (medium) • $16.00 (large) for up to 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Need to recharge your mobile devices? Dedicated USB and plug-in charging stations can be found throughout the terminals, landside and airside.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Showers
Free showers are available in both terminals. The shower facilities are basic; you must provide your own towels and toiletries. Locations: International Terminal, Arrivals, Level 2 • International Terminal, Landside, Level 3• Domestic Terminal, Level 2, Central Area Terminal near Gate 36 • Domestic Terminal, Central Area Satellite, near Gate 26. Showers are also available in a few of the lounges. [ see Airport Lounges above ]
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Brisbane Airport. Connect to the “BNE Free WI-FI” network. An email address is required. Note that if you are in an airport lounge, separate lounge WiFi access is provided.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – If you are travelling with an infant, there are seven Parenting Rooms in the International Terminal and 7 in the Domestic, with at least one available on each floor. The rooms include a private feeding space, changing tables, feeding chairs and most offer microwaves.
- Children’s Play Areas – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the pop-up play area equipped with toys for young passengers. Located on the International Terminal, Level 4.
Information
- Airport Ambassadors – Men and women dressed in a blue shirt with a yellow ‘i’ are frequently seen throughout the airport to offer assistance.
- Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the airport information desks for assistance. Locations: Domestic Terminal, Landside, Central Area, Level 1, opposite Baggage Claim 4 (Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) • International Terminal, Landside, Level 2 (Hours: 5:30 AM – 12.00 AM).
- Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Brisbane and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, there is a Flight Centre Travel Agency with an office at the airport that can probably be of assistance. Location: International Terminal, Landside, Level 4. Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge In the International Terminal. In the Domestic Terminal, the fee is AU$4.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic. Protectabag offers these services. Location: International Terminal, Landside, Level 4. Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Rates: unknown.
Mailbox – Drop off your last-minute postcard at the mailbox located outside the terminal.
Medical Services
- Dental Services – Skygate Dental Services is available for all dental needs. Location: Skygate. Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Medical Services – First Aid services are available in both Terminals. Make yourself aware of airport staff for assistance. Defibrillators and first aid kits are also available if you have an emergency dial 000.
- Pharmacy – Airport Pharmacy sells general health products, over-the-counter medicine, cosmetics, skincare and fragrances – Location: Domestic Terminal, Airside, Level 2. Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Direct Chemist Outlet provides prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and free health services (blood pressure checks, weight measurement, etc.). Location: Skygate. Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon – Fri) • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat) • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sun).
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Travelex has a few machines that dispense foreign currency (Australian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, US Dollars and Euro). Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: on all levels of the International and Domestic Terminals (Landside and Airside).
- Currency Exchange – Travelex offices are in the International Terminal, Levels 2, 3 and 4.
Prayer room – Location: International Terminal, Level 4, to the back right corner of this level • Domestic Terminal, Airside, between Gates 38 and 39.
Shopping
- Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-Free shopping is available. Locations: International Terminal, Airside, Departures, Level 3 • International Terminal, Landside, Arrivals, Level 2. Hours: open for every flight. In addition, you will find plenty of stores to pass the time, including the Woolworths Supermarket, which is open 24 hours.
- Tourist Refund Scheme – Located on level 3 airside, offers tax back for certain purchases. An employee tells us that you must have receipts, be able to show products, and not get offended easily as the Customs Officials are extremely rude. In fact – avoid customs people wherever possible.
SIM Cards – Optus Network sells SIM cards at $45, with 90GB of data, unlimited calls, and texts to standard national numbers. Hours: 5:00 AM- 1:00 AM. Location: International Terminal, Landside, Level 2.
Smoking – A designated smoking area is located at the International Terminal, Level 3, airside, behind the Coffee Club, in the Departure Lounge. Landside smoking areas can get crowded with airport employees.
Spa Services – Treat yourself to a bit of pampering before or after your flight: Chi Link: Chinese spa treatments, such as acupuncture, cupping, deep-tissue massages, reflexology and more. Location: Skygate. Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Airport Museum – Kingsford Smith Memorial is dedicated to one of Australia’s pioneer aviators. Here, passengers will find a preserved aeroplane, as well as information boards with interesting facts. Location: Airport Drive, before the roundabout in front of the International Terminal, about 10 minutes by foot from the airport. Hours: 24 hours. Entry fee: Free!
- Airport Performers – Every year, the airport selects a resident artist/group which performs at the airport to brighten up passengers’ travels! Past performers have included Opera Queensland and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Performances appear in both the international and domestic terminals.
- Art in the Airport – Be sure to take in the unique design of the airport, which features a Queensland-inspired interior and commissioned artwork from local artists.
- Find Bluey – If you’re flying out of the International Terminal, watch for the airport’s mascot, Bluey! If you find him, take a selfie and even listen to a few of his jokes.
Bus
Con-x-ion Airport Transfers provides one-way or return “door-to-door” coach services from the airport to various points throughout the city, the port, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. You can find Con-x-ion Airport in the International Terminal, Visitor information desk and in the Domestic Terminal, outside on the forecourt. For more details on schedules, time and costs, visit the Con-x-ion website.
Public bus service is available from the Skygate Center (you must make your way here from the terminal). Bus # 590 operates a route between the Skygate and the rail network at the Toombul Interchange. From there, you have many options for onward travel to the city and surrounding suburbs. For more information, visit the Translink website.
Car Rentals
Alamo/Enterprise/National • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Sixt. Locations: International Terminal, Level 2 • Domestic Terminal, Level 1.
Hotel Shuttles
Several hotels near Brisbane Airport provide airport shuttle service: Airport Clayfield Motel • Airport Motel • Best Western Airport 85 Motel • Comfort Inn and Suites Northgate Airport • Kingsford Smith Motel.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transfers
A complimentary Transfer Bus between the Domestic and International terminals operates daily from 4:00 AM – 1:30 AM. The bus runs every ten minutes and takes about five minutes. Pick-up locations:
- Domestic Terminal – At the Qantas/Virgin end of the terminal.
- International Terminal – Level 2, bus stop.
Ride Share
Uber departs from the Domestic terminal (Central Road, near the taxi pick-up area) and International terminal (Level 1, follow the rideshare booking signs).
Train
Airtrain operates train transportation between the airport, Brisbane City and the Gold Coast from the Domestic and International Terminals. Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak times and operate from early morning until 10:00 PM. Tickets start at AUD 20.90; however, there are discounts for those booking online. For the full Airtrain schedule and fare details, visit the Airtrain website.
Taxi
Metered taxis are readily available at both terminals. Service is provided by Black & White Cabs and 13cabs. The estimated fare is $45-55 one-way trip.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have received no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Brisbane Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.