Transferring between flights

Changes to terminal transfer bus service

Due to COVID and the current international border closures, the Terminal Transfer bus is not currently operating, however transport between the terminals will be available on the regular Skygate loop bus services that will operate as per normal schedule, servicing Domestic, International and Skygate until further notice. This service now leaves from Level 4 of the International Terminal.  

Skygate / Airport loop service timetable

Approximate transfer times are as follows:

• Domestic Terminal to Skygate: 5 minutes
• International Terminal to Skygate: 15 minutes (via Domestic Terminal) 
• Skygate to International Terminal: 10 minutes 
• Skygate to Domestic Terminal: 20 minutes (via International Terminal)

Transfer Bus departure locations

• Domestic Terminal - look for the orange Terminal Transfer Bus stop outside towards the Qantas end of the terminal. The transfer bus arrives into Level 4 - Departures of the International Terminal.
• International Terminal - the Terminal Transfer Bus departs from kerbside on Level 2 of the Arrivals hall.

Please note: Journey times are approximate and do not include waiting periods. Your exact journey may vary from the suggested journey time. 

Airtrain operates a transfer service between the terminals, with train services running every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off-peak periods. Airtrain is privately owned, so you will need to purchase a ticket if you choose this terminal transfer option. Cost for a one-way transfer is $5.00.

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Hours of operation

• Weekdays: 5:04am - 10:04pm
• Weekends: 6:04am - 10:04pm

Please note: Approx journey time is 5 minutes. Journey times are approximate and do not include waiting periods. Your exact journey may vary from the suggested journey time. 

Finding the Airtrain station

• Domestic Terminal: make your way out to the front of the Terminal and take the Skywalk across to the station.
• International Terminal: take the travellator or lift to level 3 of the Terminal building and follow the signs to the station.

The process for luggage when transferring between flights differs between airlines, so we recommend checking with your airline if moving between the terminals.

Luggage: transferring from Domestic Terminal to International Terminal

Unless your luggage has been checked through to your final destination, collect your bags, and make your way out to your chosen transfer option to move between terminals.

Luggage: transferring from International Terminal to Domestic Terminal

All passengers arriving from an international port will need to go through passport control, collect luggage and pass through Customs and Quarantine before transferring to the Domestic Terminal. 

From there:

• If you are travelling with Qantas or Virgin - make your way to the Domestic Transfer Desk in the International Terminal to check your luggage for your next flight. You can then take the free Terminal Transfer Bus to the Domestic Terminal. 
• If flying with another carrier for your domestic flight - you will need to transfer to the Domestic Terminal with your luggage before checking in for your domestic flight. Please proceed to the free Terminal Transfer Bus to move between terminals. 
• The Terminal Transfer bus leaves from outside Level 2, adjacent to the Domestic Transfer Desks.

Need a little more detail?

Download these step by step guides to assist you in understanding the transfer process:

Transiting between international flights in Brisbane is simple - you won't even need to leave the International Terminal. The process for connecting with your flight  will depend on the airline or airlines you are travelling with, so check with your airline or travel agent regarding any visa requirements and to understand if you need to check in for your next flight.

Do I need a transit visa?

Some passengers may be eligible to transit without a visa, if they meet all of the eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible to transit without a visa, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Passengers who do not meet the criteria, or need to collect luggage and check-in for their next international flight, will need to apply for a Transit Visa.  Visit the Department of Home Affairs website to apply for a transit visa. 

Passengers with onward boarding passes with the same/partner airline

If your luggage is checked through to your next international destination and your airline has issued you with your boarding pass, after exiting your aircraft, follow the ‘International Transit/Transfer Passenger' signs and make your way to the Level 3 ‘Departures Area’ to board your next flight. 

Passengers travelling on a different airline, needing to check-in for their next flight

If your bags are not checked through to your next international destination, you will be required to go through Passport Control, collect your luggage and make your way to Departures on Level 4 to check-in for your next flight. Follow the signs to Passport Control and Baggage Claim.

We recommend you check with your airline or travel agent about visa requirements as every situation is different. 
 

Need a place to sleep overnight between flights? Brisbane Airport has three hotels located near the airport for your convenience, including the Ibis and Pullman Hotels near the Domestic Terminal and the Novotel Brisbane Airport near the Skygate precinct.

If you want to stay in the terminals overnight, read this guide on where to sleep at Brisbane Airport for tips, suggestions and information you need to know.

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