Brisbane Trains – Easy Guide
Brisbane has 12 train lines that connect the city, suburbs, and other regions in Queensland.
These lines are:
Airport
Beenleigh
Caboolture
Cleveland
Doomben
Ferny Grove
Gold Coast
Ipswich/Rosewood
Redcliffe Peninsula
Shorncliffe
Springfield
Sunshine Coast
How to Use Brisbane Trains
The easiest way to plan your train trip is by using Translink’s Journey Planner.
It helps you find the best route, travel time, and cost, including options for buses and ferries.
Buying a Train Ticket
You can buy a paper ticket from:
Train station ticket offices (during opening hours)
Fare machines at train, tram, or busway stations
Or, you can use a Go Card for a cheaper and more convenient way to travel.
Go Card – Best for Regular Travel
A Go Card is a prepaid travel card for buses, trains, ferries, and trams in South East Queensland.
It offers discounted fares and is easy to use.
Where to buy a Go Card?
Online at Translink
7-Eleven stores and selected retailers
Queensland Rail stations (during ticket office hours)
Onboard CityCat ferries
Go SeeQ Card – Best for Tourists
If you are visiting for a short time, a Go SeeQ Card offers unlimited travel on all public transport in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, and Moreton Bay.
It also includes two Airtrain trips to and from Brisbane Airport.
How to Travel by Train in Brisbane
1. Choose a paper ticket, Go Card, or Go SeeQ Card.
2. Use Translink Journey Planner to find your station and train line.
3. At the station:
If you have a Go Card, tap on at the card reader before boarding.
If you have a paper ticket, keep it handy for ticket checks.
4. On arrival:
If you have a Go Card, tap off at the reader before leaving the station.
What’s on Brisbane Trains?
Brisbane trains are clean, safe, and quiet. Newer trains also offer:
✔ Free WiFi (look for ‘Queensland Rail Free Wi-Fi’)
✔ Toilets
Airtrain – Travel to and from Brisbane Airport
The Airtrain connects Brisbane Airport (Domestic & International terminals) to the CBD and beyond, including the Gold Coast.
You can transfer to other train lines at Eagle Junction and nearby stations.
Airport to Brisbane City – 20 minutes
Gold Coast to Brisbane City – 1 hr 33 mins + 35 min tram ride
For more info, visit Airtrain’s website.
