Airports in Queensland
Brisbane International Airport (BNE)
Overview
Brisbane International Airport (BNE) is the only airport serving the Australian city of Brisbane, which is itself a key gateway to Australia's famed Gold Coast. The sprawling airport is laid out in a line that stretches several miles from the Domestic Terminal to the Airport Village complex, with all terminal buildings connected by shuttle and rail services. Although the airport is enormous and very busy (especially between November and February), officials have tried to make it a fun and comfortable place to transit through. If you've got time on your hands, hop on the free courtesy bus to Airport Village - a recreation, dining and retail complex located a few miles from the airport. The Village includes restaurants, beauty salons, department stores, and a high-tech Airport Experience Centre - meaning that you'll have plenty to occupy yourself with while waiting to board your flight.
Location
The airport is situated eight miles (13km) northeast of Brisbane, and within easy driving distance of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Getting to the city
The Airtrain Rail Link departs every 15 minutes to and from the Brisbane Central Business District, taking around 20 minutes. There is also a direct link to the Gold Coast that takes 90 minutes. Coachtrans connects to Brisbane, as well as to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Taxis, limousines and airport buses are also available from both terminals.
Time
GMT +10.
Contacts
Tel: +61 (0)7 3406 3000.
Cairns International Airport (CNS)
Overview
The primary airport for Northern Queensland, the recently-expanded Cairns International Airport has a reputation as an efficient gateway for flights from destinations in Asia and the Pacific Ocean islands.
Located 4.3 miles (7km) outside of Cairns, the airport has two passenger terminals handling a combined 3.5 million passengers per year. Many of these are tourists coming to explore the wonders of the Queensland coast, including the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and the 110-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest.
Cairns International is small, and passengers will not find luxury amenities like hair salons and massage parlours, however there are hot showers available. Restaurant and shopping options are also very limited.
Location
The airport is situated five miles (8km) north of Cairns.
Getting to the city
There is an airport shuttle bus service to hotels and the city centre and taxi ranks are located directly outside the arrival halls. Most major hotels operate courtesy bus services to and from the airport.
Time
GMT +10.
Contacts
Tel: +61 (0)7 4080 6703.
Coolangatta Airport (OOL)
Location
Gold Coast Airport is located on the Gold Coast Highway, one mile (3km) from Coolangatta.
Getting to the city
A free Airport Link shuttle links to public transport outside the airport on the Gold Coast Highway. The Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle operates from the airport to most accommodation along the Gold Coast strip, but services must be pre-booked. Taxis are available outside the terminal building, and several limousine hire companies operate from the airport. A Transport and Information desk is located outside the International Arrivals hall.
Time
GMT +10.
Contacts
Tel: +61 (0)7 5589 1100.
Brisbane International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.
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