Most Brisbane Kids are thrilled by the idea of a ride on a train, bus or ferry – often the destination is irrelevant!
If it’s been a while since you’ve taken public transport, we’ve covered everything you need to know to ensure you have a smooth ride on public transport in Brisbane with kids.
Table of Contents
Timetables for Brisbane’s public transport
Whether you take a train, bus, ferry or a combination of the three, begin by planning your journey on TransLink.
Simply enter where you would like to go, where you are travelling from and the time you wish to arrive. You will then be provided with the best routes, timetables and instructions for your trip.
If you already know the route you wish to take, you can search for specific bus, train or ferry timetables.
Ticketing for Brisbane’s public transport
Pricing
Regardless of whether you utilise buses, trains or ferries, all public transport fares in South East Queensland are now 50 cents per journey. It doesn’t matter how far you travel or how you pay, the fare is just 50 cents!
As an added benefit, the following persons can travel for FREE, assuming they carry and provide valid proof of their entitlement when asked by Translink staff:
- Children 4 years and younger
- Vision impaired travel pass
- TPI/EDA Veteran travel card
- Translink access pass
- go Access travel trainer card
- One companion/carer travelling with a Companion Card holder who has a valid ticket
Go cards
For adults and children aged five years and over, the cheapest and easiest way to travel on Brisbane’s trains, buses and ferries is to purchase a go card.
You can purchase a go card at more than 625 locations, including any 7-Eleven store, many Queensland Rail and G:link stations, some busway stations and selected newsagents where you see the ‘buy’ symbol.
There are different types of Go Cards, including children’s Go Cards. The cards can also be purchased and topped up with credit online.
Using your go card
If you’re using a combination of buses, trains, ferries or trams, touch the card on and off at each trip. If you change from one train to another train without leaving the station there is no need to touch off and then back on again. Simply touch off when you arrive at your destination.
Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is now also available on all South East Queensland trains, ferries, buses and trams. Users can pay for their travel with contactless Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit or debit cards, including cards in a digital wallet.
Paper tickets
TransLink offers a single paper ticket for infrequent public transport users and short-term visitors in South East Queensland. A single paper ticket is a one-way ticket which can be used on buses, trains, ferries and trams.
A paper ticket can be pre-purchased at a fare machine located at train and busway stations.
Navigating Brisbane’s public transport with kids
You can travel on buses trains and ferries with your child in a pram or stroller. Simply park your pram or stroller in a designated wheelchair space with its brake on and ensure your child is secured by the harness.
However, if you are travelling during peak times you will need to fold your pram or stroller and store it in the luggage rack. This also applies if the wheelchair space is already in use by someone else.
Children not in prams or strollers need to remain seated at all times and hold an adult’s hand when boarding or exiting a bus, train or ferry. Small non-motorised recreational scooters are also allowed on TransLink services but need to be stored in the luggage rack.
How to Score a Free Ride on Public Transport
There are a number of public transport services in Brisbane that won’t cost you a cent!
Free Brisbane Bus Services
The free City Loop bus service operates in a clockwise (Route 40) and anti-clockwise (Route 50) direction around the Brisbane CBD, on weekdays only (not operating on public holidays either).
You will easily be able to spot where to catch these buses form as they will have purple signs. The buses are purple too!
Popular stops along the route include QUT, Botanic Gardens, Queen Street Mall, City Hall, Central Station, and Riverside.
The free Spring Hill Loop operates on a continuous loop between the CBD and Spring Hill precincts, every 10 minutes during peak hour, and approximately every 20 minutes off peak.
Popular stops along the route include Post Office Square, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane Private Hospital and Central Station.
Free Travel to and from Brisbane Events
You can travel free with TransLink to selected events such as concerts and sporting matches – simply present your eligible event ticket to public transport staff when requested.
Often, during certain specially events, particularly those at Suncorp and the Gabba, special bus services will be provided free of charge for those with a valid ticket. Check the Translink website or your event tickets for details.
Free Brisbane Ferry Services
Unfortunately, the free CityHopper service ceased operation in January 2025. The public can ride the City Cats and Cross River ferries for the flat fee of 50 cents with a valid Go Card or by utilising Contactless payments.
Airtrain – easy travel to Brisbane’s airports
Go cards can also be used on Brisbane’s Airtrain, a train service which connects a number of Brisbane’s train stations with both the domestic and international airports.
If you don’t have a go card, e-tickets can be purchased online. All children (under the age of 14) travel free between the airport and city stations when accompanied by a paying adult.
For all other routes, children under four years travel at no charge. Prams and luggage can be accommodated on the Airtrain service.
There are many special ticket offers for this service, so it is best to check the Airtrain website before travelling.
Please note – Airtrain services are NOT included in Translink’s 50 cent fares
Playgrounds Near Train Stations
If you are looking for an excuse to get the kids out of the house and explore Brisbane on public transport, why not visit some of these cool playgrounds near Brisbane train stations. You may even be able to tick a few off you list in just one trip!
Next time you’re heading out with the kids, why not leave the car behind and make the journey an adventure?
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