Meter starts at around AUD $3, flagging a 13cabs at BNE
From Brisbane International arrivals, 13cabs taxis line up on the first roadway outside the terminal, with drivers usually moving through the queue in under 10–15 minutes except in the 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00 peaks. Brisbane Airport uses a standard taxi rank system with marshals during busy times, so you walk straight out from baggage claim, follow the “Taxi” signs, and join the marked 13cabs/other taxi queue. You pay the normal metered fare plus any airport surcharge that appears on the in-car meter when you depart the rank.
A run from the International Terminal to Brisbane CBD in a 13cabs vehicle usually takes 20–30 minutes outside peak traffic, and recent fare reports sit roughly in the AUD $45–$65 range including tolls. From the Domestic Terminal, the same 13–15 km trip into the city comes out slightly cheaper, often around AUD $35–$55 depending on time of day and route. Drivers can use the AirportlinkM7 tunnel, which adds toll costs but typically shaves 5–10 minutes off the drive in heavy traffic.
13cabs operates 24 hours a day across Brisbane, so even after a 23:30 international arrival you still walk to the official rank outside International or Domestic and get a taxi without pre-booking most nights. For very early departures, like a 05:30 flight from the International Terminal, many locals book a 13cabs pick-up to home via the 13cabs app or phone line and plan to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight or three hours before a long-haul international departure.
Inside every 13cabs taxi you can pay by EFTPOS or major credit card, with most cars also accepting contactless tap-and-go; the card service fee typically adds around 5% or so on top of the metered fare. The meter shows the base fare, distance rate, time rate, airport fee, and any tolls as separate line items, and drivers print a receipt on request, which helps if you need to claim expenses from a company or airline.
For arrivals with checked luggage, like two large suitcases plus cabin bags, request a 13cabs MAXI at the rank or via the app, which sends a larger van-style vehicle and usually adds a modest extra flagfall compared with a standard sedan. A MAXI also helps if you’re a group of four or more landing on the same international flight and plan to split a single fare from BNE into Fortitude Valley, South Bank, or the CBD, which often still beats four separate Airtrain tickets on price.
Step-by-step: catching 13cabs from Brisbane Airport
- 1. After landing at International or Domestic, follow the yellow “Baggage Claim” signs and collect your bags.
- 2. Walk toward the terminal exit marked for “Taxis” and “Rideshare” (International arrivals level 2; Domestic ground level outside baggage).
- 3. Join the signed taxi rank; at busy times a marshal directs passengers into 13cabs and other taxis in order.
- 4. Tell the driver your destination (for example “Brisbane City, Queen Street” or “South Bank, Grey Street”) and confirm if you prefer the tunnel route with tolls or surface roads.
- 5. On arrival, check the meter total including airport fee and tolls, then pay by cash, card, or contactless; keep the printed receipt if you need it for reimbursement.
One practical tip: screenshot your hotel or street address with postcode before landing, then show it to the 13cabs driver at the BNE rank so there’s no confusion with similar suburb names like Newstead, Newmarket, or New Farm.