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Just like the other major cities in Australia, Brisbane has a world-class public transportation system. To go short distances or longer ones, you will be satisfied with the service of public transportation in Brisbane for international students. Continue reading to know more about it.
Common Public Transportation Options for International Students in Brisbane
The three most popular public transportation modes in Brisbane are train, bus, and ferry. Each of them has its own uniqueness, but they cost exactly the same. Below is the detail with the information about fares at the end of it.
Train
Despite having 13 rail lines passing 152 train stations in the entire metropolitan area of Brisbane, the train is not the most used public transportation method in the capital of Queensland. This is due to the limited coverage and indirect access in some areas.
However, if there is a train station in your current place and your intended destination, using a train is surely a fast option. From the Brisbane CBD, you can go to Brisbane Airport, St. Patrick’s College, and other areas far from the CBD directly by train.
Bus
You can not go to many areas with a train, but you can certainly do that with a bus. Centered at three bus stations in the CBD, more than 400 routes are available in Brisbane. So if you want to go to your campus, attractions, or shopping centres, there is a great chance that there is a bus heading there.
There are many kinds of buses in Brisbane, from busways, regular city buses, and express buses that only stop at the CBD’s station and their destinations. Some buses even only operate during peak hours to serve the high mobility.
Ferry
One nickname of Brisbane is “the River City” derived from the large river dividing the city into northern and southern parts. With that river crossing the city centre, ferries are great to be used to go between places.
Brisbane has a ferry service going along the Brisbane River between Northshore Hamilton and the University of Queensland in Saint Lucia with 18 ferry terminals. There are also smaller ferries for people to cross the river so you do not have to find a bridge.
The fares in Queensland are determined by zones, and Brisbane is inside the area of South-East Queensland with eight zones. $5.10 is the fare for adults if you travel inside one zone, while it is $2.60 for concessions. The fare is higher if you go across zones with the maximum number at $31.10 for adults and $15.60 for concessions.
Tips on How to Save Money on Public Transportation in Brisbane as an International Student
Saving money is important, especially for international students, so follow these tips before taking public transportation in Brisbane for international students.
Use a Go Card
Although it is not a must, having a Go Card and using it to board public transportation is recommended. You can have easier rides as well as cheaper ones. With this card, the fares mentioned above become around 70% of them.
The Go Card can be purchased at bus interchanges, train stations, and on ferries. For top ups, they can be done at Go Card retail services and online. There are four types of Go Card to choose namely Adult, Child, Concession, and Seniors.
Use City Centre Free Loops
If you just want to travel around the city centre of Brisbane, take advantage of the free bus services available. The three provided services are City Loop, Spring Hill Loop, and South Brisbane Loop, looping around the three areas.
The City Loop stops at some popular places like Botanic Gardens, Queen Street Mall, and Central Station, while the Spring Hill Loop stops at Post Office Square and Brisbane Private Hospital, among others. Then, the South Brisbane Loop stops at places such as Queensland Theatre, GOMA, and South Bank.
Choose Accommodation Near Your Campus
Not only it is good for your wallet, living close to your campus is great for your body as well. Your wallet will be thankful as you reduce the amount of money you spend for public transportation. While doing it, you will also be more active and healthy when you walk your way to the campus.
Related: Australian Accommodation Tips: Only for International Students!
Travel Off-Peak Hours
You already know that you can use public transportation with cheaper fares by using a Go Card. Amazingly, the card can also be used for even cheaper fares if you travel outside of the peak hours. During that period, you are only required to pay half the price of the regular non-card fares.
Out of several options for public transportation in Brisbane for international students, you know which one fits best for your needs. Still, you need to be responsible for your safety whenever you take a train, a bus, a ferry, or any other mode of transportation.
Related: Let’s Explore! Diving into the Public Transportation in Australia