Brisbane Airport is the only airport serving Brisbane and is one of the busiest in the country. You will find both the International and Domestic terminals here so you can arrive in Australia and then get a connecting flight to elsewhere on this island continent.

There has been an airfield in this area since the mid-20s and Qantas served civilians flights there for sometime. The airport only became the main airport for the city ever since it was upgraded by the USA to serve as the HQ of South West Pacific Area military forces. It wasn't until the late 80s that the passenger load demand resulted in a completely new modern airport to be built just to the north of the old site. Towards the end of 2008 the airport is expected to complete a major expansion in the services and facilities of the airport. And this airport now serves many international destinations in Asia, the US and others whereas before it used to have to flight through Melbourne or Sydney.

Leaving Brisbane Airport by car

The airport is 20kms to the north-east of Brisbane city centre, so it is not a long drive. If you are landing in the International Terminal you will find the car rental desks on your right after you come out of the arrivals terminal. Just turn to the right and head straight for the opposite wall.

Once you have your car you simply need to follow the signs for City. Head along the Airport Drive until you get to the Gateway Motorway Roundabout. Turn left here and follow the signs for the Links Avenue off ramp. Here you can turn left onto Kingsford Smith Drive and follow this road the whole way into Brisbane. It shouldn't take you much more than 25 minutes depending on traffic.

If you aren't picking up a rental in the airport you can either get a taxi, a bus or the Airtrain. When you come out of the arrivals area there will be two exits, one before you and another in front of you to the right. Heading out the exit in front of you, you will arrive at the Bus stop, and if you head out the other exit you will come to the taxi rank.

If you want to find the Airtrain you will need to head out of the terminal and head up to Level 3 (Arrivals is Level 2) by taking the escalators found between the two exits. From there you can head out across a walkway over the car rental car parks and on the train. Journey time to city centre is no more than 20/25 minutes and there is a train departing every 30 minutes; though at peak times it's as frequent as 15 minutes. You can get tickets at the train stations so no need to worry about getting them inside the terminal.

Getting to Brisbane Airport

If you are returning your car rental to the airport you can simply drive to the airport. From Brisbane city centre you will want to join up to the Inner City Bypass and head northeast. This road eventually joins up with Kingsford Smith Drive, which in turn intersects the Gateway Motorway. Head north along the motorway for a few kilometres before turning off onto Airport Drive and here you can get to the International and Domestic terminals.

If not you can pick up the Air Train in Brisbane Central station. The other stations you can pick the train up are Roma Street, Brunswick Street, Bowen Hills and Eagle Junctions.

What can you find at Brisbane Airport?

The airport has 2 main terminals; Domestic and International. They are however not adjoined in a helpful manner, so if you have to transfer between the two you can take the AirTrain which also has an inter-terminal service as well as to the city.

The International Terminal has plenty to offer for those waiting for their flights. If you are checking in then you will find the check-in desks on Level 4. After that you can wander around a bit if you like. There are a number of shops and diners, including a prayer room and baby changing room. Also on Level 4 you will find a viewing terrace with seating for those who simply want to relax and people watch.

You'll find escalators to the departures area on level 3 (passengers only). On Level 3 you are yet more shops (your last chance to get some duty-free) and seating areas. When it comes time to catching your flight you will have easy access to the concourses out in front of the level.

If you are landing in Brisbane you will come through arrivals on Level 2. On this level you will find all the car rental desks but not many shops or restaurants, though there is a coffee shop which can be much appreciated after a long flight! But before you come out of the arrivals gate you will have a chance to purchase some duty free (up to 40% off Liquor and 35% off cosmetics) for during your stay in Australia.

If your wait at the airport is for an extended period of time, you can catch a courtesy bus to the Airport Village which has an Outlet centre and a number of other food and fashion outlets. Its just 10 minutes on the bus.

Mairead Foley writes for http://www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

Visit Novacarhire for all you need to know before you take to the roads in Australia, like where to go and what to see with your car hire. Book your Brisbane Car Hire hire now.