Article: Got a flight to catch?

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Got a flight to catch?

Got a flight to catch?

Kieran Banks | 24th February 2012

IPSWICH jetsetters can get to Brisbane Airport for just $13 return - if you are prepared to shoulder your luggage through three different public transport services.

A loophole has been discovered by savvy Ipswich residents wanting to get to the airport on the cheap, according to Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow.

Commuters can travel by train to Toombul and change over to a bus service to DFO, which is within the same zone and costs no extra.

Mr Dow said the passengers then boarded a free bus service from DFO, which runs every 20 minutes from 6.30am to 6.30pm to the airport, with the whole return trip costing $13.25.

It is a saving of more than $30 compared to boarding the train directly from Ipswich station to Brisbane airport, which will cost $44 in peak times.

"I suppose the easiest way to go is by rail from Ipswich to the airport, and you can get it slightly cheaper buying it online in advance," Mr Dow said.

But if navigating the public transport system with luggage in hand is not for you, there are more convenient options.

Kym McEwan-Watson owns Woodend shuttle company Airport Express with her husband Greg, which has taken Ipswich travellers to the Brisbane Airport for 17 years.

The shuttle service runs from door to door with return trips ranging from $72 to $96, depending on the number of passengers.

"We won't be as cheap as getting the train but it's a door to door service," Ms McEwan Watson said. "It's the convenience and the fact that we take all the worry out of it."

Another option is Brisbane Airport Parking.

General manager Andrew Bell said the majority of his customers came from the Ipswich and Toowoomba areas.

[Mozz]

I definitely promote the public transport and DFO shuttle option to my overseas tourist friends.

[Fares_Fair]

Toombul, also an option for northside travellers then. 
That's a significant saving.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[Jonas Jade]

The DFO shuttle AIUI is free only to/from the International airport.

Otherwise it's $5 to travel Domestic-International either by bus or train?

Happy to be corrected, but was told this a couple of weeks ago arriving at the domestic airport and I wanted to go to DFO to get the 590.

[ozbob]

The DFO shuttle AIUI is free only to/from the International airport.

Otherwise it's $5 to travel Domestic-International either by bus or train?

Happy to be corrected, but was told this a couple of weeks ago arriving at the domestic airport and I wanted to go to DFO to get the 590.

Was free, even at $5 still a good deal.  But I am sure the journalist did check.

[ozbob]

The other thing that folks do, particularly a group of say 3 or 4 is rail to Toombul then cab.

[Jonas Jade]

The DFO shuttle AIUI is free only to/from the International airport.

Otherwise it's $5 to travel Domestic-International either by bus or train?

Happy to be corrected, but was told this a couple of weeks ago arriving at the domestic airport and I wanted to go to DFO to get the 590.

Was free, even at $5 still a good deal.  But I am sure the journalist did check.

Yeah, the lady who told me that could've been wrong, because I took the train to the International airport anyway so didn't pay for the bus.

[Cam]

Travelling via Toombul & DFO would be free if you have already taken 10 journeys with your Go Card since Monday.

[SteelPan]

interesting....
mind you, to be honest, when I'm off to 'Vegas to party with all me leggy showgirl "babes", I usually just splurg and get the airtrain direct all the way.....to the airport that is!

YES, the airtrain bit of the above is true...the rest may be open to serious question......   

[SurfRail]

The airport shuttle is operated by Carbridge, who operate most of the tarmac and groundside shuttles at other major airports throughout the country.

It was free when I last used it (in my usual unconventional fashion, I had just caught a 590 to have a look at it, and then caught this shuttle back to the international terminal to catch a train back to Nerang).

I recall fares of $5 for some reason - that may just be for after-hours terminal transfers?

[Gazza]

I usually just splurg and get the airtrain direct all the way.....to the airport that is!

+1 valuing time over money.

No 590 for me.

[SurfRail]

It certainly makes sense from the eastern suburbs, although there is also a Veolia operated transfer service from Capalaba to the airport.