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Let’s go to the Ekka: Getting there

July 22, 20175 minute read
Ekka transport options,transport options

If you’re going to the Ekka, why not leave the car at home and use these alternative Ekka transport options? Brisbane is quite well set up with Public Transport options and at this time of the year, even walking is an option. If you’re close enough to the Showgrounds to walk, here are some handy hints you can also remember when you get there, as you will still need to walk in the sun.

  • The sun can still be very hot, even though it is winter. So wear a hat and use sunscreen.
  • If it’s windy, the wind can be very cold, especially if it’s coming from the south or west.
  • Stay hydrated, the humidity in Brisbane (as in much of Australia) may be much lower than you are used to. Brisbane tap water is safe to drink.

If you do want to drive, there are three nearby Secure Parking Stations, offering special Ekka Parking rates. Drop your passengers at the Showgrounds first, or all walk together.

Ekka transport options

If you’re flying in to Brisbane……..

You have a number of options for getting into the city and surroundings from the airport. The Translink Bus 590 does take the ‘scenic route, but it doesn’t actually pick you up at either the Domestic or International terminal. You could catch the Free Bus transfer to Skygate and catch the 590 bus there.

Taxi Ranks are conveniently located near the exit from the Departure area, or you could also check out the Bus Transfer service.  Ride sharing services are accommodated at Brisbane Airport, the information is available HERE.

Con-x-ion Airport Transfers meet every flight arriving into Brisbane Airport, seven days a week. You can book transfers at the Con-X-ion online, or at the customer service counter on Level 2 of the International Terminal and at the Con-X-ion kerbside booth at the Domestic Terminal.

Airtrain:

Brisbane Airtrain links both the International and Domestic Terminals to Brisbane City and onward to the Gold Coast in partnership with Translink. If you are travelling between Brisbane Airport and any City Stations, your best bet is to book your tickets online and save. They have a range of discounts depending on when you book and if you’re travelling with a friend.

When you buy your ticket online, you do need to enter your travel dates.

For visitors travelling between over the Ekka period, including a few days before and after there may be a special Ekka discount:  

  • If you have a Promo code, enter it in the box
  • You’ll pay less for both One-Way and Return adult tickets

This entitles travellers to discounted travel between the Airport and any Airtrain City Station. **Note: Children up to 14 travel free.

Translink:

Once you’ve actually settled in, and want to plan your trip to the Ekka, Translink have organised their services to make their trains and buses an easy Ekka transport option.

The link details Ekka opening times each day from the 11th – 20th August.  It also identifies both Scheduled and Additional Services.

Scheduled services

Use the journey planner to find out which scheduled services travel to Ekka. Your end location Station for the train is ‘Exhibition station’.

There are Public holidays on Monday 14th August and Wednesday 16th August which may affect scheduled services. Check for current and upcoming service changes. Those two days are expected to see larger crowds.

Additional services

Trains to Exhibition station will run at regular intervals from Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley stations from approximately 9am to 8pm each day of the Ekka. The last train will depart Exhibition station at 11pm.

Do you have a ‘Thomas fan’ in your family? The steam train service will run between 10am and 3pm on Show Holiday Wednesday, 16th August, 2017.

Shuttle buses

Shuttle buses will travel to Herston busway station from Carindale bus interchange and Eight Mile Plains busway station throughout the Ekka.

Herston busway station is around 500m (about a ten minute walk) from Ekka entry Gates 6 and 7 along a dedicated path. If you prefer direct access to the Showgrounds it’s a good idea to transfer to an Exhibition loop train service at Roma Street station.

Ticket and fare information – Ekka Travel Ticket

TransLink’s Ekka Travel Ticket allows you to travel from anywhere on the TransLink network to the Brisbane Showgrounds. This will cost you $6 for adults and $3 for child/concession. 

The Ekka Travel Ticket will be available from Monday 7th August, at Queensland Rail stations during ticket office opening hours.  Show your pre-purchased Ekka entry ticket to get the special price.

  • Ekka Travel Tickets may also be purchased on your day of travel:
  • on-board Ekka shuttles, scheduled bus services (except pre-paid services)
  • CityCats and
  • City Cross River Ferries (excluding CityHopper – it’s free so no tickets are sold).

The Ekka Travel Tickets are not available for purchase from fare machines.

go card

  • Travellers can use their go card on any Ekka service, including shuttles – your travel will count towards 8 journeys to get 50% off.
  • Customers travelling within zone 1 on an off-peak service may find their go card the cheapest travel option.
  • Children with a child’s orange go card travel FREE on both weekends of the Ekka.

go cards can be purchased and topped up at multiple locations apart from Translink offices. They are the easiest and most cost-effective way to travel on the public transport network.

  • A paper ticket will cost more to discourage their use.
  • Apply for a refund of the unused balance when you no longer need the card.
  • Purchase or top up a go card at Brisbane International or Domestic Terminals.

For more information

Visit the Ekka website to buy event tickets or the Brisbane Showgrounds website or call 3253 3900 for more information. For other great things to do around Brisbane when you’re not at the Ekka, here are a few suggestions if you’re on a budget. There are also lots of free things to do!

# Airport Transport, Brisbane, Ekka, Public Transport, Translink, transport arrangements
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