Using public transport

Use one card or device per customer to tap on and off for each trip. Our system will automatically combine your trips into a single fare.

Payment using contactless card or smart device is accepted on trains, trams and ferries. It is also being progressively rolled out on South East Queensland buses as part of Smart Ticketing customer trials.  If you need to transfer to a bus service that is not currently trialling Smart Ticketing, please continue to use your go card for now.

Train-to-train transfers only need to be tapped off at the end of the journey.

• One-hour time limit between transfers.
• Maximum of 3 transfers per journey.
• Total journey length must be shorter than 6 hours.
• Final trip must start within 3.5 hours of first trip.

• Unlimited transfers within 2 hours (3.5 hours if travelling more than 4 zones—SEQ only)
• You must start your final trip before the printed expiry time
• Returning to your initial departure destination is not permitted—you must purchase another paper ticket to do this

Please note, Gympie and Sunshine Coast Hinterland are not part of the South East Queensland fare network. Separate tickets are needed if you are travelling in both regions. 

Please be aware of these extra safety measures when travelling with a pram or stroller.

You may need to fold your pram or stroller and store it in the luggage rack if:

• you are travelling during peak times
• the bus driver advises that there is not enough space on board the bus to safely park the pram
• it is not a wheelchair accessible bus
• the designated wheelchair space in already occupied or it is required throughout the trip.

At all other times, you can travel with the child seated in the pram or stroller.

Please remember to:

• park your pram or stroller in the designated wheelchair space with its brake on, and
• ensure your child is secured in the pram or stroller harness
• hold on to the pram during the journey to prevent tipping or sliding. 

Due to workplace health and safety concerns, Translink staff are not required to assist in folding and loading prams or other large objects.

Special conditions apply if you want to take your bike or scooter on the bus, train, ferry or tram.

You can take surfboards, golf bags and other large items on our services that are equipped to do so. You may be refused travel or directed to use off-peak services if you have items which may inconvenience other passengers or pose a safety hazard.

Long surfboards cannot be carried on smaller Sunbus (Sunshine Coast) or Surfside (Gold Coast) buses.

You can take luggage and shopping bags on our services, provided there is space to do so.

Please use luggage racks or store items under your seat, to minimise disruption to other passengers.

Only approved assistance animals can travel with you for free on all our buses, trains, ferries and trams, providing that: 

• your dog is accredited in accordance with the Guide Hearing and Assistance Dog Act (2009)
• your animal is identified with a Translink Assistance Animal Pass or an interstate assistance animal accreditation.

To apply for a Translink Assistance Animal Pass, you need to show your assistance animal is trained to help alleviate the effect of your disability and meets hygiene behaviour standards appropriate for a public place.

Pets are not permitted on any of our bus, train and tram services. 

You can bring your dog on Brisbane River ferries and CityCats between 8.30am - 3.30pm and 7pm - 6am weekdays, and all weekend.

Before you take your dog on a ferry or CityCat, please review our requirements (150KB, PDF) and ensure that: 

• your dog is on a lead and wearing a muzzle, or in an enclosed carrier   
• your dog is under your control and remains outside the ferry cabin
• you carry waste bags and clean up after your dog.

Due to capacity constraints, or other operational reasons, ferry staff may ask you and your dog to wait for another service.

View more information about the acceptable muzzles and carriers (1.3MG, PDF) to travel with your dog on our ferries.

In addition to the above, in Cairns you cannot hail 'n' ride:

• within Cairns City
• along Sheridan Street or Mulgrave Road, except the following approved hail 'n' ride locations:
  • Bruce Highway near Toogood Road (HnR), Woree
  • Mulgrave Rd (Parramatta Pk State School) (HnR), Parramatta Park