In a previous article, we covered a comprehensive guide to public transportation in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. This article serves as a bonus chapter beyond that, introducing the totally free, no-ticket, no-card-swipe-required 'Free Loops' in downtown Brisbane. Just remember to get on and off the bus, and you're good to go.
While the city center of Brisbane is not as expansive as other international metropolises, and many places are accessible by foot, this service can help save time and energy. It's particularly thoughtful for visitors with mobility issues or older adults. Below, I will detail 3 free bus routes available!
(Brisbane boasts many important sites, all accessible through these free buses! Pictured is the holiday market near Queen Street.)
1. Bus Number 40 (Red Line) & Bus Number 50 (Orange Line)
These two routes are like siblings, running on very similar paths around the triangular periphery of Brisbane. The difference is, Bus Number 40 travels in a clockwise direction while Bus Number 50 goes anti-clockwise. Here is the route map and the stops they make:
Timetable
Bus 40 (Red Line): Runs every 10 minutes between 7:00 and 18:09 from Monday to Friday. Does not operate on weekends and public holidays.
Bus 50 (Orange Line): Runs every 10 minutes between 7:00 and 18:03 from Monday to Friday. Does not operate on weekends and public holidays.
(Although officially these free bus routes are denoted by the red and orange lines, it doesn't mean the buses themselves are of these colors. It's recommended to follow the bus 'number.' However, the 'bus stop signs' are definitely 'red.' So if you see a 'red bus stop sign' in downtown Brisbane, it means you can catch a free bus there!)
(The stop sign will also display the route map and various stops.)
2. Bus Number 30 (Yellow Line)
Unlike the previous two routes that operate only within the city, this bus line runs between downtown Brisbane and Spring Hill. Many hotels are located in Spring Hill, which can save tourists a lot of travel hassles! Here's the route map and the stops this bus makes:
Timetable
(The Number 30 free bus differs from the previously introduced 40 and 50 buses, representing a new free route. The bus stop signs for this route are 'yellow,' whereas the signs for other paid routes are 'blue.' Be careful not to get them mixed up!)
3. Map of Free Loop Bus Services
Still worried about getting lost while touring Brisbane, not finding the bus stop or forgetting the route? Don't worry! Below is an integrated 'Google Map,' which marks the free bus routes and stops - a handy tool to take along while traveling!
The three bus routes mentioned above pass through many of Brisbane's tourist hotspots, such as Queen Street, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, and Brisbane City Hall. If you're visiting Brisbane, make sure to take full advantage of these free resources. It will not only save you energy and time but also money!