International student airport welcome and shuttle service
If you're an international student commencing at UQ, our welcome crew and airport shuttle can help to make sure you have a smooth arrival.
Lookout for us and our signs at the International Airport!
Request an airport pickup
Complimentary airport pickups are available 24/7 for new UQ students arriving in Australia for the first time between 5th July- 26th July 2026, at both International and Domestic Terminals.
If you are a commencing student, you can request an airport pickup during these dates by completing our online form.
If you are registered for the Under 18 International Student Supervision Program, please request your airport pickup using our online form.
When you request a pickup, you'll be asked to provide your:
- full name
- student number
- flight details.
- Confirmation of Enrolment
- (U18s only) Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare- CAAW
You should make your request at least 24 hours before your intended arrival date.
The transport company charges an additional fee for any family or non-commencing students who are travelling with you. More information on extra fees are listed in the online form.
U18 request airport pickup
Complimentary pickup is not available outside these dates, or for returning International Students, those who have previously used the service or Domestic students.
Travelling outside these times
If you arrive in Brisbane outside the UQ shuttle operating days, you must make your own way to your accommodation. There are several different ways to travel from the airport, such as:
- Taxi
- Rideshare (Uber, Didi, Ola and Shebah)
- Airtrain
- Con-x-ion shuttle bus
- Self-funded trip with R Ally's
Check out the Brisbane Airport Transport Options webpage for more information. Other useful resources include the Brisbane Airport International Arrival Guide and the Translink website (for public transport).
Getting to Gatton
If you arrive in Brisbane outside of the UQ airport pick up service operating days we strongly recommend you make short-term accommodation arrangements in Brisbane, and plan your trip to Gatton during the day on Monday to Friday. Travel to Gatton via cab, rideshares (Uber, Didi etc) can cost AUD $300-400.
You can catch the free UQ Intercampus bus from the St Lucia campus – Chancellors Place, to the Gatton campus (runs four times per day Monday to Friday only). You must book a seat at least one (1) business day before your journey, using your UQ Student ID number as reference. Please refer to the current UQ Intercampus Bus Timetable when planning your journey (refer to the West Bound, St Lucia to Gatton service when travelling to Gatton).