MAXI CAB (PRIVATE) vs AIRPORT SHUTTLE (SHARED)
| Feature | Maxi Cab (private) | Airport Shuttle (shared) |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | ●Private — direct to your door | Shared — multiple stops |
| Journey time | ●Direct — no detours or stops | 30–60 min longer (multiple pickups) |
| Pickup flexibility | ●Any suburb, any time, direct | Fixed stops and fixed schedules |
| Luggage | ●Full luggage for the group | Limited per passenger |
| Baby seat | ●Yes — confirmed on request | Not provided |
| Wheelchair access | ●Yes (8 and 10-seater WAT) | Not available |
| Cost (solo traveller) | Higher — private vehicle | ●Lower — per person from $15 |
| Pre-booking | Yes — call or online form | Yes — online booking |
WHICH SHOULD YOU BOOK?
Maxi Cab
- ●Your group is 3 or more passengers — splitting the fare makes the maxi cab competitive or cheaper than per-person shuttle fares.
- ●You have checked airport luggage that exceeds per-person shuttle allowances.
- ●You need to reach a suburb not on the shuttle's fixed route.
- ●You have an early flight or tight connection and cannot afford 30 to 60 minutes of shuttle detours.
- ●You need a baby seat or wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Airport Shuttle
- ●You are travelling solo and are on a tight budget.
- ●Your destination is on the shuttle's route and the timing suits your schedule.
- ●You have minimal carry-on luggage and no time pressure on arrival.
Is an Airport Shuttle Cheaper Than a Maxi Cab for a Group?
For solo travellers, a shared airport shuttle is cheaper — rates typically start from $15 to $20 per person one way. For a group of 4, shuttle fares total $60 to $80. A metered maxi cab for the same group on the same route often falls in a similar or lower range, with the bonus of no stops and no shared space.
For a group of 5, 6, or more, the single maxi cab fare is almost always lower than paying per-person shuttle rates multiplied by headcount. And the maxi cab takes you directly to your door rather than dropping other passengers first.
How Much Time Does a Shuttle Add Compared to a Direct Maxi Cab?
Shared airport shuttles make multiple stops to drop other passengers. Depending on the route and the number of other passengers, this adds 30 to 60 minutes to a typical Brisbane Airport transfer. If your suburb is the last stop on the shuttle run, the trip from the airport can take twice as long as a direct taxi.
For an early morning flight where every minute matters, or for an arrival after a long international flight when the priority is getting home quickly, those extra 30 to 60 minutes matter. A pre-booked maxi cab takes you directly from the Arrivals kerbside to your front door.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is a maxi cab or airport shuttle better for a family of 4 from Brisbane Airport?+
For a family of 4 with airport luggage, the maxi cab is usually the better choice. Shuttle fares for 4 passengers total $60 to $80, similar to a direct maxi cab fare. The maxi cab is direct with no stops, carries all the family's luggage together, and accepts baby seats on request. A shuttle adds 30 to 60 minutes through multiple stops and limits luggage per person.
Does the airport shuttle go to all Brisbane suburbs?+
No. Shared airport shuttles in Brisbane operate on fixed routes with designated stops. Suburbs off the route are not served. A maxi cab goes to any Brisbane suburb, any time, with no additional cost for out-of-route locations. Call 0431 971 395 and give your suburb — we confirm the fare estimate and confirm the booking.
How much does a private airport transfer cost vs a shuttle from Brisbane Airport?+
An airport shuttle from Brisbane costs from $15 to $20 per person. A maxi cab for a group of 4 on the meter to inner Brisbane suburbs typically falls in the $50 to $80 range total — similar to or below 4 shuttle fares combined, with no stops, no time added, and full luggage capacity. For groups of 5 or more, the maxi cab fare per person is consistently lower.
Can the airport shuttle carry a wheelchair in Brisbane?+
No. Standard airport shuttle services in Brisbane do not carry wheelchair users. Our 8-seater and 10-seater maxi taxis are available in wheelchair accessible (WAT) configuration with a ramp. Call 0431 971 395 to book a WAT vehicle and confirm the requirement before your flight.
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Call to confirm vehicle availability and book your trip. Available 24/7.