Ultimate guide to getting to 2024 Ekka: Buses, trains, cars

While the new Exhibition Station will be closed for another year of the Ekka, there are still plenty of ways to get to the Brisbane Showgrounds, here are the options from buses to carparks.

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Public transport is always the go-to option to get to the Ekka due to the large crowds.

However, with the announcement the planned temporary opening of the new Exhibition Station would again not go ahead due to construction delays, bus routes will remain the safest option.

Transport Minister Bart Mellish has urged commuters to plan their journey ahead of the show in advance to find what services best fit.

“We were on track for a temporary opening of the new Exhibition station for this year’s Ekka, but ongoing interruptions have made this impossible,” he said.

“Travel will look similar to last year when Exhibition station was also not in operation, however this year it will be even easier with free travel on the dedicated shuttle buses.”

Max and Poppy Mahony from New Farm with Ekka showbags: Picture: Richard Walker

TRAINS

Trains will be operating from Fortitude Valley Station, it is then just a 550m walk to the nearest show gate.

Bowen Hills Station is another reliable train route, being just 1km away from the showgrounds.

Accessible transfers for those with accessibility needs, parents with young children and prams will operate from Herston Busway Station and Fortitude Valley train station direct to Show Gate 5 from 8.30am to 11pm each day of the Show.

TransLink have warned on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August, there will be changes to travel on the Gold Coast line between Ormeau and Varsity Lakes due to Cross River Rail works.

BUSES

There will be free dedicated shuttle buses running between Woolloongabba and Herston busway stations, via Mater Hill, South Bank, Cultural Centre, King George Square, Roma St bus and train station, Normanby and QUT Kelvin Grove every seven and a half minutes.

They will run to Herston between 8.30am and 6pm, and from Herston between 10am to 11pm every day.

Commuters can also jump on other bus routes to the Herston busway station which is then about a seven minute walk to the showgrounds.

Herston is serviced by regular routes 330, 340, 363, 376, 431, and 446, in addition to high-frequency routes 66 and 333.

Peak services P426, P443, P455 and P456 also service Herston.

For further information on public transport to this year’s show and to plan your journey visit the TransLink website.

Brisbane EKKA 2023. Picture: John Gass

PARKING

If travelling by car, the best value carpark's are located at:

Park at Queensland Newspapers for $25 on the first and last weekend of the Ekka, as well as the public holiday on Wednesday, August 14.

Parking will be available from 8am to 4pm at Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd Cnr Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills QLD.

Cost is $25 per car, with all proceeds donated to The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.

The car park is a short walk to the showgrounds. Bookings will open soon.

4 Mead Lane Fortitude Valley Carpark which will have a flat rate of $15 all day parking from August 10 to 18.

Chinatown, Fortitude Valley Carpark will also have a flat rate of $15 all day parking from August 10 to 18.

Other parking locations will range from $19 to $26, with pre-booking prices available online at Secure Parking and these include:

McWhirters, Fortitude Valley – enter via Warner or Ballow Streets

Valley Metro, Fortitude Valley – enter via Alfred or Alden Streets

388 Brunswick Street Carpark, Fortitude Valley – enter via Berwick Street

21 Martin Street Carpark, Fortitude Valley

The King Street carpark at the showgrounds will also be available for Ekka visitors and will be a flat rate of $35 per visit.

Cornerstone Parking at the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital is also available at an hourly rate, with a max fee of $45 per day.

It’s only a short taxi or rideshare to the Ekka from the city, so commuters can leave their car in the city and catch a taxi or rideshare service directly to the Brisbane Showgrounds.

Kate Schipper 7 yrs Caleb Schipper 4 yrs, from Bellbird Park, eating Strawberry Sundaes on the hill. Photo Steve Pohlner

CYCLING

Although cycling inside the grounds is prohibited, secure bike racks are located in Carriage Street. (L-16)

Taxis and Rideshare

It’s only a short taxi or rideshare to the Ekka from the city, commuters can leave their car in the city and catch a taxi or rideshare service directly to the Brisbane Showgrounds.