How to pay for a CityCat: tap on, go card and paper tickets
How to pay for a Brisbane CityCat: contactless cards, go cards and paper tickets, plus what you can bring free.
In this story
Short answer: you can tap on and off a CityCat with a contactless Visa or Mastercard or a smart device. A go card and pre-paid paper tickets are also accepted. CityCat and ferry travel is paid, not free.
Tap on and off with a card or phone
Brisbane City Council says smart ticketing lets you tap on and off using a Visa or Mastercard contactless card or a smart device, such as a phone or watch. You don't need to buy a ticket first.
When you still need a go card or paper ticket
Smart ticketing isn't enough for every trip. The council says you still need a go card or paper ticket for:
- concession fares
- journeys that include a bus
Paper tickets
Paper tickets can't be bought on board a CityCat or ferry. Buy them at fare machines at busways, train stations and major interchanges.
What travels free
The council says these travel free on all CityCats and ferries:
- approved assistance animals
- dogs, at off-peak times only (see dogs on CityCats)
- bikes and e-mobility devices, if there is space (see bikes on CityCats)
The council's CityCat pages also link to free off-peak travel for seniors. Check Translink for who is eligible.
What it costs
Fares are set by Translink and depend on your trip, so check Translink for current fares. This guide doesn't list prices because they change.
More
- Back to the Brisbane CityCat guide
- Which service to catch: CityCat, KittyCat and express: the routes explained
Checked against Brisbane City Council pages on 2 November 2026. Services, rules and closures can change, so confirm with Translink and the council before you travel.
Sources: Brisbane City Council, CityCat services and CityCat and ferry services.