GETTING TO AND AROUND THE GOLD COAST

Flying High – Gold Coast Airport

Getting to and around the Gold Coast is as easy as child’s play with this simple guide. From luxe helicopter charters to theme park shuttles, the Gold Coast delivers a set of wheels, wings or watercraft for every budget and occasion.

For those arriving by air, the Gold Coast Airport acts as the gateway to this stunning seaside city. Gold Coast Airport welcomes over four hundred flights per week from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and beyond. Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Rex offer a swag of regular direct domestic flights connecting major Australian cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide, Cairns and Newcastle. For international guests, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand and Air Asia provide direct flights to the Gold Coast from major New Zealand ports, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and Bali.

Located just twenty kilometres from central Surfers Paradise and just one kilometre from Coolangatta, landing at Gold Coast Airport ensures you make the most of your holiday time. A range of ground transport options including taxis and rideshare services, limousines, bus services, private transfers and rental cars are available at the terminal, ensuring a quick and seamless transfer to your accommodation or attractions. The airport also boasts a range of dining and retail options, plus free high-speed wireless internet.

Alternatively, Queensland’s largest airport is in Brisbane, approximately 90 minutes’ drive north of the Gold Coast. The AirTrain express rail service connects both the Brisbane Domestic and International Terminals with Helensvale Rail Station on the northern Gold Coast. On arrival at Helensvale, passengers can transfer to the G-Link tram to reach their destination in the heart of Surfers Paradise, or utilise the premium AirTrainConnect transfer service direct to your desired Gold Coast address.

Gold Coast Light Rail, Train and Bus Services

G:Link is the Gold Coast’s light rail system, extending twenty kilometres from Helensvale to Broadbeach South, via Surfers Paradise and numerous other stops enroute. Services run at least every 15 minutes from 5am to midnight, seven days a week. Tickets are available for purchase from ticketing machines at tram stations or selected retail outlets, and concessional fares are available. Alternatively, you can swipe your Visa, Mastercard or American Express contactless debit card, smartphone or smart watch at stations across the G:Link network. Simply use the same card to tap on at boarding and tap off when you disembark the service.

There is also a train service that originates in Brisbane and services the Gold Coast suburban stations of Ormeau, Coomera, Helensvale, Nerang, Robina and Varsity Lakes.

Greyhound Australia runs inter-city coach services across Australia, including to and from destinations on the Gold Coast including Southport, Surfers Paradise and Bilinga (near the Gold Coast Airport).

Kinetic (formerly known as Surfside Buslines) operates an extensive network of bus routes across the Gold Coast, connecting the city with Gold Coast Airport, heavy and light rail stations, shopping centres, sporting venues and the suburbs. Fares are calculated based on the number of zones you wish to travel. Paper tickets can be purchased from station fare machines, or you can purchase and use an electronic ticket known as a go card, available from a range of stations and retail outlets across the Gold Coast. Tickets must be purchased before boarding buses and trains. For journey planning and ticketing information please visit translink.com.au.

Hopo Ferry

The Hopo Ferry provides a convenient means of cruising around the Gold Coast’s waterways. This hop-on hop-off sightseeing service operates on the Broadwater and features five top stops including Surfers Paradise, HOTA (Home of the Arts), sophisticated Marina Mirage, Sea World and the tranquil Broadwater Parklands.

Two ferries provide hourly services between 9am and 6pm seven days per week. Passengers can hop on and off along the route at their leisure, or allow two hours to complete the full loop. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Hopo Information Kiosk in Surfers Paradise, at the Sea World Cruise Terminal in Main Beach or onboard the ferry.

Transfers and Tours

As a popular tourist destination, the Gold Coast boasts a wide range of transfer and tour services to make getting about a breeze.

Con-X-Ion offers door-to-door airport transfers, with a booking desk conveniently located at the Gold Coast Airport. Other transfer services include luxe chauffeured limousines, private meet and greet services, corporate and special interest group charters and theme park shuttles.

If you’re seeking a side of captivating commentary to accompany your epic holiday escape, check out the Gold Coast’s extensive range of guided tours. Expert local guides provide fascinating insights with sailing safaris, foodie tours, indigenous cultural experiences, hinterland adventures and full-day and part-day packages to suit all ages and interests. These tours unearth a new perspective of this entertaining and ever evolving city, and may help you discover some fascinating facts that you never knew you didn’t know about this iconic holiday hotspot. For further information about tour options, check out the Gold Coast’s ‘Take A Tour’ listing, or visit one of the Destination Gold Coast Visitor Centres at Gold Coast Airport and in Surfers Paradise.

Go Your Own Way

Prefer to go your own way? No worries! From hire cars, taxis and ride share services, to private charters for small and large groups, you can carve your own path and create your own adventure.

All the major car hire companies (as well as some local operators) have outlets on the Gold Coast, offering everything from convertible sports cars for indulgent romantic getaways, to people movers for fun family or small group escapes. Some companies also offer wheelchair accessible and hand-controlled vehicles via pre-booking on request. Or get about with pedal power by hiring a bike or e-bike – a sustainable way to make tracks in this vibrant coastal community.

Feel the freedom of cruising the waterways with Duffy Down Under or GoBoat, or for the ultimate indulgence, hire a captain and charter a yacht to sail the Broadwater or cruise the coastline – a sensational option for group getaways or the perfect setting for special occasions. The sky’s the limit with boundless options – charter your own helicopter for sky-high adventures, or stay grounded with premium four-wheel-drive campers to help you get off the beaten track.

Black and White Cabs and 13 Cabs are the main taxi companies servicing the Gold Coast region, while Green Cabs provides an eco-friendly bike-based alternative after 6pm around Surfers Paradise and surrounds. Ride share services such as Uber also operate throughout the region, so you can rest assured you’ll never be left stranded during your Gold Coast getaway.

Accessibility – Airports, AirTrain, Taxis and Tours

Gold Coast Airport proudly promotes accessibility for all, and has a range of facilities and services available to accommodate passengers and guests. Accessible parking bays are available, and accessible toilets with braille signage are located throughout the terminal. The terminal also offers a hearing loop, tactile ground surface indicators for directional navigation, and a grassed area for toileting assistance dogs located off the pathway to the north of the terminal. For further details about inclusive initiatives, including an innovative Hidden Disability Program, please download the Accessibility Guide available at goldcoastairport.com.au.

AirTrain departs Brisbane Domestic and International Terminals and travels to Helensvale on the Gold Coast (via Brisbane CBD) every 15 to 30 minutes between 5:40am and 10pm daily. Tickets can be pre-purchased online at airtrain.com.au or on arrival at the station. The trains feature designated accessible seating for people with disabilities. LED screens display your journey, and audible announcements signal each station. Airport stations accommodate wheelchair users, with lift access, platforms level to the train floor, and staff on-hand to assist with boarding where required.

Several accessible taxis are available, which can fit up to two wheelchairs per vehicle. To make a booking, phone Black and White Cabs on 131 008 or 13 Cabs on 13 62 94.

Accessibility of tours may depend upon your unique circumstances. Please contact the tour company directly to discuss any requirements and determine if they can accommodate your individual needs.

Accessibility – Trams, Trains, Buses and Car Hire

G:Link light rail services are designed to accommodate passengers using a range of mobility aids, and feature raised platforms and level access. Boarding assistance is available at designated boarding points at each tram stop, and allocated spaces are provided for passengers using wheelchairs and mobility aids. Audible cues signal the arrival and departure of trams from stations, and on-board audible announcements identify the direction of the tram and the next stations, complemented by screen displays. For full details please visit ridetheg.com.au and click the Mobility Access icon.

All train services are wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible, with allocated spaces provided in the middle carriage. To utilise these spaces or for assistance with boarding, please wait at the assisted boarding point indicated by the international symbol for access, located in the middle of train platforms. Priority seating for people with disabilities is also located near the door of every carriage. Stations are announced audibly onboard. For further information about train and station accessibility, please visit queenslandrail.com.au.

Most of the newer Kinetic buses are accessible, with low floor entry, ramps, and allocated spaces for people who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Bus stations are accessible, with lifts, ramps and pathways, plus tactile ground surface indicators to assist blind and low vision travellers. For further information please contact Kinetic directly.

Hopo Ferries are wheelchair accessible, and all jetties feature a gently sloping, step-free gangway.

Wheelies’ Van Rentals are specialists in accessible vehicle hire. To find out more visit wheeliesvanrentals.com.au. Other car hire companies may also offer hand-control and accessible vehicles. Please contact the operator directly to discuss your needs.