Getting around Gold Coast - your guide to exploring the city with ease

The Gold Coast is Australia’s playground: golden beaches by day, a skyline that sparkles by night, lush hinterland hideaways, and theme parks made for thrill-seekers. With so much packed into one stretch of coast, the real challenge isn’t deciding what to do in the Gold Coast, it’s figuring out the best way of getting around the Gold Coast.

Whether you’re planning lazy beach days, a family trip to one (or a few!) of the Gold Coast theme parks, or a wander into the rainforest, moving between the city’s main attractions is simple.

Gold Coast public transport is cheap, diverse and widespread: the G:link tram runs up and down the coast, buses connect suburbs and Gold Coast attractions, and trains link the Gold Coast to Brisbane and southern suburbs. Taxis and rideshare are always nearby for getting around conveniently, or you can hire a car for even more freedom to explore. Bikes, scooters, and walkable precincts are perfect if you want to stay close to the action.

This guide breaks down all your options - including airport transfers and accessible travel – so your holiday moves as smoothly as the surf. 

Arriving in the Gold Coast

Both domestic and international Virgin Australia flights to Gold Coast typically arrive in the main terminal of Gold Coast Airport (OOL).

Airport transfers to Gold Coast

Gold Coast Airport, also known as Coolangatta Airport, is the gateway to Queensland’s best getaways and sits just 25 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise. While there’s no direct train station at the airport, travellers have several convenient options to reach their hotel or start exploring the Gold Coast.

• Taxi: Taxis are available directly outside the terminal. Fares to Surfers Paradise vary depending on traffic and drop-off location, but it can cost between $60 and $90 -  expect slightly less if you’re staying in Broadbeach, or a bit more if heading further north, like Southport.
• Rideshare: Services such as Uber and DiDi operate from Gold Coast Airport. Fares to Surfers Paradise can average around $55 for an UberX, but the exact fare will depend on the type of vehicle, time of your request and the demand. The terminal has clearly marked rideshare pick-up zones, so once you’ve ordered your ride, head straight there.
• Airport shuttle: Several private companies operate shuttle buses from Gold Coast Airport and popular areas in the Gold Coast like Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and even directly to the major theme parks. Shared shuttles are usually slightly cheaper per person with costs starting from $25-$32 to Surfers Paradise, while private transfers are more expensive but offer door-to-door convenience. Many hotels can also arrange airport transfers on request, which is sometimes cheaper for families or larger groups.
• Public transport: Buses connect Gold Coast Airport directly to the wider Translink network. Route 777 (Airport ↔ Broadbeach South, to access the tram network) and 760 (Airport ↔ Varsity Lakes, to access the train netowrk) depart from the stop outside the terminal. All you need to do is pay with a go card or contactless debit or credit card.
• Car hire: If you’d rather set your own pace, car hire desks from major companies like Avis, Hertz, and Budget are located inside the terminal. Renting a car is a must if you’re planning to explore the Gold Coast hinterland, take day trips down to Byron Bay, or simply want the flexibility to move about on your own schedule. Be sure to book ahead during peak travel periods.

How to get around Gold Coast

Public transport

Getting around Gold Coast without a car is easy, all thanks to the integrated public transport system. Trams, buses and trains connect beaches to the suburbs and beyond, and, best of all, fares are capped at just 50 cents per trip . It’s a budget-friendly way to hop between attractions without dealing with parking or traffic.

G:link tram (light rail) 

For many visitors, getting around the Gold Coast starts with the G:link tram, a sleek, modern light rail that glides along the coastline from Helensvale in the north to Broadbeach South in the south. With 19 stops along its single line passing all the city’s best beaches, the tram is one of the most convenient ways to experience the coast without getting behind the wheel. Think of it as sightseeing on rails.

Services run roughly every 7–15 minutes from around 5am to midnight, with extended hours on weekends. End-to-end, the journey takes under an hour, giving you a smooth ride between the city’s busiest precincts. Visit the Journey Planner to see how long your desired trip might take. Whether you’re staying near the beach, heading out for dinner, or moving between hotels and attractions, the G:link is reliable and affordable.

Key stops include Cavill Avenue at the heart of Surfers Paradise, Main Beach for easy access to Sea World, Southport for the Broadwater Parklands, and Broadbeach for the convention centre, shopping, and nightlife. Travelling north, the line connects to Helensvale train station, which gives you access to Brisbane and beyond.

Tickets are fully integrated with Translink’s system, so all you have to do is tap on and off with a go card, contactless debit or credit card, or a digital wallet. With a flat 50-cent fare across the network, hopping on the tram is an especially attractive option for visitors and locals alike.

The G:link is especially popular with families heading to theme parks, travellers exploring Surfers Paradise, or anyone who’d rather skip the hassle of parking near the beach. With spacious carriages, accessible platforms, and regular services, it’s the backbone of Gold Coast public transport, and one of the easiest ways to explore all that the city has to offer.

Buses

The Gold Coast’s bus network stretches well beyond the tram line, linking coastal suburbs, hinterland communities, and key attractions. If you’re planning to reach theme parks, explore neighbourhoods off the tram route, or head straight from the airport into the city, buses are a flexible, budget-friendly choice for getting around the Gold Coast.

One of the most useful services for visitors is Route 777, which runs every 15 minutes during the day between Gold Coast Airport and Broadbeach South, where you can connect with the G:link tram. This is the quickest public transport link to Surfers Paradise and the northern beaches. Route 760 also departs from the airport, travelling every 30 minutes to Varsity Lakes train station, where you can join Queensland Rail services towards Brisbane.

For theme park days, buses can save you the car park headache (and the fight for a shady spot). Several routes run direct or close to the major entrances. Services from Helensvale station connect to Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild, while buses from Southport or Broadbeach can take you to Sea World. Families often find this easier than parking, especially during school holidays when car parks fill quickly.

Buses also cover residential and coastal areas beyond the tram corridor, including routes through Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, and Coolangatta. This makes them handy if you’re staying in a quieter suburb but still want easy access to Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.

All buses are part of the Translink network, so you can tap on and off with a go card, contactless debit or credit card, or a digital wallet. All bus fares are capped at 50 cents per trip, regardless of distance. Just keep in mind that services in outer suburbs or at night may be less frequent, so it’s worth checking the timetable on the Translink app before you travel.

Trains

While the Gold Coast’s beaches and main attractions are best reached by tram or bus, trains play a key role in connecting the city’s inland suburbs and linking the coast to the rest of South East Queensland. The Gold Coast is served by the Queensland Rail network,  with stations at Helensvale, Nerang, Robina, and Varsity Lakes, offering easy access between suburbs and north to Brisbane.

Helensvale station is the main interchange in the Gold Coast, connecting directly with the G:link tram so you can move between the train network and coastal areas like Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach. 

Trains are also handy for reaching the northern Gold Coast theme parks. By taking a train to Helensvale, you can transfer to buses that run directly to Dreamworld, Movie World, and Wet’n’Wild. This is often quicker and less stressful than navigating the Pacific Motorway during peak tourist times.

For day-to-day travel within the Gold Coast itself, the tram and bus network will usually cover you. But for journeys north to Brisbane, the airport, or theme park adventures, trains are a reliable and comfortable choice.

Fares, payment options and the go card 

Getting around the Gold Coast is not only easy but also remarkably affordable thanks to Queensland’s flat-fare system. Across South East Queensland, all public transport fares are capped at 50 cents per journey when you use a go card or contactless payment. Visitors can also get a go explore day pass, currently $1.50/day, for unlimited tram and bus travel on the Gold Coast. The only service not included is the privately operated Brisbane Airtrain.

See below for more details on your Gold Coast public transport payment options:

Go card

The go card is a reusable smart card valid on all Translink services, including trams, buses, and trains. Just tap the card at the start of your journey and tap off at the end, and your fare is automatically deducted from the total balance. Cards can be purchases and topped up at tram and train stations, selected newsagents and retailers, and online. They’re ideal if you’re spending more than a day or two on the Gold Coast.

Go explore card

The go explore card offers unlimited daily travel on buses and trams, including express services to the theme parks and Gold Coast Airport. At only $1.50 per day, it’s a cost-effective way to pack in sightseeing without worrying about topping up. Cards are available at the airport, major Translink kiosks, and selected retailers around the city.

Contactless payment

If you’d rather not purchase a go card or go explore card,  use a contactless debit or credit card or a digital wallet on your phone or smartwatch. The process works exactly like the go card – tap on, tap off – and you’ll be charged the same discounted fare of 50 cents. This is especially handy for short stays or spontaneous trips.

Whether you’re tram-hopping through Surfers Paradise, catching a bus to the theme parks, or taking the train north towards Brisbane, Translink’s capped-fare system makes exploring the Gold Coast both easy and budget-friendly.

Useful apps and resources for Gold Coast public transport

A few apps make navigating local transport even easier:

• Translink App: Plan trips, check real-time bus and train departures, and get service updates across the network.
• My G App: Perfect for tram users, offering live updates on the G:link service and integrates seamlessly with Translink’s journey planner.
• Google Maps or Apple Maps: Both sync with Translink’s real-time data, making route planning on the go effortless.

Interactive maps and network information are also available at stations and online via Translink.

Driving and car hire

Hiring a car on the Gold Coast is a great way to explore at your own pace or travel for longer distances. While public transport covers most of the city, a car gives you the freedom to head for the hinterland, chase waterfalls in the national parks, or take a day trip down to Byron Bay. It’s also handy if you’re travelling with kids, carrying surfboards, or staying somewhere outside the tram or bus network.

Major rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar operate at Gold Coast Airport and in central locations like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Booking ahead often gives you the best rates, and you may even earn Velocity Points on eligible rentals.

There are a few trade-offs to consider when choose to hire a car. Parking in popular tourist areas like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach can be pricey, with metered spots filling quickly during weekends and school holidays. Traffic also builds up during peak commuting hours. Fuel costs and tolls add to the total and can easily start to stretch your budget. 

For those driving, the rules of the road follow standard Queensland regulations, so keep an eye on speed limits and signage. To make parking easier, apps such as Parkopedia or local council parking apps help locate free or cheaper spots around the city.

Taxis and ridesharing

If you’d rather skip the public transport timetables and not have to self-drive, taxis and rideshares are a quick, flexible way to get around the Gold Coast. Taxis operate across the city and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or through apps like 13Cabs. You’ll also find dedicated taxi ranks at busy spots, including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, shopping centres, and the airport.

Rideshare services like Uber and DiDi are just as convenient, with designated pick-up points at Gold Coast Airport and major hubs like Pacific Fair and Cavill Avenue. Simply order a car through the app and head to the signed pick-up area.

Fares vary depending on distance, the time of day and demand, but apps give an estimate before you book, which is especially helpful during peak hours or special events. For short hops between nightlife precincts or door-to-door trips back to your hotel, taxis and rideshares are hard to beat.

Cycling and scooting 

Exploring the Gold Coast on two wheels is as fun as it is practical. The city has a network of coastal cycle paths and bike lanes, with some of the most scenic rides running along the beachfront from Main Beach through Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach. The Broadwater area is another favourite with flat, easy trails and waterfront views.

Bike hire stations, e-bike rentals, and app-based scooters are widely available in the busier precincts for short trips or a breezy ride between cafés and attractions. They’re especially popular for sightseeing at your own pace, without worrying about parking.

Just keep in mind that the Gold Coast weather is typically sunny and humid, so check the forecast before you set out. Stick to cycle paths where possible and be mindful of traffic if your route takes you onto local roads.

Walking in Gold Coast

Walking is one of the best ways to soak up the Gold Coast vibe. In central areas of the Gold Coast like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Main Beach, attractions, cafés, shops and beach access points are allwithin walking distance. Wide footpaths and pedestrian-friendly streets make these areas perfect for exploring on foot.

If you’re using the G:link tram, walking is also a natural companion. Most major stops are just minutes from hotels, restaurants, and beachfront spots. For short distances, strolling between tram stops and destinations is often quicker than hopping on another ride, and it lets you enjoy the city’s lively street scenes up close.

Accessible transport options 

Gold Coast’s transport network is designed with inclusivity in mind for travellers with mobility needs. Most trams and buses feature low floors, ramps, and designated spaces for wheelchairs and prams. However, not every station offers full accessibility, so check out Translink’s Independent Access listings in advance.

Taxis  also cater to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles available through operators like 13Cabs. Bookings are recommended to guarantee that you’ll have a ride when you need it.

The city’s mix of accessible public transport and private transfer options makes it easy for everyone to explore the Gold Coast, from the beaches to the hinterland.

Flights to Gold Coast

Virgin Australia offers direct flights to the Gold Coast from major Australian cities, including:

• Melbourne to Gold Coast
• Sydney to Gold Coast 
• Hobart to Gold Coast
• Perth to Gold Coast