Bus Train and Public Transport

Convenient transportation options in Gold Coast

So you've made it to the Gold Coast, and you're sitting at the airport thinking 'what now?' Next step is to get yourself booked in at your choice of accommodation, of course, but getting to your chosen accommodation could pose a serious problem if you don't know how you're going to do that. So below we've listed the public transportation available to you here while visiting the Gold Coast.

TransLink’s bus, train and tram network can connect you to places all over the Gold Coast. Our integrated network on the Gold Coast includes the G :link trams, Surfside buslines and Queensland Rail. Visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30 for information or to plan your journey.

TransLink’s integrated tickets are a great way to get around. Travel on bus, train or tram with go card or grab a Gold Coast go explore for bus and tram travel.

For other languages you can visit here.

Surfside Bus Lines on the Gold Coast are part of the Translink network.

'Surfside Buslines' provide an inexpensive way to getaround and are partners in Translink.

Get a copy of their 'Get Around Guide' from their website here. You can also grab a copy at one of the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle Transport and Information desks at Gold Coast Airport. They are also available on one of their buses or from your hotel or tour desk. They have been designed to help you sort out routes around the Gold Coast including getting to all the major shopping centres. They offer a Gold Pass which covers door to door transfers to the Theme Parks and unlimited travel on public transport.

Once you find your bus stop you must raise your arm as your bus approaches to signal to the bus driver to stop and pick you up. If you don't signal the bus driver you will find he will just drive on leaving you behind. However the frequency of the bus service means that you wont have to wait long for another one. Fares vary depending on your destination. You can purchase a daily or weekly pass or a 'go card' which is an electronic card for longer visits.

Translink also run a late night service called Nightlink which is a safe way for late night revellers to get home.

Trains - If you're coming from Brisbane airport, then a convenient form of transport is the train.

You want to take the Gold Coast line, which will connect you to Beenleigh, Ormeau, Helensvale, Coomera, Nerang, Robina and Varsity Lakes stations, where it then terminates. Tickets can be bought at either the Domestic Terminal station or the International Terminal station.

The trains run frequently from both the Domestic and International Terminals. Just follows the signs in the Terminals to the Train Stations. The Trains are Air Conditioned and have areas for luggage in each carriage. The journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on your final Gold Coast destination.

Buses are then available from Ormeau, Helensvale, Coomera, Nerang, Robina and Varsity Lakes and are part of Translink, so you only need one ticket at time of purchase.

Gold Coast Taxis are called "Gold Coast Cabs'.

Call 131008 to make a booking, or visit their website for a booking on line. Taxi ranks are located outside the Gold coast airport. Rank Supervisors (wearing high visibility vests) will assist you obtain the correct vehicle.

There are Secure Night ranks loacted at Cavill Ave, Broadbeach and Coolangatta.

Ferries and Water Taxies

There are a number of ferries and water taxis operating on the Gold Coast, providing a unique transport service for visitors and residents of the city.

For more information:

Broadwater Taxi

Runaway Bay Marina, Runaway Bay

Phone: 0403 587 804

Gold Coast Ferries Pty Ltd

Couran Cove Island Resort departure terminal

Phone: 0411 711 274

Gold Coast Water Taxis

Runaway Bay Marina, Runaway Bay

Phone: 0418 759 789

River Limo

Based at Broadbeach covering all Gold Coast waterways

Phone: 0428 743 783

Zanes Water Taxi

Runaway bay

Phone: 0404 905 970

G Link Tram Service

The Gold Coast Light Rail or Tram Service commences opertaion in July 2014 and will run from South Broadbeach north to Griffith University and return.

Stations, Prices and Frequency detials available at G Link