Getting around the Gold Coast on public transport is simple, safe and budget friendly. The city’s extensive and accessible public transport system includes bus, train, tram and ferry services. Whether you're on your way to work or study, attending a major event or exploring the city as a visitor, it's a great way to travel.
All Public Transport Fares Are 50c!
One of the best reasons to take public transport on the Gold Coast? The price. All public transport fares across Queensland will cost you 50 cents per journey, no matter how far you travel. The reduced fare aims to motivate residents and visitors to explore new areas and travel for new reasons, promoting a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to enjoy the region.
The 50 cent fare applies to all modes of public transport under the Translink network. This includes buses, trains, ferries, trams, and on-demand services in both south east Queensland and regional Queensland.
Contactless Payment
The majority of Gold Coast public transport uses Smart Ticketing cashless payment for fares. On trams, trains and ferries you can pay for your journey with Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit and credit cards, including those in your digital wallet. Card readers are located at the front and rear doors on buses. For train travel card readers are found on station platforms and at station entry gates. Simply tap your card at your departure point, and again when you arrive at your destination and your fare is automatically calculated and deducted from your card balance.
go Card
A go card is an electronic ticket that will get you on any mode Gold Coast public transport. You can purchase one at any 7-eleven store, visitor information services, most train and tram stations plus selected newsagents. Top up your credit where go cards are sold, online or by calling 13 12 30. Travel seamlessly across South East Queensland by tapping on at the beginning of your journey and tapping off at the end.
Gold Coast Trams - G:link
G:link is the Gold Coast’s light rail tram network that starts at Helensvale and runs down to Broadbeach South with 18 stops in between and frequent services running seven days a week.
Riding the G:link to major events and during busy periods makes life simple. The route provides easy walking access to Broadwater Parklands, Surfers Paradise and the stretch of incredible coastline between Broadbeach and Main Beach. All this in air-conditioned comfort without the stress of finding a parking spot.
Fun fact: Gold Coast trams were the first in the world to have surf board racks installed. You can generally take short boards, golf bags and large items on services that are equipped to do, as long as it doesn’t impact other passengers.
The G:link provides accessible travel to passengers of all mobility levels. Facilities such as Information Points where you can press a button to speak with a staff member, or special buttons that let the driver know you need more time to enter or exit a carriage are installed at every station. Ramps and boarding assistance is available and every tram has allocated spaces for passengers with wheelchairs, mobility aids or prams.
Gold Coast Buses
The Gold Coast bus network spans the city and can get you to most places on the map from north to south, from the coast inland. Visit the Translink website or download MyTranslink app to plan your journey and get detailed information about specific routes and stops.
To hail a bus, raise your hand to signal the bus driver to stop. Be sure you make yourself visible so the driver can clearly see you. To get off a bus, press the stop button well before your stop, at least 100 metres, to allow the driver to stop smoothly and safely.
Most buses on the Gold Coast Translink network are accessible with low floor entry, a ramp and dedicated space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
HOPO Ferrry
HOPO (short for Hop On Hop Off) is the city’s first dedicated ferry service. Since the Gold Coast has more waterways than Venice and Amsterdam combined, it’s a great way to travel! Cruise long the stunning waterways and enjoy a sustainable way of sightseeing and getting from A to B.
With five convenient stops at Surfers Paradise, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Broadwater Parklands and Sea World, you can explore the city’s breathtaking beaches, vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks at your own pace. Hop on and hop off at any stop or allow 2 hours to complete the full loop.
Food and drinks are available to buy onboard. Kids and small dogs travel for free and HOPO passengers can travel with bikes, prams, wheelchairs, surfboards etc. There are local discounts and benefits available including a free day pass on your birthday - bonus!
Gold Coast Trains
The Gold Coast train line starts at Varsity Lakes with stations at Robina, Nerang, Helensvale and Coomera. From there it continues north to Brisbane, providing easy access to Brisbane city and airport. A train journey from Varsity Lakes Station to Central Station in Brisbane, takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The train line connects with the G:link at Helensvale Station in the northern Gold Coast.
Airtrain
The Airtrain is a fast and reliable way to get from the Gold Coast to Brisbane Airport. Services travel between the two destinations every 15 minutes during the peak (and 30 minutes off-peak). The Airtrain stops at all Gold Coast stations from Beenleigh to Varsity Lakes, including Ormeau, Coomera, Helensvale (connects with G:Link tram at Helensvale station), Nerang, Robina and Varsity Lakes. It’s not a public service so fares aren’t 50 cents, but have been heavily discounted for the cheap travel period and start from $10.95. Find out more about Airtrain here.
Travelling from Gold Coast Airport
An airport bus service operates from Gold Coast Airport. Route 777 departs every 15 minutes between 6.30am and 8.30pm, and will take you to Broadbeach South where you can transfer to the G:link and travel to Surfers Paradise, Southport and other bus routes. Route 760 runs to Varsity Lakes train station, departing half hourly.
Alternatively, there’s door-to-door transfer on the Con-X-ion airport shuttle, which can be booked in advance online or at the Con-X-ion Airport Desk. Taxis, Ubers and ride shares are available just outside the airport terminal entrance.
Travelling to Gold Coast Theme Parks
Public transport options are available for the Gold Coast theme parks, with different options to reach each one are available. Travel to Movie World, Wet ’n’ Wild, Dreamworld, and WhiteWater World from Surfers Paradise by taking the G:link tram to Helensvale then the TX7 bus which reaches all four parks in approximately 30 - 40 minutes.
Surfside Buses also run regular theme park services from as far south as Tweed Heads. Sea World is the closest theme park to Surfers Paradise, and you can reach it within 10-15 minutes by taking the 705 Bus route.
Free Shopping Shuttle Buses
A couple of Gold Coast's major shopping malls run free shuttle buses to and from their centres. Pacific Fair's free shopping shuttle does a pick up and drop off run daily, travelling as far north as Main Beach and as far south as Burleigh.
Harbour Town offers a free Shopping Shuttle from Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise to the Harbour Town Tourism Lounge with daily services.
Accessibility Information
The Gold Coast is gaining a reputation as one of the most inclusive cities in Australia and is a preferred destination for travellers with accessibility needs. Gold Coast public transport caters to passengers of all abilities. You’ll find stations and bus stops prominently identified, maps and timetables readily available, and online information easy to access and understand. For detailed information on each mode of public transport and other accessibility information, download the Gold Coast Accessible Visitor Guide.
Visually impaired travelers can learn about getting to and around the Gold Coast by listening to our Discover Gold Coast Audio Guide. This guide includes comprehensive accessibility information tailored to visitors with disabilities, including mobility and cognitive challenges. To listen, visit this link and scroll down to Accessibility Audio Guide.
HOPO is wheelchair accessible.
Mobility Access on the G:link
All aspects of G:link are in compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act for Accessible Public Transport Requirements. This means that travellers with mobility issues or in wheelchairs can easily access stations and board the trams. Facilities such as Information Points where you can press a button to speak with a staff member, or let the driver know you need more time to enter or exit a carriage are installed at every station. Ramps and boarding assistance are available and every tram has allocated spaces for passengers with wheelchairs, mobility aids or prams.
Looking for more ways to get around the city? Check out this blog.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.