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Buses, Trains, Taxis & Ferries

This guide will give you an intro to public transport on the Gold Coast including links to the latest schedules and routes. The public transport system on the Gold Coast consists of

• The G:Link Light Rail service which connects Broadbeach South through to Helensvale.
• Public Buses via Surfside Buslines
• Intercity Trains via the Gold Coast Rail Line which connects the Gold Coast and Brisbane
• Taxis operated by different companies
• Limousines and Ride Hailing Apps
• Water Ferries operated by various companies servicing the waterways

G:Link – Gold Coast Light Rail

G:Link is the new rapid transit system (aka metro/tram/light rail) that operates between Helensvale and Broadbeach. In the future, it should connect through to Burleigh Heads (2023) and eventually connect all the way to the airport at Coolangatta.

Suburbs currently serviced by the G:Link are Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Southport, Parkwood, and Helensvale.

• You can explore more about the light rail service at http://ridetheg.com.au/
• You can search for G:Link/bus/train routes via the journey planner at  https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/journey-planner

Public Buses

The Gold Coast public bus service is operated by Surfside bus lines who hold the contract with Queensland Transport for the provision of local scheduled bus services for the region extending from Dreamworld (at Upper Coomera) in the north to the Qld/NSW border. Surfside Buslines also has the contract for the Northern NSW region from Murwillumbah and the Tweed Coast to the NSW/QLD border.

• You can search bus timetables by bus number here  https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables
• You can search for bus routes (and train/light rail) via the journey planner at  https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/journey-planner

Gold Coast Rail Line (GC <> Brisbane)

The Gold Coast train system is operated by Queensland Rail with stations at Varsity Lakes, Robina, Nerang, Helensvale, and Coomera.

The train runs through to Brisbane city and also through to Brisbane Airport. If heading to Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, the best station to depart from is Nerang from which you will need to take a connecting bus to Surfers/Broadbeach. For more details visit our guide at Getting to the Gold Coast  and how to get from Brisbane to the Gold Coast .

• You can search for intercity rail schedules via the journey planner at  https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/journey-planner

Making Travelling Easy with a Go Card

You can also buy a rechargeable touch card called the ‘Go-Card’. Rather than asking for the price of the fare or buying tickets you simply ‘touch on’ when you get on the bus and ‘touch off’ when you get off. The fare is automatically deducted from your card. The fares are also a little cheaper using the card than paying with cash. You can buy go-cards at 7-eleven stores, train stations, selected tourist information desks and selected newsagents.

There is also a go-card especially for tourists, it’s prepaid and called the SEEQ card, see SEEQ Card from TransLink . The SeeQ card features

• Travel three or five consecutive calendar days on all TransLink bus, train, ferry or tram services.
• Includes 2 journeys on Airtrain services to anywhere on the TransLink network.
• Prices: 3 days* $79 or 5 days* $129

A new option is the Go Explore Card which offers

• Unlimited travel on any Gold Coast bus or tram service
• Price: $10 a day and $5 for children (aged 5-14 years inclusive). Children under 5 years travel free.

Gold Coast Taxis

Taxi services on the Gold Coast are operated by Regent Taxis and Yellow Cabs. Drivers are friendly and courteous and the vehicles are of good standard. In peak periods, or if a timetable is a priority, it would pay to look to a-pre booked service (limo, shuttle) as waiting times can escalate.

Gold Coast Cabs  – phone: 131008  https://www.gccabs.com.au

Black and White Cabs – phone: 133222  www.blackandwhitecabs.com.au

Hopo – Water Ferry

Hopo is a new water ferry service that connects Surfers Paradise, HOTA (Home of the Arts, Bundall), Seaworld, and Broadwater Parklands. You can buy a day pass and hop on off as much as you like or pay for single journey.

• Hop On / Hop Off Day Pass Adult: $25 Child/Concession: $18
• Single Zone Adult: $5 Single | $10 Return Child/Concession: $4 Single | $8 Return
• Multiple Zones Adult: $10 Single | $18 Return Child/Concession: $8 Single | $13 Return

Zone A includes Surfers Paradise and HOTA, Home of the Arts. Zone B includes the Broadwater Parklands, Marina Mirage and Sea World. You can read more here  hopo.com.au.

Other Gold Coast Water Ferries

There are water taxis and ferry services that service the waterways between the Casino at Broadbeach through to Stradbroke Island and Moreton Bay.

Broadwater Taxi – Runaway Bay Marina –  www.broadwatertaxi.com.au

Zanes Water Taxis – Runaway Bay Marina  –  inzanewatertaxis.com.au

Cove Water Taxi – Sanctuary Cove –  covewatertaxi.com.au

Not exactly within most people’s definition of public transport, but they are hugely popular on the Gold Coast. For more info and a list of companies, visit our page on Gold Coast limousine services .

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Public transport options are varied on the Gold Coast, and offer something for everyone. Services include bus, train, tram and ferry services, as well as Council cab services, and a free bus service for seniors and veterans. Many of these options cater to people with varying needs and abilities.

Find the quickest way to get to where you want using the following options:

Translink's Journey Planner for bus, train and tram information

Journey planner

• Train information:  Queensland Rail
• Ferry information:  HOPO  - find out more by watching our short video
• Light rail (tram) information:  G:link
• Ticketing information:  Translink

Free bus service for seniors & veterans

Local seniors and veterans can travel on Surfside buses for free with a sticker pass on your Translink go card.

Jacob's Well to Beenleigh Bus Service

This is a weekly service, running on a Thursday from Jacob's Well to Beenleigh.

The service costs $5 each way.

For more information visit logancoaches.com.au/Jacobswell

Council cab services

If you are over 60 years of age or have a disability card this taxi service provides a door to door transport option to your local shopping centre.

Free bus travel for seniors & veterans

Free bus travel for seniors and veterans is part of our drive to encourage more Gold Coasters to use public transport and make better use of existing services.

Transport for people with disabilities & seniors

We provide free or low cost transport options to help our community including free bus travel for local residents.

Watch our short video to find out more about the HOPO ferry service:

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Getting Around The Gold Coast Transport Options

Getting around the Gold Coast is relatively easy as long as you have a general understanding of what options are available to you and plan a little in advance.

TransLink’s bus, train and tram network can connect you to places all over the Gold Coast. Their 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 using public transport.

TransLink’s integrated tickets are a great way to get around. Travel on bus, train or tram with a go card or grab a Gold Coast go explore for bus and tram travel - perfect for tourists and visitors. Read on to view your transport options when visiting the Gold Coast.

You can buy and recharge your go card at many places across South East Queensland. Some of these places also let you register your card, get a refund, or change the expiry date. Use the Translink search tool to find a go card retailer near you . You can also access go card products and services online or by calling 13 12 30

Gold Coast Public Transport:

Travel by tram - g:link.

The Gold Coast's light rail stations are unique to any other tram station in Australia. Known as G:link , the Light Rail tram system's first stop is at the Gold Coast University Hospital and connects commuting passengers to 16 stations across 13 kilometres, through Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, with the bus network at safe interchanges. There's also Stage 2 in the pipeline which will join Parkwood and Helensvale to the tram service.

Passengers riding the G:link have a number of different ticket options, including the go card (for locals) and one way paper tickets.

Travel by Rail

The Train on the Gold Coast begins at Varsity Lakes Station and finishes up on the Gold Coast at Ormeau Station. It continues its journey up to the Brisbane CBD and terminates at Brisbane Domestic Airport. The trip between the Gold Coast and Brisbane takes around 1 hour to complete. 

The price of fares is based on the number of zones you cross during your journey. Prices will vary depending on whether you've got a concession, peak times and if you are using a go card or paper ticket. 

Travel by Bus

The bus system will get around to most Gold Coast suburbs, with the majority of bus routes taking you to the train stations, major shopping centres and some attractions.

While the outer suburbs have regular bus services, they are not as common as those that journey along the Gold Coast Highway.

For this reason, buses are great for the main tourist areas, but difficult to rely on if you are travelling outside of the existing hub, such as the Gold Coast Hinterland. Fares will take you back about $4.60 for a one-way journey through 1 zone, but a Go Card will make this a little cheaper.

Other Transport Options

Hiring a rental car is one of the best ways to get around the Gold Coast if you are here on holiday. The public transport system is good but it won't take you everywhere and there are heaps of things to see and do which are outside the existing public transport system (in the Hinterland especially).

When car rental prices start from around $20 a day (depending on how far in advance you book), it's usually cheaper and more practical to hire your own vehicle. There are car hire companies throughout the Gold Coast, including at the Airport, Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta, Southport and more.

Gold Coast Private Transfers & Charters

A private transfer or charter can be one of the most stress-free ways to get around a new city, especially if you have a large group or  just want to avoid public transport. Depending on your point of origin and destination and how many pick-up locations there are, a transfer might make your journey faster while enjoying air-conditioned comfort.

Get transport to the theme parks, major attractions and even to Brisbane or Byron Bay. You can also travel to and from the Gold Coast Airport with ease by arranging a transfer with one of the numerous transport companies on the Gold Coast. An airport transfer will normally take you directly to your hotel or home.

The Gold Coast boasts over 2400 kilometers of interconnected bikeways and pathways, seamlessly linking neighborhoods, schools, picturesque foreshores, and parks. This extensive network effortlessly connects with major transit routes, making it an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. Download the Gold Coast Cycling Guide to help you plan your journey.

Lime's pedal-assisted electric bikes offers an eco-friendly way to explore the city. With hundreds of bikes available in key locations, residents and visitors can effortlessly navigate the beautiful sights.e. Unlike traditional bike-sharing schemes, Lime bikes can be picked up and dropped off anywhere, eliminating the need for specific docking stations. To start riding, download the Lime App for details on finding, unlocking, and using the bikes. Prices start at $1 to unlock and 54 cents per minute, with various passes available for frequent riders.

Scooter Hire

What better way to explore the Gold Coast than by renting a moped scooter in Surfers Paradise  when you're on holiday? Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, the wind tousling your hair, and occasionally honk the horn as you zip through the streets, playfully navigating curbs—perhaps drawing the attention of some locals armed with water pistols aimed your way.

Though not all scooter renters on the Gold Coast are thrill-seekers, it remains an exhilarating way to discover the area, offering easy parking and a joyful experience under Queensland's radiant sunshine. For your convenience we have gathered contact details for scooter rental spots in Surfers Paradise below.

Learn More  

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images

Things to do and see On the Gold Coast in Queensland

Theme parks, combo passes & packages, free things to do, currumbin wildlife sanctuary.

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Plan your journey

​​​​We have the tools to help with planning your journey.

Journey planner

Use the Translink journey planner to find what public transport can take you from your starting point to your destination.

Tickets and fares

Visit the Translink website to view all timetable and fare information on our South East Queensland services.

Visit the Translink​ website to view all South East Queensland train timetables. For services relating to the Travel network, please visit Queensland Rail Travel .

Special event notices

​​​​Visit the Translink website to view timetables for special events.​

Travel conditions

Click to read our travel conditions when travelling on our South East Queensland​ train services.

School rail passes

Queensland Rail offer specially discounted tickets for primary and secondary school students travelling to and from school.

Group bookings

It's so easy to travel with Queensland Rail as a group - and it's cost effective too! We offer special concessions for travelling groups of ten or more.​​

Travelling with your bike

 Find out more about travelling on your bike on the South East Queensland​ train network, and also how to book a bike locker.

Travelling with large items

Find out more about travelling with large items on our network.

Severe weather events and natural disasters stop trains, damage our network and disconnect our customers. Find out more about the best way to prepare for these events.

Queensland Rail Mobile App

Download the free, Queensland Rail Mobile App and have instant access to download report maintenance issues, report lost property, station facility information and access to the Translink journey planner.

Station information

Information about station facilities, customer service hours, contact details, zone and location.

South East Queensland stations

Regional stations.

Translink Journey Planner

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