RSVP
RSVP

Getting Here
& Around

With Gold Coast Airport (OOL) right on our front doorstep, and Brisbane Airport (BNE) just under 80km away, there are multiple flights daily to get you to the Gold Coast from international and domestic ports. If you prefer to arrive by road or train, you’ll also find plenty of options, and once you've arrived, endless ways to connect to your final destination. From private limousines and airport transfers, public transport including the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport, G:link on the Gold Coast plus taxis, Ubers, buses and the Hopo Gold Coast Ferry. But if you’d prefer to self-drive, there are hire cars to choose from plus scooters and e-bikes to hire once you’ve settled in.

If you're unsure when to book your flights, you can set up price alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, KAYAK, or use the app Hopper.

Airports

Brisbane Airport

Gold Coast Airport

Brisbane Airport (BNE) is 95 km away from Burleigh Heads.

(Recommended Airport) Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is 15 km from Burleigh Heads.

Getting Around Gold Coast

G:link Light Rail

Bus

Trams run every 7 minutes during the day, and every 15 minutes in the evening along the coastal strip from Helensvale through Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads.

Fares are 50c per ride. Tap on before your trip with any debit or credit card, then tap off when you get off. Alternatively, you can use cash or card at the ticket machines to purchase a 2-hour physical ticket for 50c, or purchase a group ticket at once.

Find more information about G:link here.

Local buses connect coastal hubs to inland suburbs and shopping centres. Route 777 links Gold Coast Airport directly to Burleigh Heads where you can connect with the G:link tram or other buses.

Fares are 50c per ride. Tap on when you board the bus with any debit or credit card, then tap off before you get off.

Find more information about Gold Coast buses here.

Uber & DiDi

Widely available across the coast. DiDi is generally cheaper than Uber.

To get a discount on your first ride, use this referral code: Uber or Didi

Car Hire

Bikes and Scooters

Renting a car gives you the best freedom to explore the Gold Coast Hinterland, where public transport is less frequent.

We recommend using Kayak to find the best car rental prices. It's worth checking whether your credit card covers travel insurance and/or the car rental excess.

When you purchase travel insurance, make sure it covers car rental excess between $5,000 and $10,000.

Beachside areas like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads are highly walkable and equipped with shared e-scooters and bike paths.

Find more information about Lime Scooters here.

Ferries

HOPO Ferry is a hop-on, hop-off water ferry stops at Surfers Paradise, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Broadwater Parklands, and Sea World.

Find more information about the HOPO ferry here.

FAQs

Should I fly into Gold Coast Airport (OOL) or Brisbane Airport (BNE)?

This depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re staying. Gold Coast Airport is well-connected with direct flights to most major Australian cities, as well as destinations in New Zealand and Southeast Asia, so it’s usually the cheapest option if that’s where you’re coming from. Brisbane, on the other hand, is a major international hub with a wider variety of flight options and airlines, which can mean more flexibility and potentially lower fares — especially if you’re flying internationally or from somewhere without direct Gold Coast (OOL) flights. If you’re staying in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach or Coolangatta, Gold Coast is usually more convenient overall once you factor in transfer time.

How far are the airports from the main tourist areas?

Gold Coast Airport is in Bilinga, about 1km from Coolangatta and about 25km from Surfers Paradise. Brisbane Airport is roughly 80km north of the Gold Coast.

How do I get from Gold Coast Airport into town?

You have a few options. The airport bus, express route 777, runs from the airport’s front door to Burleigh Heads in about 20 minutes. From there, you can catch the light rail north to Miami, Mermaid, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. Public transport here is cheap, only 50c a ride. You can also catch an Uber or DiDi (generally cheaper than Uber). Let us know if you would like a referral link for Uber or Didi, and you can get a discount off your first ride.

How do I get from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast?

The Airtrain (BVDL) is the best option. It runs to four Gold Coast stations (Helensvale, Nerang, Robina, and Varsity Lakes) about every 30 minutes, and the ride to Varsity Lakes takes roughly 2 hours. The airport fare is $23.80. From Varsity Lakes, a bus takes approximately 20 minutes to Burleigh Heads.

What about a taxi or Uber from Brisbane straight to the Gold Coast?

It works but isn’t cheap. You can expect to pay $150–$300 for a taxi, Uber or DiDi from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast.

Do I need to rent a car on the Gold Coast?

Not necessarily, if you’re sticking mainly to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads, as these are all connected by the G:link light rail and buses, and most hotels, beaches, and restaurants are walkable once you’re in a pocket. Venues the day before and day after are accessible by public transport. We've also organised a shuttle for the wedding day.

A car becomes useful if you decide to extend your trip and want to:

  • Visit theme parks (Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild) at your own pace without waiting for public transport.

  • Explore the Hinterland (Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook, Lamington National Park). Public transport barely reaches these areas.

  • Do day trips to Byron Bay or further afield.

If you rent a car, book accommodation that includes parking.

Gold Coast Tourism

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