Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) (OOL) to Gold Coast
Translink route 777 bus links the airport with Broadbeach South, where you change to the G:link light rail for Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. Taxis, ride-share and pre-booked shuttles go door to door.
Best for most people: Bus. Route 777 plus the G:link tram is cheap and reaches the main beach strip with only one change.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Translink route 777 from the airport to Broadbeach South, then G:link light rail north | about 45–60 min to Surfers Paradise | every 15–30 min | low flat fare under Queensland's public transport fare scheme (check current fare) | about 05:00–23:00 | Pay with a go card or contactless bank card. |
| shuttle Pre-booked shared shuttles to hotels along the coast | about 30–60 min | around flight times | about A$20–35 per person | around flight times | Stops at several hotels. |
| taxi Taxi rank outside Arrivals | about 25–35 min | about A$60–80 to Surfers Paradise | 24 h | Ride-share apps are also available from the pickup area. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Other airports
- Brisbane (BNE), about 90 km north, with more international flights; Airtrain trains run from there to Gold Coast stations, with buses or the G:link tram to the beaches.
Tips
- Coolangatta sits on the Queensland–New South Wales border; in summer NSW clocks are an hour ahead.
- For hotels in Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise, the G:link tram stops close to the beach.
- Ride-share often costs a little less than a taxi.
- If you fly into Brisbane, allow about 1.5 hours by train and tram to Surfers Paradise.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise?
A taxi from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise usually costs about A$60 to A$80, depending on traffic and the time. The trip takes about 25 to 35 minutes. Ride-share apps are often slightly cheaper. Taxis wait at the official rank outside Arrivals.
How do I get to Surfers Paradise by public transport?
Take Translink bus route 777 from the airport to Broadbeach South, then change to the G:link light rail heading north to Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. The whole trip takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Pay with a go card or contactless card; fares are low under Queensland's fare scheme.
Is there public transport at night?
Buses and the G:link run from early morning until late evening. Frequency drops at night, and the last buses leave the airport around late evening. If your flight lands late, use a taxi, ride-share or pre-booked shuttle. Check Translink timetables before you travel.
Can I pay by card?
Yes. Translink buses and the G:link light rail accept go cards and contactless bank cards. Taxis and ride-share apps accept cards, and shuttles are usually paid online when booking. Cash is rarely needed for the trip from the airport.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.