In this post we’ll introduce 5 easy ways to get from Brisbane to the Gold Coast including the best budget options through to luxury private services, plus, a crazy option that you just shouldn’t consider.
Some background; Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and home to the major international airport while the Gold Coast does have a modern airport, it caters mostly to domestic flights. The Gold Coast is located around 80km south of Brisbane.
TLDR; the most affordable way from Surfers Paradise to Brisbane City is via the train with prices starting from under $12 per person. Alternatively, the most convenient and fastest option is a taxi or limousine which can average from around $50-55 on a per-person basis (e.g. 4 passengers sharing a four-seat sedan).
Let’s introduce each option with prices and travel times, so you can freely choose what is right for you. Note, these options also work in reverse for traveling from the Gold Coast to the Brisbane.
1. Train
From Brisbane Airport (BNE), it’s very convenient to catch the Airport Train and take it to Helensvale station where you can transfer to the tram to your final destination. The train operates from 5:04am to 10:04pm departing every 15 mins in peak and every 30 Mins otherwise.
You can catch the same train service from Brisbane city at Roma St Station and take it to Helensvale, then transfer to the tram and head to Surfers Paradise or your choice of destination. This journey comes to around $11.45.
Total Time: around 80 mins
Cost: BNE to Surfers Paradise – $43.60 (discounted to $38.83 if you book online). Note: from August 5th 2024 this journey will reduce to $11.95
For bookings visit Airtrain.com.au
2. Bus
From the Brisbane Coach Terminal in the central city area near Roma St Parkland, or Roma St Station, you can take the Greyhound bus to the Surfers Paradise Bus Terminal.
Total Time: around 1 hr 30 mins
Cost: from $18-38 depending on how early in advance you book
For bookings and more info see: Greyhound Australia
3. Shuttle Service
Conxion offers shared shuttle services from the Brisbane Airport (BNE), or Brisbane Transit Centre which is near Roma Street Station, taking you to the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre. For a little extra, I believe they also offer door to door services.
Total Time: around 1 hr
Cost: from $50
For bookings and more info see: Con X ion
4. Taxi
Taxi services offer fixed rates between the two cities and you can book online or via APP. They offer sedans that seat 4 passengers and maxi taxis that can seat up to 11 passengers.
Total Time: around 1 hr Cost: from $200
For bookings or more info see: 13Cabs
5. Limousine
Booked in advance, limousine services offer luxury late-model sedans, passenger vans, and of course, luxury stretch limousines. Sedans can seat four passengers while stretch limos can carry up to 11 passengers. Passenger vans can carry 13 while small and large buses can carry 21-50 people if you have a large group. Cost-wise, it starts from around $220 for a four-seat luxury sedan (which equates to about $55 per person with each seat filled) and you can get exact quotes online quickly and easily. For private transfers, large groups, and special events, this may the option for you.
Total Time: around 1 hr Cost: from $220 and up
For a quote see: My Gold Coast Limo
6. Flight
There are no direct flights between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Options do appear on flight aggregators which take you from Brisbane to Sydney, change flights, then to the Gold Coast. Which is kinda ridiculous, but, up to you. Of course, you’ll then need a transfer from the Gold Coast Airport to your destination.
Total Time: from 3 hr 35 mins with a 40 min stop in Sydney + around 55min transfer time from airport to final destination.
Cost: from $190 and up + airport transfer
For times and rates see Google Flights
The Journey
Brisbane to Gold Coast Map
The Gold Coast is located about 80km south of Brisbane. The two cities are connected by an excellent multi-lane highway and a rail line that has regular services. The road journey is fairly mundane without any real highlights along route unless you wish to make lengthy deviations.
Traffic can get busy during peak times in the morning and afternoon and around major events, so do keep that in mind. In such a case you may want to allow a 20-minute buffer in case but do speak to your driver at the time of booking if you have any concerns.
Footnotes
Prices were collated in July of 2024, please check with the respective service for the latest offers and pricing.