Gold Coast Public TransportGetting Around by Tram, Bus & Train

Getting around the Gold Coast without a car is easier than you might think. The Translink network connects many of the region's main beaches, accommodation areas, shopping centres and attractions using the G:link tram, buses and trains, with public transport fares currently costing just 50 cents per journey.

If you're staying around Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach, Southport or Burleigh Heads, public transport can be particularly convenient. The G:link tram runs along much of the coastal tourist corridor, while buses and trains connect areas outside the tram network.

Use the Translink journey planner or Translink app to plan your trip and check live service information before travelling.

Gold Coast Public Transport at a Glance

How Much Is Public Transport on the Gold Coast?

Translink public transport currently costs a flat 50 cents per journey across buses, trains and trams on the Gold Coast.

The same 50-cent fare applies regardless of how many fare zones you travel through or whether you pay using a go card, contactless payment or a paper ticket.

If you transfer between eligible Translink services as part of the same journey, normal transfer rules apply. When using a go card or contactless payment, make sure you use the same card or device for every part of the journey.

Important: the 50-cent fare does not apply to Airtrain travel to Brisbane Airport, where separate Airtrain fares apply.

How to Pay for Gold Coast Public Transport

Visitors no longer need to buy a go card simply to use public transport on the Gold Coast.

You can currently pay on South East Queensland buses, trains and trams using:

• a contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express debit or credit card;
• a supported card in a smartphone, smartwatch or other digital wallet;
• a Translink go card;
• a go explore visitor card; or
• a valid paper ticket where available.

The South East Queensland public transport network is cashless, so you cannot simply pay the driver with cash when boarding a Gold Coast bus.

Using Contactless Payment

Contactless payment is one of the easiest options for visitors because you can use the same bank card or supported device across Gold Coast buses, trains and trams.

Simply tap on at the beginning of each trip and tap off when you leave.

Always tap on and off using exactly the same payment method. For example, if you tap on with your physical bank card, don't tap off using the same card stored in your phone wallet, as the system can treat these as different payment methods.

Using a Go Card

A go card is Translink's reusable travel card and can still be used across buses, trains, trams and ferries throughout South East Queensland.

You can buy and top up go cards at selected retailers, train and tram stations and other authorised locations. Use Translink's go card location finder if you want to purchase one during your stay.

Go Explore Card for Visitors

The go explore card is designed specifically for tourists and visitors.

It currently provides unlimited travel on Gold Coast Translink buses and trams for a daily fee and can be loaded with multiple non-consecutive travel days.

Because standard Translink fares are currently only 50 cents per journey, compare how many individual journeys you expect to make before deciding whether a go explore day pass is worthwhile for your itinerary.

Gold Coast Tram – G:link

The G:link light rail is one of the easiest ways for visitors to travel along the main Gold Coast tourist corridor.

The tram now runs for approximately 27 kilometres between Helensvale and Burleigh Heads, with 27 stations along the route.

It connects important areas including:

• Helensvale
• Gold Coast University Hospital
• Southport
• Main Beach
• Surfers Paradise
• Broadbeach
• Mermaid Beach
• Nobby Beach
• Miami
• and Burleigh Heads.

The extension from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads opened to passengers in August 2026, making the tram considerably more useful for visitors staying on the southern side of the central Gold Coast.

Tram services run frequently throughout the day, but frequencies and operating times vary, so check the latest timetable when planning early morning or late-night journeys.

Read Our Gold Coast G:link Guide

Gold Coast Buses

Gold Coast buses fill the gaps between the tram, train stations and areas outside the main light rail corridor.

They can be particularly useful for reaching beaches and suburbs away from the tram line, major shopping centres, Gold Coast Airport and attractions outside the central tourist precinct.

Several Gold Coast bus routes operate at high frequency, but routes can change when the public transport network is updated. Following the opening of the Burleigh Heads tram extension in 2026, a number of southern Gold Coast bus routes were changed to connect with the expanded light rail network.

For that reason, we recommend using the Translink journey planner rather than relying on an old bus number or printed timetable.

Gold Coast Bus Routes & Maps

Translink provides current Gold Coast network maps, individual route timetables and real-time journey planning online.

If you're travelling regularly during your holiday, save the Translink journey planner or app on your phone so you can check the nearest stop and current departure time wherever you are.

Gold Coast Trains

The Gold Coast train line is most useful for longer journeys, particularly travel between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Major Gold Coast stations include:

• Varsity Lakes
• Robina
• Nerang
• Helensvale
• Coomera
• Pimpama
• Ormeau

Helensvale is particularly useful for visitors because it provides a direct interchange between the Gold Coast train line and the G:link tram.

Services continue north towards Brisbane, with selected services also connecting through to Brisbane Airport. Remember that separate Airtrain fares apply when travelling to the Brisbane Airport stations.

If you're travelling between the beachfront and a Gold Coast train station, you will generally need to connect by tram or bus.

Read Our Gold Coast Train Guide

Public Transport in Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is one of the easiest Gold Coast destinations to explore without a car.

The G:link runs directly through the precinct, with several tram stations providing access to the beach, Cavill Avenue, accommodation, restaurants and attractions.

You can use the tram to travel north towards Main Beach, Southport and Helensvale or south through Broadbeach and onwards to Burleigh Heads.

Local buses provide additional connections, while many central Surfers Paradise attractions are within walking distance once you arrive.

Gold Coast Airport Public Transport

Gold Coast Airport is connected to the wider public transport network by Translink bus services.

Bus services connect the airport with the southern Gold Coast and provide connections with the G:link tram and Gold Coast train network.

Airport routes were adjusted following the extension of the tram network in 2026, so use the Translink journey planner for the current route from the airport to your accommodation.

If you're carrying substantial luggage, travelling with a larger group or arriving late, you may prefer a pre-booked Gold Coast airport transfer.

Getting to the Gold Coast Theme Parks by Public Transport

Public transport can be used to reach the major Gold Coast theme parks, although the journey usually involves a combination of tram, train or bus depending on where you're staying.

Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild are located at Oxenford, while Dreamworld is further north at Coomera. Sea World is much closer to the main accommodation areas at Main Beach.

If you're staying in Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, use the Translink journey planner on the day you travel because bus connections and timetables can change.

Do You Need a Car on the Gold Coast?

Not necessarily.

If your holiday is focused around Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach, Burleigh Heads and other areas along the tram and bus network, you can comfortably explore much of the central Gold Coast without hiring a car.

A car becomes more useful if you plan to explore the Gold Coast Hinterland, visit more remote beaches or attractions, or make several trips outside the main public transport corridors.

Hire a Car

Car hire gives you more flexibility for day trips and areas where public transport is less frequent.

Rental companies operate around Gold Coast Airport and throughout the main tourist areas. Prices vary considerably by travel dates, vehicle type and demand, so compare current rates rather than relying on an advertised daily starting price.

Gold Coast Car Hire Information

Private Transfers & Airport Transfers

A private or shared transfer can be useful if you want door-to-door transport, particularly when travelling with luggage, children or a larger group.

Transfers are available between Gold Coast Airport and many hotels, as well as to theme parks and destinations outside the main public transport network.

If convenience is more important than keeping transport costs as low as possible, a pre-booked transfer can remove the need to navigate buses or change between services after your flight.

Gold Coast Transfer Options

Cycling & Shared E-Bikes

The Gold Coast has an extensive network of bikeways, shared paths and beachfront paths, making cycling another option for shorter journeys.

Shared Lime e-bikes operate on the Gold Coast and can be located and unlocked through the Lime app. Availability depends on where you are, so check the app for nearby bikes and current pricing before starting your trip.

If you're riding your own or a hired bicycle or e-bike, always follow current Queensland road and path rules and park shared bikes without blocking footpaths, entrances or accessibility routes.

Scooter & Other Hire Options

There are also private scooter and other vehicle hire options around the Gold Coast, particularly in the main tourist areas.

If you're considering one, check the licence requirements, insurance, safety equipment and current Queensland road rules before hiring, as requirements depend on the type of vehicle.

View Gold Coast Scooter Hire Information

Best Way to Get Around the Gold Coast Without a Car

For most visitors staying in the central tourist areas, the easiest approach is to use a combination of walking, the G:link tram and buses.

A typical holiday might look like this:

• Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach: G:link tram
• Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads: G:link tram
• Surfers Paradise to Main Beach: G:link tram
• Central Gold Coast to Brisbane: tram or bus connection to a train station, then train
• Gold Coast Airport: bus with onward tram, bus or train connections
• Theme parks: combination of tram, train and/or bus depending on the park
• Gold Coast Hinterland: car, organised tour or transfer is generally more convenient

Because 50-cent Translink fares make buses, trains and trams inexpensive, public transport is particularly useful for journeys along the main urban corridor.

Gold Coast Public Transport FAQs

How much is public transport on the Gold Coast?

Translink bus, train and tram journeys currently cost a flat 50 cents per journey. The fare applies regardless of distance or the number of fare zones travelled. Separate fares apply to Brisbane Airport Airtrain services.

Can I use my bank card on Gold Coast public transport?

Yes. Contactless payments are available on Gold Coast buses, trains and trams. You can use a supported contactless bank card or digital wallet, but make sure you tap on and off using exactly the same card or device.

Do tourists need a go card on the Gold Coast?

No. Visitors can use contactless bank cards and supported devices on Gold Coast public transport. Go cards and go explore visitor cards remain available if you prefer to use a dedicated transport card.

Can you get around the Gold Coast without a car?

Yes. Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Southport, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads and many other central areas are well connected by tram and bus. A car is more useful for the Hinterland and destinations outside the main public transport network.

Does the Gold Coast have a tram?

Yes. The G:link light rail runs between Helensvale and Burleigh Heads, passing through Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and several other coastal areas.

Does the Gold Coast have trains?

Yes. The Gold Coast train line serves stations including Varsity Lakes, Robina, Nerang, Helensvale, Coomera, Pimpama and Ormeau and connects the Gold Coast with Brisbane.

Can you take public transport from Gold Coast Airport?

Yes. Translink buses serve Gold Coast Airport and connect with the wider bus, tram and train network. Use the Translink journey planner for the current route to your accommodation because services and connections can change.

Can you use cash on Gold Coast buses?

No. South East Queensland public transport is currently cashless. Use a contactless debit or credit card, supported smart device, go card or another valid ticketing option.

Is public transport good in Surfers Paradise?

Yes. Surfers Paradise is one of the easiest parts of the Gold Coast to explore by public transport because the G:link runs directly through the precinct and connects with buses and trains elsewhere on the network.

Plan Your Gold Coast Journey

Public transport is a practical and inexpensive way to explore much of the Gold Coast, particularly if you're staying along the main coastal corridor.

For the most accurate route, departure time and service information, use the Translink journey planner immediately before travelling.

Plan Your Journey with Translink

For more detailed information, see our guides to the Gold Coast G:link, Gold Coast trains, airport transfers and car hire.

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