Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is the gateway to some of Australia’s best beaches and one of the country’s most dazzling destinations – Surfers Paradise. Located just 28 kilometres from the airport, Surfers Paradise is home to a vibrant shopping scene, lively nightlife and an array of restaurants and cafes. And if you’re looking for the best ways to travel to Surfers Paradise from Gold Coast Airport, we’ve covered your options below.
Read on for our top tips on how to get there via public transport, Uber, taxi or shuttle bus.
Bus and tram from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise
The cheapest way to get from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise is with public transport. The 777 bus runs seven days a week from Gold Coast Airport to Broadbeach South station. From here you can easily transfer to the light rail system, G:link, which will take you to Surfers Paradise.
When paying by Go Card, a one-way fare to cover the three-zone trip costs $6.63 for an adult during peak times. Off-peak, the fare is just $5.30 when using a Go Card. If you purchase a single paper ticket, you’ll pay $9.60. Alternatively, visitors to the Gold Coast can purchase the ‘Gold Coast go explore’ pass for $10. The allows one day of unlimited travel on buses and trams.
When travelling from Surfers Paradise back to the airport, you can take the G:link from Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise or any other tram stop and transfer to the 777 bus at Broadbeach South station.
For an individual traveller, this is the most affordable way to travel between Gold Coast Airport and Surfers Paradise. But if you’re travelling as a group, with children or have heavy baggage, it may be easier – and more cost-effective – to consider one of the options below.
Taxi from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise
Taxi ranks are located outside the domestic arrivals terminal at Gold Coast Airport. Pre-booking a taxi is not required.
During off-peak times, you can expect a taxi to get you to Surfers Paradise from the airport in around 30 minutes. A one-way fare varies depending on the time of day and your final destination. As a guide, you can expect to pay around $65-$85 when travelling to the heart of Surfers Paradise. There’s no need to negotiate the price beforehand, as taxis on the Gold Coast operate on a meter.
While the cost of a taxi to Surfers Paradise can be pricy for individuals, it can be a viable option for some travellers. If you’re travelling in a group, splitting the taxi fare may be cheaper than a bus. Plus, if you’ve got plenty of luggage in tow, it’s certainly one of the easiest ways to travel to Surfers Paradise.
Gold Coast Airport rideshare pickup zone
Gold Coast Airport is serviced by Uber, Ola and other rideshare operators. There is a designated rideshare pickup zone for passengers located outside the international arrivals area in the outer lane.
Some rideshare operators allow you to earn frequent flyer points on your trip.
Uber from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise
The cost of an Uber to Surfers Paradise from Gold Coast Airport is approximately $38-$55 for an UberX. In light traffic, the journey takes around 30 minutes. The final cost depends on traffic conditions and your exact destination. And if you require a larger vehicle, an UberXL can set you back more.
Uber’s partnership with the Qantas Frequent Flyer program allows members to earn one Qantas Point per $1 spent on eligible rides to and from Australian airports. All you need to do is link your Uber and Qantas Frequent Flyer accounts to ensure your points are credited, or use the Qantas app to request an Uber.
Shuttle bus from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise
Another option when travelling to Surfers Paradise from the airport is to take a shuttle bus. Con-x-ion shuttle buses operate from Gold Coast Airport with door-to-door service, dropping you at your designated point in and around Surfers Paradise. For some, this can be a fuss-free way to travel directly to your accommodation.
Summing up
If you’re visiting pumping Surfers Paradise, it’s handy to know that there are a number of ways to get there when you fly into Gold Coast Airport. Plan your journey ahead of time so you’ll know what to expect when you land, and how you’re going to travel to your accommodation – whether it’s with public transport, Uber, taxi or shuttle bus.
Want to unwind at a lounge the next time you fly out of the Gold Coast? Here’s what to expect at the Qantas Club Gold Coast and Virgin Australia Lounge Gold Coast.
Featured image: Romain Terpreau, Unsplash
FAQs
To get to Surfers Paradise from the airport, you can use public transport, taxi, a shuttle bus or a rideshare service like Uber.
The distance between Gold Cost Airport and Surfers Paradise is approximately 28 kilometres.
The cost of an Uber to Surfers Paradise from the airport starts at $38. The final price depends on traffic, the time of day and your final destination.
The rideshare pickup zone for Uber, Ola and other services is located outside the international arrivals area.
If you’ve got an early morning departure or are in transit for a night, there are a number of hotels near Gold Coast Airport. Rydges Gold Coast Airport, Gold Coast Airport Motel, La Costa Motel and YHA Coolangatta can help you get some shut-eye before your flight.
One of the easiest and fastest ways to travel from the airport to Surfers Paradise is by road. A taxi or rideshare can have you in the heart of Surfers Paradise in around 30 minutes.
For an individual, public transport is the cheapest way to travel to Surfers Paradise. A one-way fare starts at just $5.30 when using a Go Card off-peak, or $6.63 during peak times.
Gold Coast Airport is not serviced by train. The only public transport option is a bus to Broadbeach Station, where you can then transfer to the G:link.
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