How to get from Brisbane to the Gold Coast

Travelling between Queensland's most popular cities is straightforward. Check out our guide to help you plan your journey from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

Driving

Driving is a relatively cheap and efficient way to travel from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. It also gives you the freedom to go at your own pace. The journey takes roughly one hour in normal traffic, but it can take much longer when the roads are busy.

The most popular route is via the Pacific Motorway (M1 Motorway). Take extra caution when driving during peak periods (early mornings and evenings) or when visibility is low.

Public transport

Airtrain

Departing from Brisbane Airport every 15 minutes during peak periods and every 30 minutes during off-peak times, the Airtrain stops at all major stations on the way to the Gold Coast including Beenleigh, Coomera, Helensvale, and Varsity Lakes. There are also connecting trains from Helensvale to Main Beach and Surfers Paradise.

The journey can take 1-2 hours depending on your final destination, and costs AUD $37.98 for a one-way ticket. Book in advance if possible, especially if you're traveling during peak hours.

You can buy tickets online or from the Airtrain ticket office at Brisbane Airport's domestic and international terminals.

Shuttle bus

Con-X-ion runs a door-to-door shuttle bus service between Brisbane and Gold Coast. They also operate between Gold Coast Airport and Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Hervey Bay.

It's slightly more expensive than the Airtrain at around AUD $72 for a one-way ticket. However, it may allow for greater flexibility as you can choose your pickup location and time.



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