How to get from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise

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.

In South East Queensland, the public transport system uses ‘zones’ to calculate the fare. The journey from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise covers three zones. When paying with a Go Card or contactless payment option, like a credit or debit card, the following pricing applies for the three-zone trip, one-way:

• Adult: $6.63 peak, $5.30 off-peak
• Concession: $3.32 peak, $2.65 off-peak

Single paper tickets can also be purchased from machines, albeit at a higher cost. Alternatively, visitors to the Gold Coast can purchase the Gold Coast go explore pass for $10 (or $5 for children aged 5-14.) This 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 slightly cheaper – 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, DiDi and other rideshare services. There is a designated rideshare pickup zone located kerbside directly in front of the domestic terminal.

Depending on which rideshare operator you choose, you may be able 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 starts at around $38. In light traffic, the journey takes around 30 minutes. The final cost depends on traffic conditions and your exact destination, and you may incur higher charges when travelling during busy times.

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 before you ride.

DiDi from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise

Rideshare platform DiDi also operates from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise. The cost of a DiDi to Surfers Paradise from the airport starts at $49, but can be higher depending on your destination and if you’re riding during peak times.

DiDi’s partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer means you can earn Velocity Points on all DiDi rides, not just to or from the airport. The earn rate is one Velocity Point per $1 spent on eligible DiDi rides. All you need to do is link your personal Velocity Frequent Flyer account or Virgin Australia Business Flyer account in the DiDi app before you ride.

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Looking for more ways to boost your Velocity Points balance? Check out the sign-up offer below.

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

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