Brisbane Airport Transfers

Brisbane Airport Transfers

You can take a train from Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast. Look out for these signs.

Most people are surprised by the distance between Brisbane Airport and Gold Coast. It's nearly 90kms (about 55 miles) from the airport in Brisbane to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

What it means is that you really need to work out ahead of time how you are going to get from Brisbane to the Gold Coast when you arrive and from the Gold Coast to Brisbane Airport when you leave!

Sometimes flying into Brisbane Airport is the only option (mostly for overseas visitors) but it can also be a more convenient or cheaper option from other Australian cities.

As an indication it takes just over an hour (about 65 minutes) by car or bus to get to Surfers Paradise (depending on the time of day and traffic) and you should bank on at least two hours to transfer by the AirTrain as you have to get from the station to your accommodation.

Can I Take a Taxi From Brisbane Airport To Gold Coast?

Taking a taxi isn't really an economic option from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast - but I am sure you will find a taxi driver who will be happy to drive you - just make sure you agree the fare before you get in the cab.

Why would I want to use a transfer? Transfers are great if you are:

• tired or jet lagged
• relaxed and ready to start your holiday
• don't want to drive
• plan to start your holiday on the plane with a drink or two!

Sit back, relax and enjoy watching someone else battle
with the traffic and directions!

Brisbane Airport Transfers

Brisbane Airport Shuttle Bus Kiosk outside terminal

There are many different ways to get from Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast accommodation (or Brisbane City).

From shuttle buses to limos or even helicopters, there are certainly plenty of options.

I have tried to narrow it down a bit to a couple of the most popular options...

• Brisbane Airport Shuttle Bus to Gold Coast hotels and apartments
• AirTrain from Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast
• Brisbane Airport Car Rental - drive yourself
• Limousines
• Chauffeur Driven Sedans or People Movers
• Helicopter transfers to some locations

Brisbane Airport Transfers By Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses from Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast have pick ups from both international and domestic terminals.

CoachTrans offer a reliable Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast hotels and accommodation transfer service. Their service is reasonably priced and has a family option. They cover all Gold Coast accommodations between Coolangatta and Sanctuary Cove and include Hope Harbour for Couran Cove transfers.

Book Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast Accommodation Transfers

If you use a Brisbane Airport shuttle transfer you may also be interested in attraction transfers and getting around the Gold Coast using the local bus service.

Another shuttle bus option to and from Brisbane Airport is with Con-X-ion who offer transfers to most areas of the the Gold Coast. Prices depend upon destination in the Gold Coast.  Discounts for children, pensioners and a family ticket.  Also they offer a Roo Pass which can be a cost effective way of wrapping up your Gold Coast theme park, attractions, shopping and airport transfers.  

Buying tickets online should be cheaper. You can then relax as it is all organised!

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AirTrain From Brisbane Airport To City To Gold Coast

Domestic Terminal Station of the Airtrain at Brisbane Airport

AirTrain is a public train that goes from Brisbane Airport through the city of Brisbane and then down to the Gold Coast.

AirTrain usually takes about 20 minutes to the city and about 90 minutes to the Gold Coast stations. #

During the busiest times of the day there are usually trains about every half hour, at other times they may only run once an hour, so you may have to sit around and wait for a train.

The main times the trains run are as follows:

• Gold Coast Stations To Brisbane Airport between 4.30am and 7.45pm Monday to Friday and 6am to 7.45pm Saturdays and Sundays*
• Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast Stations between 6.00am and just before 10pm everyday* (hours were extended in late 2011)

Book Airtrain Services Online

* Please note these are approximate times, please check the timetables.
# - Airtrain says it takes 90 minutes, but you need to leave plenty of time for catching planes because that is the train time and does not include the time to get to and from the station in the Gold Coast. These trains get extremely busy during peak weekday commuter times to and from the Gold Coast and you may have to stand for trip.

Based on these times, it may not be an option for you depending upon your flight arrival and departure times, unless you like hanging out at the airport!

AirTrain stops at Coomera, Helensvale, Nerang, Robina and Varsity Lakes stations on the Gold Coast. All of these locations are inland from the main tourist accommodation areas.

Buses connect the train stations to Surfers Paradise, Southport, Broadbeach and Coolangatta - Guide to station for Gold Coast travel destinations.

A bit of research is necessary to work out the best stop for where you are going.

Alternatively, it will cost you a bit more but you you can use the AirTrain Connect door to door service. You take the train to the Gold Coast and a car picks you up from the station and takes you to your accommodation. You'll need to check which suburbs are serviced, but it is quite a big list.

You can book Airtrain services including Airtrain Connect online before you travel.

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Car Hire at Brisbane Airport

You can rent a car from Brisbane Airport and drive yourself to the Gold Coast.

If you do I highly recommend you book before you arrive to make sure you have a car available especially at peak times.

Driving to the Gold Coast from Brisbane Airport will take between 1 to 1½ hours, depending upon where in the Gold Coast you are staying, the traffic and the time of day.

It is a reasonably easy drive and is mostly by motorway (3 lane highway). Signposted to the Gold Coast via the M1 from the airport. If you are concerned about getting lost, I highly recommend including a GPS in your car hire - well worth the peace of mind!

On the journey to and from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast, there is a toll point on the Gateway Motorway on the southside of the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges (formerly Gateway Bridge and its new twin).

You will need to organise a pre-paid eToll pass if you hire a car. You can do this through the GoVia website who operate the Queensland Road toll network. If you don't do this, you will get a fine from the toll operator and a huge handling fee from the hire car company! So it is worth organising this before you arrive.

Other considerations when hiring a car from Brisbane Airport on arrival are:

• airport surcharge levied on cars hired at the airports
• reconsider driving yourself if you are tired, jet-lagged or likely to have had any alcohol before driving
• be prepared for different driving rules and conditions, especially if you are not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road in a right-hand drive car
• don't forget to either book a GPS or make sure they give you a street directory covering both Gold Coast and Brisbane!

In Australia there is random breath testing for drink driving. Long distance flights can play havoc with your system. I highly recommend you get someone else to do the driving when you arrive - and whenever else you think you might like to enjoy some of the great local wines and beers!

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Limousine Transfers

Limousines are the ultimate Brisbane Airport meet and greet service!

Gold Coast Limousines or United Limousines are two options for Brisbane Airport transfer to your Gold Coast accommodation.

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Brisbane Airport Transfers By Chauffeur Driven Cars

Chauffeur driven people mover or luxury sedans are another Brisbane Airport meet and greet option. After a long trip, the extra speed and comfort of a direct transfer to your accommodation can be quite welcome! Business Class Tours and Transfers (BCT) are a reputable and reliable company with well kept vehicles.

BCT have two offerings for transfers between Brisbane Airport and Gold Coast. The main one is a personalised door to door service to or from Brisbane Airport and Gold Coast accommodation. This one is great for families and is quite cost effective as the price is not per person but for the whole transfer of up to 6 people.

If you are travelling by yourself or with one other person then the BCT Express Shuttle to Brisbane Airport from Gold Coast accommodation will save you on the exclusive service but you will have to share with up to one other pick up location.

BCT have the option to carry sporting equipment on roof racks or in a trailer. They offer a great service and are very helpful.

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Helicopter Transfers from Brisbane Airport To Gold Coast

Helicopter transfers from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast are the ultimate, fast, luxury transfer!

Gold Coast HeliTours offer a corporate and luxury service from both Gold Coast and Brisbane Airports. They are experienced in getting you to where you need to be fast and in luxury! This is just about as door to door transfer as you can get!

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