From Gold Coast Airport, Surfers Paradise is about 30 to 35 minutes by car, so a taxi, rideshare, shuttle or hire car is the simplest choice. By public transport you take the 777 bus to the light rail. From Brisbane Airport you can take the Airtrain to Helensvale and change to the G:link tram, or allow a longer drive. Check fares and timetables on the official sites, because they change.
In this guide
Getting from the airport to your apartment is the first thing you do on holiday, and it is where a little knowledge saves the most stress. The Gold Coast has two airports in reach: Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta, which is close, and Brisbane Airport, which is further and has more flights. This guide covers both, and what to do when you arrive.
Fares and timetables change often, so this page gives you the options, the routes and the practical details, and points to the official sites for current prices and times.
How far is each airport?
Gold Coast Airport lists Surfers Paradise as about 30 minutes by car, and our own FAQ gives about 35 minutes. Allow 30 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic. Brisbane Airport is a considerably longer trip. Whether you drive, take a shuttle or use the train, allow more time than from Gold Coast Airport and check a live journey planner on the day.
From Gold Coast Airport: every option
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | A taxi rank at the southern end of the terminal, near International Arrivals. You can also book with a taxi company. | Arriving with luggage and wanting the simplest start |
| Rideshare | Uber has a designated pick up zone at the southern end of the terminal outside Domestic Arrivals. Other rideshare apps use pick up points near Departures. Follow the signs. | Flexibility, and a quote in the app before you go |
| Shared shuttle | Con-X-Ion Transfers has a desk in the terminal and an e-kiosk, and you can book online. | A door to door ride at a shared price |
| Hire car | Major hire companies have desks inside the terminal. Pre-booking is recommended, particularly in peak periods. | Visiting the theme parks and hinterland on your own schedule |
| Bus and light rail | Route 777 is a limited stop bus from the airport to Burleigh Heads station, where you change to the G:link tram for Surfers Paradise. | The lowest cost, and an easy trip with light luggage |
One thing to know about the bus: route 760 from the airport goes to Varsity Lakes and Robina. It does not go to Surfers Paradise. Use the 777 for the light rail.
From Brisbane Airport: every option
The Airtrain runs between Brisbane Airport and the Gold Coast line. The route to Surfers Paradise is to take the Airtrain to Helensvale station, change to the G:link tram there, and ride the tram south to Surfers Paradise. The Airtrain runs every 15 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes off peak.
Other options are the same as from any airport: a private transfer or shared shuttle, a rideshare, or a hire car collected at the terminal. If you are arriving with young children, a lot of luggage or a late flight, a shuttle or car directly to the apartment is often easier than changing trains and trams with bags.
Arriving at your apartment
Check in is from 3pm. For our Chevron Renaissance apartments, you collect your keys from Chevron Island, which is a five minute walk or a two minute drive from the building entrance. Before you arrive you receive a welcome message that explains your check in, including parking and key collection.
Some practical points that catch people out:
- There is no front desk and no luggage storage. If you land before 3pm, Stasher offers secure luggage storage at shops and hotels around Surfers Paradise, so you can leave your bags and go straight to the beach.
- Early check in or late check out is not automatic. The only way to guarantee it is to book the night before or the night after.
- Arriving late? Message us before you travel and ask how key collection works for your arrival time.
- Parking is limited to the space listed. Each of our Chevron Renaissance apartments has one space under the building, and the listing gives the height limit. The Bruce Bishop car park is a short walk away for guests with an additional car.
Getting around Surfers Paradise without a car
You can. Most of our Surfers Paradise apartments are around 250 metres from the beach, a short walk from Cavill Avenue, and close to the night markets. The G:link light rail runs from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads and stops at Surfers Paradise, Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise North, so you can reach Broadbeach, Southport and now Burleigh Heads without driving. Frequent buses also run along the Gold Coast Highway. Current timetables and ticket options are on the TransLink site.
For the theme parks, our guests find that driving or booking a shuttle is easiest. From our Surfers Paradise apartments, Sea World is roughly five minutes by car, and Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild and Movie World are about 25 minutes.
Do I need a hire car?
| If you are | A car is |
|---|---|
| Staying mainly in Surfers Paradise, with a beach and restaurants plan | Not needed. The light rail and your feet cover it |
| Visiting two or more theme parks | Useful. The parks are 25 minutes away and public transport takes longer |
| Going to the hinterland, such as Springbrook or Tamborine Mountain | Needed, or book a tour. The hinterland is all within about an hour of the apartments |
| Travelling with a lot of luggage on arrival day | Not needed if you take a taxi or shuttle from the airport |
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQ pageHow long does it take to get from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise?
About 30 to 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. By bus and light rail it takes longer, because you change at Burleigh Heads.
Can I get from Brisbane Airport to Surfers Paradise without a car?
Yes. Take the Airtrain to Helensvale and change to the G:link tram, which stops at Surfers Paradise. Check the Airtrain and TransLink sites for current times.
Is parking included at your apartments?
Parking varies by property. Our Chevron Renaissance apartments each have one space under the building, and the Southport villas have a space on the driveway. Each listing page gives the details.
Where do I collect my keys?
For our Chevron Renaissance apartments, from Chevron Island, a five minute walk or a two minute drive from the building entrance. Your welcome message before arrival confirms the details.
Sources
Stay with us in Surfers Paradise
Boutique self-contained apartments, hosted by Adam and Gemma. Book direct for our lowest available rate.
About Inn Paradise Holiday Homes
We manage holiday apartments in Surfers Paradise and two villas in Southport. Our office is at 2/11 Darrambal Street, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. Call us on +61 478 061 977.