Getting Around The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Queensland's busiest holiday destinations and with over 45 flights arriving daily, the city must be well connected to transport in order to cope with the demands of its residents and visitors. Approximately one hour from the Brisbane Airport, Gold Coast transport offers everything from taxis, limousines and car or scooter hire to shuttles, a public bus service, rail services and a number of marinas for overwater travel.
The main public bus service features an extensive system and route timetables that service the Gold Coast as well as northern New South Wales' Tweed region, just over the border. There's also a tourist shuttle service that offers airport transfers and theme park transfers for a small fee including door to door service from the Gold Coast Airport to all accommodation. Transfers are available one way or return. Theme park transfers offer door to door service from your accommodation to all major theme parks including Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Wet'n'Wild, Movie World, Sea World and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
A government rail link connects the Gold Coast from Varsity Lakes all the way into Brisbane City. Railway stations are located in a number of popular areas including Beenleigh, Coomera, Nerang, Helensvale and Robins. There are regular daily all-station and express services and visitors arriving at the Brisbane Airport can catch the Airtrain which departs every 30 minutes to connect to the Gold Coast.
Another great way to travel throughout the Gold Coast is on the water and with more canals than Venice, this is a convenient way to see the sights including the ritzy waterfront homes. Ferries operate regular services from the mainland to Couran Cove as well as transfers for groups to anywhere by request. The Broadwater Taxi and Runaway Bay and Marina also offers similar services.
However if you've got your own plans or just want to cruise along the Esplanade with the sun on your back and the sea breeze on your face, car and scooter hire is a popular way to go. The essential Gold Coast experience, you will need a driver's license and most hire companies are located in and around Surfers Paradise. Automatic 50cc scooters cost around $65 a day with locks and helmets included. But if you prefer someone else to do the work then there are plenty of taxi cabs available pretty much anywhere on the coast. There are also a wide range of limousine companies for that ultimate 'cruising in style' experience. Just make sure you book one that's fixed price.