Touching down in Brisbane and heading straight for the Gold Coast? Your journey between Queensland’s biggest cities doesn’t need to involve traffic, transfers or guesswork. In this final instalment of our Travel 101 with Airtrain series, we’re answering your most common questions about travelling from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast thanks to the seamless Airtrain and tram connection.
Can I travel directly from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast?
Yes! As Brisbane’s dedicated airport rail service, Airtrain connects Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City and beyond – including direct services to the Gold Coast. You can board Airtrain at either the Airtrain Domestic and International station at the airport. From there, trains travel through Brisbane City stations and continue south to the Gold Coast line. With Airtrain there’s no need for transfers to leave the airport – simply board and relax.
How do I connect to the G:link tram?
Connecting to the G:link tram is easy. Simply catch Airtrain to Helensvale station, follow the clearly marked signs to the tram platform just steps away and board the G:link tram. Most Gold Coast-bound services operate via Helensvale, which is the main connection point for the G:link tram network.
The Helensvale interchange is designed for easy transfers – no long walks, no complicated navigation.
What stations does the G:link tram stop at?
Following the Airtrain and tram connection at Helensvale station, the G:link tram stops at Parkwood, Parkwood East, Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University, Queen Street, Nerang Street, Southport, Southport South, Broadwater Parklands, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise North, Cypress Avenue, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Northcliffe, Florida Gardens, Broadbeach North and Broadbeach South.
The Airtrain and tram connection is perfect for getting to key destinations on the Gold Coast like:
- Surfers Paradise – Airtrain to Helensvale + G:link tram to Cavill Avenue Tram Station
- Broadbeach – Airtrain to Helensvale + G:link tram to Broadbeach North Tram Station
- Southport – Airtrain to Helensvale + G:link tram to Southport Tram Station
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre – Airtrain to Helensvale + G:link tram to Broadbeach South Tram Station
- Theme parks (Movie World, Dreamworld Wet’n’nWild) – Airtrain to Helensvale + local bus or short rideshare
How long is the journey from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast?
Travel time from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast ranges from 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your final station. The journey on Airtrain from Brisbane Airport to Helensvale station takes approximately 1 hour 20 – 30 minutes. The G:link tram runs every 7.5 minutes in peak times. For more information about the G:link services and timetable visit Ride the G.
How do I buy tickets for the Airtrain and tram connection?
One ticket is all you need to travel between Brisbane Airport and the heart of the Gold Coast, with tickets starting at just $23.30*.
You can purchase your Airtrain and tram ticket online in advance or at the station. We recommend booking online before you travel for access to exclusive offers and special discounts. This also means there’s no need to queue up to purchase a ticket at the station.
You can also pay for your Airtrain and tram ticket using go card or Smart Ticketing.
Travel made simple with Airtrain and tram
One ticket, two modes of transport. The Airtrain and tram connection is your express lane from the skyline to the shoreline.
For everything you need to know about travelling with Airtrain, go back and read the other blogs in our Travel 101 with Airtrain series – The basics, Tickets and payment and Facilities and services.