Queensland is made for road trips. One day you’re walking through Brisbane’s city streets, the next you’re watching the sunset in Surfers Paradise or cruising along the Gold Coast coastline.
At ridu.au, we know many travellers, students, backpackers, and locals regularly travel between Brisbane and the Gold Coast — whether for work, weekends away, events, or simply chasing better weather.
The good news? In 2026, getting from Brisbane to the Gold Coast is easier and cheaper than ever.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best transport options, including trains, rideshare, driving, airport transfers, and local travel tips.
Why So Many People Travel Between Brisbane & Gold Coast
The Brisbane–Gold Coast route is one of the busiest travel corridors in Australia. Every day, thousands of people travel between the two cities for:
- Beach weekends
- University
- Airport transfers
- Theme parks
- Nightlife
- Work commutes
- Events and festivals
- Backpacking around Australia
And because the cities are only around 75 km apart, you have multiple ways to travel depending on your budget and schedule.
1. Train: The Cheapest Way to Travel
For most people, the train is the easiest and best-value option.
Queensland’s 50-cent public transport fares have completely changed travel in South East Queensland. In 2026, you can travel from Brisbane to the Gold Coast for just $0.50 AUD on regular Translink services.
That means:
- Train
- Tram
- Bus
- Ferry
all cost the same low fare when using the Translink network.
How the Trip Works
The Gold Coast train line connects Brisbane with:
- Helensvale
- Nerang
- Robina
- Varsity Lakes
If you’re heading to:
- Surfers Paradise
- Broadbeach
- Main Beach
the easiest option is:
- Train to Helensvale
- Transfer to the G:Link tram
The transfer is simple and designed for tourists and commuters.
Travel Time
- Brisbane Central → Helensvale: around 1 hour 20 minutes
- Brisbane Central → Varsity Lakes: around 1 hour 40 minutes
Why Travellers Love It
The train is:
- Cheap
- Reliable
- Air-conditioned
- Easy to navigate
- Great during heavy M1 traffic
For solo travellers and backpackers using ridu.au, public transport is often the most affordable way to explore South East Queensland without renting a car.
2. Driving: Best for Flexibility
If you want full freedom, driving is still one of the best ways to travel between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The trip follows the M1 Pacific Motorway and usually takes:
- Around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes
- Longer during peak traffic
Driving Makes Sense If You Want To:
- Visit multiple beaches
- Explore Burleigh Heads
- See Tamborine Mountain
- Visit Springbrook National Park
- Go to theme parks
- Travel with lots of luggage
Many travellers using ridu.au also organise shared rides between Brisbane and the Gold Coast to split fuel costs and make travel more social.
3. Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast
Landing at Brisbane Airport and heading straight to the Gold Coast?
The Airtrain is the easiest public transport connection.
Airtrain Route
- Brisbane Airport
- Brisbane City
- Gold Coast line
- Helensvale / Varsity Lakes
From Helensvale, you can jump directly onto the tram toward Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.
Cost
Usually:
- Around $23–$30 AUD
- Depending on destination and booking
Is It Worth It?
For solo travellers:
- Usually yes
For groups:
- Uber may sometimes be cheaper overall
Still, Airtrain remains the least stressful airport option because you avoid motorway traffic entirely.
4. Uber & Rideshare
Uber is available almost everywhere across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Typical Prices in 2026
- Brisbane → Gold Coast:
- roughly $90–$180 AUD
Pricing depends on:
- traffic
- time of day
- airport pickups
- demand
Best For
Uber is great if:
- you have heavy luggage
- you’re travelling in a group
- your accommodation is far from stations
- you arrive late at night
For travellers who prefer cheaper alternatives, ride-sharing communities through platforms like ridu.au are becoming increasingly popular for regular Brisbane–Gold Coast trips.
5. Gold Coast Tram (G:Link)
Once you arrive on the Gold Coast, the tram becomes your best friend.
The G:Link tram connects:
- Helensvale
- Southport
- Main Beach
- Surfers Paradise
- Broadbeach
It’s one of the easiest ways to move around the tourist areas without needing a car.
And yes — it’s included in the 50-cent fare system too.
Which Option Is Best?
Choose Train + Tram If:
- You want the cheapest option
- You’re travelling solo
- You’re staying near Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach
Choose Driving If:
- You want flexibility
- You plan to explore nature spots
- You’re travelling with family or friends
Choose Uber If:
- You want door-to-door convenience
- You arrive late
- You have lots of luggage
Choose Airtrain If:
- You’re landing at Brisbane Airport
- You want the easiest airport transfer