The journey from Brisbane to the Gold Coast is a well-travelled route connecting Queensland’s capital city with one of Australia’s most iconic beach destinations.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling between Brisbane and the Gold Coast from our own experience.
We’ll also share must-see stops along the way and the best things to do in Brisbane and the Gold Coast to help you make the most of your trip.
How far is Brisbane from the Gold Coast?
Brisbane and the Gold Coast are very close together, approximately 48 miles and it takes around 1-2 hours depending on how you travel. By car, the journey usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours via the M1 Pacific Motorway.
Public transport options, such as the train or bus, take around 1 to 2 hours, depending on your exact departure and arrival points.
How to Travel from Brisbane to the Gold Coast
By Train / G-Link
Taking the train from Brisbane to the Gold Coast is one of the best options and is the way we travelled all over Queensland. There are two different routes you can take when travelling from Brisbane to the Gold Coast or vice versa.
The first route is via the Gold Coast Line operated by Queensland Rail, which connects Brisbane stations, such as Central Station, Roma Street and South Bank to Varsity Lakes Station on the Gold Coast.
This journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, and also stops at Helensvale, which is close to the theme parks. From this station you can easily transfer to local buses that go to popular destinations like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads.
The second route is via the G-Link which is the light rail station that connects all of the Gold Coast, from Broadbeach South to Helensvale. This is the route we took, so we travelled on the G-Link to Helensvale, and transferred to a train to Central Station in Brisbane.
It’s important to note that Gold Coast Airport is roughly 30 minutes away from the start of the G-Link Line, so you have to catch the 777 bus to Broadbeach South. This journey takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes, but if you factor in travelling from the airport it would take around 1 hour 40 minutes.
The trains run regularly throughout the day, with departures approximately every 30 minutes during peak times. Tickets are affordable, starting from AUD 10–15 for a one-way journey, depending on whether you use a Go Card or purchase a paper ticket.
It cost us $9 from Helensvale to Brisbane using a Go Card, which we thought was very cheap compared to the cost of UK public transport!
Using a Go Card
If you’re planning to use public transport during your trip, then we highly recommend getting a Go Card. This rechargeable card allows you to tap on and off trains, buses, and ferries across South East Queensland, including the G-Link and it’s much cheaper than buying single tickets.
A Go Card costs $10 which includes a refundable deposit. You can top it up with any amount you need and it’s easy to recharge online, at ticket machines, or at shops such as 7-Eleven.
For a one-way train trip between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the fare using a Go Card is typically around $10–12, depending on the time of day (off-peak fares are cheaper).
By Car
Driving from Brisbane to the Gold Coast is another great option if you have access to a car and plan on driving around the city or further south. The journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours via the M1 Pacific Motorway, depending on traffic. The motorway is a direct route between the two cities, making it the fastest way to travel by road.
By Bus
Taking a bus is another option if you’re travelling without a car, with several bus operators, including TransLink and long-distance services like Greyhound Australia, connecting Brisbane to the Gold Coast.
The journey by bus typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Ticket prices range from $10–30 one way, depending on the operator. For example, Greyhound offers Brisbane to Gold Coast for $19.
Personally, we prefer to take the train as it’s cheaper, quicker and more convenient if you’re travelling with lots of luggage.
What stops are along the way from Brisbane to the Gold Coast?
There are plenty of places to stop and things to see between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, so if you’re looking for somewhere to break up your journey, then consider these options:
1. Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is a town located roughly 30 minutes off the motorway and is the perfect stop for a scenic detour. This lush hinterland destination has rainforest walks, breathtaking lookouts, glowworm caves and so much more.
2. Coomera
Coomera is often known for being the ‘theme park capital’ as its home to some of the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks, including Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Warner Bros. Movie World. It’s a great place to stop for a fun day out or a longer trip to enjoy the parks.
3. Hyperdome Shopping Centre
For those in need of a shopping break, the Hyperdome is a large shopping center conveniently located just off the M1. With a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and a cinema, it’s a good spot for a quick stop to grab essentials or enjoy a meal.
The best attractions and activities in the Gold Coast
If you’re looking at this guide then chances are you’re already planning your trip to the Gold Coast or Brisbane, so here’s a few activities and attractions you shouldn’t miss when visiting.
Beaches
- Surfers Paradise: This is the iconic beach in the Gold Coast known for its nightlife, surfing and infamous skyline. It’s great to walk around but it’s quite busy.
- Broadbeach: A quieter alternative to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach is a great place to relax and explore trendy cafes.
- Burleigh Heads: Burleigh Heads has a laid-back vibe and has great surfing conditions and scenic walking trails.
Theme Park
- Warner Bros. Movie World: This is a great theme park where you can experience thrilling rides and movie-themed shows; we had a lot of fun here!
- Sea World: Combining marine life encounters with exciting rides, Sea World is a great choice for everyone.
- Dreamworld: The largest theme park in Australia, Dreamworld has a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides, family attractions, and wildlife experiences.
Nature
- Lamington National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is perfect for hikers and nature lovers, with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: Get up close with Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles. The sanctuary also offers zip-lining and other adventurous activities.
- Springbrook National Park: Explore stunning natural features like the Natural Bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the park’s lookouts.
Top rated tours & activities
The best attractions and activities in Brisbane
- South Bank: South Bank is home to the South Bank Parklands, Streets Beach, and the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. Walk along the river, relax on the beach, or dine at one of the many riverside restaurants.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: The world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, you can cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos and see other native animals.
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb: For breathtaking views of Brisbane’s skyline, climb the Story Bridge, which has beautiful views, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens: Located along the Brisbane River, these gardens have peaceful walking paths and picnic spots surrounded by nature.
- Mount Coot-tha Lookout: Panoramic views of Brisbane just a short drive from the city; with walking trails and a botanical garden.
- North Stradbroke Island: Just a ferry ride from Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) is a perfect escape from the city.
Read our North Stradbroke guide 👇
Chloe Butcher
What is the best time of year to visit the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast has beautiful weather year-round as it has a subtropical climate, so there isn’t a best time in terms of weather. Summer (December to February) is known to be hot and humid, and is peak tourist season so this may not be the best time to visit.
The shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) have pleasant weather and less crowds. We visited in winter (June to August) and it was around 20°C - 25°C everyday and wasn’t too busy, which was perfect for us.
Is a day trip from Brisbane to the Gold Coast worth it?
Absolutely! A day trip allows you to explore some of the Gold Coast’s highlights, like Surfers Paradise Beach, Broadbeach or even the theme parks. While you won’t have time to see everything, you can still enjoy the beaches, attractions and food spots. If you have limited time, consider focusing on one area, like Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads, to make the most of your visit.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Brisbane to the Gold Coast?
The cheapest mode of transport between Brisbane and the Gold Coast is either by car or train. If you don’t have your own car, then the train is the way to go, with an average cost of $10 - $15 for the train journey.
