Don’t Forget To Book Your Gold Coast Transfers
Most visitors headed for the Gold Coast are going to need an airport transfer (aka shuttle) to and from either the Gold Coast airport (domestic) or the Brisbane airport terminals (domestic and international). These transfers involve an expense because Gold Coast holiday accommodation prices do NOT include the costs involved in Gold Coast transfers, nor do the accommodation front desk staff make transfer bookings on behalf of their guests.
It is recommended that visitors make advance bookings for all transfers, both to and from the airports as well as to and from the Gold Coast theme parks. A minimum of 48 hours notice is recommended .
Motor Coach Shuttle Services
This transfer option is the most commonly used as it provides a door-to-door service to all the hotels, resorts and apartment properties on the Gold Coast. Vehicles are usually mini vans and small buses with a trailer for luggage. Airport pick-ups and drop-off are in the designated coach zones at the front of the airports .
For a family comprising 2 adults and 2 children to get to and from the Gold Coast airport and a central location such as Broadbeach or Surfers Paradiset , a mini bus transfer will cost at least $110 for a family return ticket. To get to and from the Brisbane airport will incur a cost of at least $170 for a family (prices as of May 2010).
The transfer costs to and from the theme parks will add an extra $55 per trip for the family. Add to that any day trips and tours and the transport costs are starting to become significant. They definitely should not be overlooked when planning the buget for a Gold Coast holiday
For travel to and from the Brisbane airport allow the following times (airport and city hotels):
1hour 15min to/from the northern Gold Coast ( Runaway Bay, Labrador and Southport areas )
2 hours to/from the central Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach area )
2½ to 3 hours to/from the southern Gold Coast ( Tweed Heads and Coolangatta area )
Car Rentals
A medium size 4 door sedan can be rented from around $27-$30 per day so those motot coach transfer costs would certainly pay for several days of car rental. If you plan to travel up the highway to visit the theme parks and to see all that the region has to offer, such as the hinterland and National Parks, then a Gold Coast car rental option makes a lot of sense. All Gold Coast apartment and resort accommodation includes a secure underground parking spot.
There are lots of local rental companies offering everything from small compacts and family sedans and wagons, to open top sports buggies and luxury sports cars. All the major rental companies have offices on the Gold Coast.
Airtrain Connect
This is a train service that transports Gold Coast visitors to and from the Brisbane airport terminals (domestic and international) to rail stations on the Gold Coast. Boarding is via elevated platforms at the front of the airport terminals and the service runs every 15 minutes from Brisbane and every 30 minutes from the Gold Coast. The service connects to stations at:
Helensvale: For Labrador, Biggera Waters, Runaway Bay and northern Gold Coast
Nerang: For Surfers Paradise accommodation, Main Beach and central Gold Coast
Robina: for all areas from Broadbeach south to Coolangatta
Tickets can be booked in but it makes a lot of sense to pre-book online.
Limousine Services
For that special occasion, there is always the option of a limousine , with choices ranging from stretch limos and sedan cars up to a Rolls Royce . Limos provide a service from the airports at Brisbane and Coolangatta, and many also provide a pick-up from the Airtrain stations. Limousines can be booked online and should to be booked well in advance.