What Gold Coast Airport Transfer Choices Do I Have?
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 reservations staff make transfer bookings on behalf of their guests.
It is strongly recommended that visitors make advance bookings for all transfers, both to and from airports as well as to and from the Gold Coast theme parks. A minimum of 48 hours notice is recommended when making the booking. .
Motor Coach Shuttle Services
This transfer option provides a door-to-door service to all the hotels, resorts and apartment properties along the Gold Coast. Travel is usually in mini vans and small buses with a trailer for luggage. Airport pick-ups and drop-off are in the designated coach zones at or adjacent the airport departure doors .
For a family (2 adults + 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.
For travel to and from the Brisbane airport allow the following times (airport and city hotels):
1hour 15min to/from 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
Car rental prices for a medium sized 4 door sedan start from around $27-$30 per day so those transfer costs would certainly pay for quite a few days of car rental. If you plan to travel up the highway for some entertainment at 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.
A broad cross section of local rental companies offering everything from small compacts, 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 train service 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 the northern Gold Coast – Runaway Bay, Biggera Waters, Labrador, Southport
Nerang: for the central Gold Coast – Main Beach and Surfers Paradise
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 a Rolls Royce, stretch limo and corporate sedans . 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.
Originally posted 2010-08-26 02:12:25. Republished by Old Post Promoter