Gold Coast Airport (OOL) to Hilton Surfers Paradise: Your Ultimate Transfer Guide

Public Transport: Budget-Friendly Travel from OOL

1. Bus (Route 777) + Tram (G:link)

• Overview: Take the Route 777 bus from Gold Coast Airport to Broadbeach South tram station, then transfer to the G:link tram towards Surfers Paradise, alighting at Cavill Avenue station (closest to Hilton).
• Estimated Cost: AUD $8–$11 per person. Payment via Go Card or Go Explore Card.
• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 45–51 minutes, including transfer. Buses and trams run frequently.
• Booking: No pre-booking needed for the journey; Go Card recommended.
• Advantages: Very economical, frequent services.
• Disadvantages: Requires a transfer, can be cumbersome with luggage, potentially longer overall travel time.

2. Direct Bus (e.g., Byron Bay Express)

• Overview: Some private operators like Byron Bay Express offer direct bus services from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise.
• Estimated Cost: AUD $19–$24 per person.
• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 40–46 minutes. Services are less frequent (e.g., 3 times a day).
• Booking: Pre-booking highly recommended via operator’s website (e.g., byronbayexpress.com.au).
• Advantages: Direct route, relatively affordable.
• Disadvantages: Limited departure schedule.

3. Bus (Route 777) + Bus (Route 705)

• Overview: Take Route 777 bus to Broadbeach South, then transfer to Route 705 bus towards Surfers Paradise (stop at Remembrance Drive at Bruce Bishop Car Park).
• Estimated Cost: AUD $8–$12 per person.
• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 14 minutes.
• Booking: Go Card.
• Advantages: Economical.
• Disadvantages: Two bus segments, longer travel time.

Taxis & Rideshares: On-Demand Speed to Hilton Surfers

1. Taxis

• Overview: Taxis are available at the designated rank at the southern end of the terminal.
• Providers: Standard taxis, 13cabs, Black and White Cabs.
• Estimated Cost: AUD $55–$70. Some sources suggest up to $90.
• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 23–24 minutes, traffic dependent.
• Booking: Hail at rank or pre-book via app/phone.
• Advantages: Fastest option, direct door-to-door, readily available.
• Disadvantages: Most expensive on-demand option, potential queues at peak times.

2. Rideshares (Uber, DiDi, Shebah)

• Overview: Use provider apps to book. Pick-up is at designated zones (Uber: southern end near Domestic Arrivals; others may vary).
• Estimated Cost: AUD $40–$70. Uber includes a $3.90 airport access fee. Jayride lists generic “RideShare – Australia” from AUD $73.45. Prices subject to surge.
• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 24–30 minutes.
• Booking: Via provider’s mobile app.
• Advantages: Often cheaper than taxis (outside surge), app-based convenience.
• Disadvantages: Surge pricing during peak demand, requires app and internet.

Airport Shuttles: Convenient & Cost-Effective Transfers

• Overview: Shared or private pre-booked services.
• Providers: Con-X-ion (desk and e-kiosk at airport), Redy2Go, Jayride (aggregator), Mozio (aggregator).
• Estimated Cost: Shared shuttles typically AUD $20–$40 per person (e.g., $39, Con-X-ion from $25). Private options higher.
• Estimated Travel Time: Shared: 26–45 minutes, depending on stops.
• Booking: Essential to pre-book via provider or aggregator websites.
• Advantages: Door-to-door, more comfortable than public transport, good for solo/couples.
• Disadvantages: Shared shuttles can have multiple stops, increasing travel time.

Premium & Private Transfers: Ultimate Comfort & Efficiency

• Overview: Professional chauffeur, luxury vehicle, often with meet-and-greet in terminal.
• Providers: Hughes (115+ years experience), Jayride (luxury options), Mozio (luxury car service), various towncar services.
• Estimated Cost: Starting from AUD $80, can exceed $200+.
• Estimated Travel Time: Direct, around 25–45 minutes (22–28 off-peak, up to 60 peak).
• Booking: Essential to pre-book via provider’s website/app.
• Advantages: Highest comfort, privacy, fixed rates, ideal for business or special occasions.
• Disadvantages: Most expensive option.

Self-Drive Car Rentals: Ultimate Flexibility for Your Gold Coast Stay

• Overview: Various rental agencies at Gold Coast Airport.
• Providers: Alpha Car Hire, major international and local firms.
• Estimated Cost: Rental fee + fuel (approx. AUD $5–$7) + parking.
• Estimated Travel Time: Driving time approx. 23–24 minutes.
• Booking: Pre-book online or at airport desks.
• Advantages: Full flexibility, good for exploring, cost-effective for groups/longer stays.
• Disadvantages: Navigating, parking costs/availability, responsibility for vehicle.

How far is Hilton Surfers Paradise from Gold Coast Airport?

Approximately 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) by road.

What is the average cost of a taxi from OOL to Hilton Surfers Paradise?

Between AUD $55 and $70, up to $90 in some cases.

Can I use public transport to get to the Hilton Surfers Paradise from the airport?

Yes—Route 777 bus + G:link tram, costing AUD $8–$11 per person.

What is the fastest way to get from Gold Coast Airport to Hilton Surfers Paradise?

Taxi or private car—approximately 23–24 minutes depending on traffic.

Are shuttle services available from Gold Coast Airport to Hilton Surfers Paradise?

Yes—shared shuttles cost around AUD $20–$40, travel 26–45 minutes.

How much does an Uber or DiDi cost from OOL to Hilton Surfers Paradise?

Between AUD $40 and $70 (includes $3.90 airport access fee for Uber).

Does the Hilton Surfers Paradise offer an airport transfer service?

The hotel can arrange taxis, transfers, and shuttles—contact the concierge.