About Gold Coast Airport
Single-terminal gateway to Surfers Paradise, Byron Bay, the Hinterland and Northern Rivers NSW. Sits right on the QLD-NSW state border.
Getting There
By tram + bus
G:Link tram to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Tram + bus combination from airport: 45 minutes to Surfers, $5.30 with go card. Connect to G:Link at Broadbeach South.
By car
Gold Coast Highway connects directly to Surfers Paradise (25 km, 25 minutes). M1 Pacific Motorway north to Brisbane (90 minutes) or south to Byron Bay (40 minutes).
By taxi & rideshare
Taxi to Surfers Paradise: $50–$65, 25 minutes. Uber, DiDi available — designated pickup zone.
Shuttle to Brisbane and Byron
Con-x-ion shuttles to Brisbane and Byron Bay — pre-book. Often cheaper than direct flights for couples or families.
Hire car for Hinterland
Most major hire companies at the terminal. Lamington National Park, Springbrook, Mount Tamborine all 60–90 minutes inland.
Transfers
Parking
Airport Layout
Runway configuration and terminal area for Gold Coast Airport.
Runways
2 runways • longest 2,492m • total 3,074m • Narrow-body capable (e.g. Boeing 737, Airbus A320)
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Headings | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/32 | 2,492 m | 45 m | Asphalt | 150° / 330° | Yes |
| 17/35 | 582 m | 18 m | Asphalt | 184° / 4° | No |
Security & screening at Australian airports
Recommended arrival times
- Domestic flights: arrive 60 minutes before departure
- International flights: arrive 2–3 hours before departure (longer for first-time international travellers)
What you can carry on
- Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs): containers up to 100ml for international flights, all in a single transparent 1L resealable bag. Domestic flights have no LAG restrictions on most airlines.
- Lithium batteries (in personal devices): allowed in carry-on only. Spare batteries up to 100Wh permitted in carry-on; batteries over 160Wh prohibited.
- Sharp items including scissors with blades over 6cm, knives, and tools must be packed in checked baggage.
Prohibited items
- Firearms (require declaration and approval)
- Explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases
- Pepper spray, mace, tear gas
- Self-defence weapons including knuckle dusters
Full list: ABF prohibited items
International arrivals — biosecurity
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plant material, animal products, soil, wooden items, and outdoor equipment on your Incoming Passenger Card. Fines start at AUD $626 and undeclared prohibited items can result in penalties up to $660,000 or visa cancellation. When in doubt, declare it.
Useful links
- Smart Traveller (DFAT) — travel advisories
- Australian Border Force — customs and biosecurity
- Aviation Security (Department of Infrastructure)
Specific to Gold Coast Airport
Gold Coast Airport is the gateway for Surfers Paradise, Byron Bay, the Hinterland, and Northern Rivers NSW. Compact single-terminal layout makes it easier than Brisbane for many tourists.
Single combined terminal
One main building handles both domestic (Jetstar, Virgin, Qantas, Rex) and international (Air New Zealand, AirAsia X, Scoot, Jetstar International, Korean Air seasonal). No interterminal walks — short distances between gates.
SmartGate at international zone
Standard SmartGate operation for eligible ePassport holders 16+. International services bunch in early morning and late evening windows — quieter mid-day than Brisbane's T1.
Watch the curfew
Gold Coast has a 23:00–06:00 curfew. Late international arrivals from Asia occasionally divert to Brisbane (90-minute drive away). Check curfew status before booking inbound red-eye flights from Asia.
State border crossings
The terminal sits right on the QLD–NSW border (the runway literally crosses it). For travellers heading south to Byron Bay, this means crossing into NSW immediately — different speed limits, daylight saving rules in summer, and rule variations apply.
Best landing approach for views
Approaches from the north offer right-side window views of the Surfers Paradise skyline and Pacific beaches — one of the more visually striking Aussie airport approaches.
Surf, hiking, and outdoor gear
Surfboards, wetsuits, hiking equipment from overseas need declaration. Sand and seawater residue on boards triggers cleaning/inspection. Boards over 2 m count as oversized luggage on most inbound flights.
Onward travel
Tram + bus to Surfers Paradise: 45 min, $5.30. Taxi: 25 min, $50. Hire car for Byron Bay (40 min south) or Hinterland day trips.
Nearby Attractions
Quick Facts
Stay connected on arrival — Airalo eSIM
Skip airport SIM kiosks — install Airalo before you fly and activate the moment you land.
Scan to install on your phone
Quick Stats
- Class
- international
- Runways
- 2
- Longest runway
- 2,492 m
- Max aircraft
- Narrow-body capable
- Elevation
- 6 m
- Annual passengers
- 5.7M(2022)
- Opened
- 1939
At a Glance
Airport Codes
- IATA
- OOL
- ICAO
- YBCG
Location
- City
- Gold Coast
- State
- Queensland
- Timezone
- Brisbane
Plan Your Visit
- Best Time
- Year-round but Apr-Oct is the sweet spot — sunny, lower humidity, manageable crowds. School holidays (Jul, Sep, Dec-Jan) bring <a href="/au/places/qld/gold-coast/surfers-paradise">Surfers Paradise</a> crowds.
Good to Know
Airlines
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(5)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
Dump Points(2)
Tallebudgera Creek Park
Free · 8.6km
Broadwater Tourist Park
$? · 24.7km