People planning the trip between Brisbane and the Gold Coast tend to ask which modes link the two and where they meet. This guide follows what Translink, Queensland Rail and the City of Gold Coast describe on their pages, with each statement dated in its own sentence. It includes no fares or timetables, and it does not recommend one option over another.
The two systems involved
At 9 November 2026, per Translink, it runs trains in South East Queensland and trams, known as the G:link, on the Gold Coast. Translink also says at 9 November 2026 that buses operate across the entire network. At 9 November 2026, per Translink, it offers a journey planner, timetables and an app to help you reach a destination using all of its services or just one. At 9 November 2026, the City of Gold Coast’s light rail page points readers to Translink for planning a journey by tram, bus and/or train, and to G:link for route maps, station information, timetables and live service updates.
The Gold Coast train line
At 9 November 2026, Queensland Rail’s text version of its network map says the Gold Coast line continues from Brisbane Central through Roma Street, South Brisbane and South Bank, and on to Varsity Lakes. The same list includes Beenleigh, Helensvale, Nerang and Robina. For details about any one station, Queensland Rail says at 9 November 2026 that its Your Station pages give station features, customer service hours, contact details, zone and location.
Where the tram joins the train
Translink says at 9 November 2026 that for travel to or from the Gold Coast, the tram connects to the Airtrain at Helensvale station. As a snapshot at 9 November 2026, Translink’s journey planner page for Helensvale station listed both a tram service (L1 Helensvale / Burleigh Heads) and a train service (T5 Varsity Lakes) among the services departing from it.
At 9 November 2026, per Translink, its on demand service operates in two northern Gold Coast areas, Pacific Pines and Nerang/Highland Park, and Translink lists Helensvale station and Nerang station among the key locations for those roam zones. To travel beyond a roam zone, Translink says at 9 November 2026 that a customer transfers to a bus, train or tram service at a key location.
Airtrain, a non-Translink operator
At 9 November 2026, Translink describes Airtrain as a non-Translink operator that links Brisbane’s International and Domestic Airports with Brisbane City and the Gold Coast. According to Translink at 9 November 2026, Airtrain offers a direct express service from Gold Coast stations to Brisbane Airport, travelling via Brisbane City. At 9 November 2026, Translink also says Airtrain tickets are only valid on train and tram services, and that transfers to bus or ferry services are not permitted. This guide only reports what Translink says about the service and is not an endorsement.
Starting from Brisbane Airport
At 9 November 2026, Queensland Rail’s text network map says the Airport line runs from the Domestic Airport through the International Airport and inner-city stations to Brisbane Central, where it continues along the Gold Coast line. Translink says at 9 November 2026 that Airtrain stations are at the Domestic Airport and the International Airport, directly in front of each terminal. At 9 November 2026, per Translink, the Airtrain can be caught between every South East Queensland train station and Brisbane Airport.
Gold Coast Airport buses
At 9 November 2026, per Translink, two Translink-operated buses service Gold Coast Airport. Translink says at 9 November 2026 that route 777 connects the airport to G:link trams at Broadbeach South station, and that route 760 connects to Varsity Lakes train station for travel to and from Brisbane.
Connecting this to the rest of your trip
For the Brisbane end, Brisbane Trains Explained covers the network from the Brisbane side, Go Card and Public Transport Tickets Explained covers ticketing in general, and Brisbane Airport to the City: Your Options covers the airport side. If you are heading to the islands instead, see Brisbane to Moreton Island Ferry Guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do trains and trams connect on the Gold Coast?
At 9 November 2026, Translink says that for travel to or from the Gold Coast the tram connects to the Airtrain at Helensvale station, and its Helensvale station page lists both a tram and a train service.
Is Airtrain run by Translink?
At 9 November 2026, Translink says Airtrain is a non-Translink operator, and that its tickets are only valid on train and tram services.
Can I get from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast line?
At 9 November 2026, Queensland Rail’s text network map says the Airport line continues along the Gold Coast line from Brisbane Central, and Translink says Airtrain can be caught between every South East Queensland train station and Brisbane Airport.
Which buses serve Gold Coast Airport?
At 9 November 2026, Translink says two Translink-operated buses service Gold Coast Airport: route 777 to G:link trams at Broadbeach South and route 760 to Varsity Lakes train station.
