Landing at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) at Coolangatta? Here's what to expect when you walk out of arrivals and how to get where you're going, written by a local private driver who meets flights here.
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The terminal at a glance
- One terminal for both domestic and international flights.
- Domestic and international arrivals come out at opposite ends. International Arrivals is at the southern end. If you're meeting someone, check which one they're on.
- Opening hours: the terminal is open from 4 am to 11 pm. There are no overnight stays inside.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and luggage lockers in the short-term car park out the front.
Watch the clock: Queensland or NSW time?
The airport sits right on the state border, but it runs on Queensland time all year. From October to April, NSW is on daylight saving and an hour ahead. So if you're staying in Tweed Heads, Kingscliff or Byron Bay, your hotel check-in and dinner bookings are an hour later than the airport clocks. Your flight times are always in Queensland time.
Your options for getting away from the airport
Taxi
The taxi rank is at the southern end of the terminal, near International Arrivals and across from the Rydges hotel. Taxis are metered, so the fare depends on traffic.
Uber and other rideshare
Uber picks up from its own zone at the southern end, just outside Domestic Arrivals. Other rideshare apps use pick-up points near Departures. Prices change with demand, so expect surge pricing when several flights land together.
Public bus
- Route 777 is a limited-stop express to Burleigh Heads, where you change to the G:link tram for Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Southport.
- Route 760 goes to Varsity Lakes train station and Robina, and south to Coolangatta and Tweed Heads.
- Paying: tap on and off with a contactless card or phone, or buy a go card at WHSmith in Domestic Arrivals.
Buses are the cheapest choice. With big suitcases, a tram change and a walk at the other end, they're slower for most holiday trips. Check times at translink.com.au before you fly, as service hours vary by route.
Train
There's no train station at the airport. To reach Brisbane by train, take bus 760 to Varsity Lakes and change there.
Shared shuttle
Con-X-Ion runs shared transfers to Gold Coast suburbs and further afield, from a desk in the terminal. Shuttles stop at other passengers' accommodation along the way.
Private transfer
A private driver meets you inside the terminal with your name on a sign, helps with your bags and drives you straight to your door. The fare is fixed and agreed before you travel, with no surge pricing. I meet domestic flights at the baggage carousel and international flights just outside the customs exit. Exactly where I'll meet you.
How long to get to...
- Surfers Paradise: about 30 to 40 minutes by car, more in weekday morning traffic.
- Burleigh Heads: about 20 minutes.
- Byron Bay: about 50 minutes and 68 km down the M1, across the border. See Gold Coast Airport to Byron Bay transfers.
- Eden Retreat and Gwinganna: about 30 minutes into the hinterland valleys. See Eden Retreat and Gwinganna transfers.
- Brisbane Airport: about 75 minutes outside peak hours. See airport to airport transfers.
Picking someone up yourself?
- The kerbside pick-up zone at the front of the terminal is for immediate pick-ups only. Your passenger must be waiting at the kerb, as you can't park there.
- The short-term car park gives you the first 10 minutes free, handy if you want to meet them inside.
- Timing: the airport suggests arriving 10 to 15 minutes after a domestic landing, so bags are off the carousel. Allow longer for international flights and customs.
Tips for a smooth arrival
- Keep your phone on once you land, so your driver or family can reach you.
- Flying international? Allow time for immigration and customs before you head out to meet anyone.
- Travelling with children under 7? They must ride in an approved child restraint, so arrange one before you land.
Flying into Brisbane instead? Read the Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast guide. Heading to a retreat? See the Eden and Gwinganna arrival guide.
Details here were checked against Gold Coast Airport and Translink information in November 2026. Timetables and arrangements can change, so check the Gold Coast Airport website before you fly.