The most convenient airport in the region is Gold Coast Airport in Coolangatta, also known as Coolangatta Airport. Four million people come through this little airport every year, mainly from other Australian cities as well as from New Zealand and some Asian cities.

Qantas operates direct flights to the airport from Sydney and Adelaide; QantasLink flies here from Brisbane and Newcastle; Virgin Blue from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Canberra; Jetstar from Melbourne; and Australian Airlines from Cairns.

The Gold Coast Airport has adequate facilities and is just 16 miles south of Surfers Paradise. The easiest way to get to the main areas of the Gold Coast from the airport is on the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle, while taxis are also available for transfers.

Brisbane International Airport provides direct flights from all over the world and you can fly here and then take the train or bus to the Gold Coast, or perhaps take an onward flight to Gold Coast Airport with QantasLink.

Brisbane International Airport is located near the city of Brisbane and is the main gateway to Queensland and northern New South Wales. It has both domestic and international terminals, linked by shuttle bus and train, and excellent passenger facilities that include currency exchange outlets, ATMs, good duty-free shopping, several regular shops, and lots of cafés and bars.

Airport buses run to the Gold Coast region from both terminals, as well as to Brisbane, while trains also run direct to Robina on the Gold Coast twice hourly from the International Terminal, a 90-minute journey. There is also direct road access to the Gold Coast from the airport via the Gateway Arterial Highway for those who hire cars.

Although the Gold Coast region is fairly spread out, the main towns of Southport, Surfers Paradise, City of Gold Coast, and Coolangatta are easy to get around on foot. Buses, shuttles and taxis are also on-hand to provide more widespread transport.

Surfside Buslines offer transport throughout the Golf Coast region and have the most services. They operate along the Gold Coast highway 24 hours, at five-minute intervals during peak periods. Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle Service also provides localised travel.

For daytrips and tours, the Gold Coast Aquabus is a good option while long-distance coaches come and go from all over the country from Surfers Paradise Bus Transit Centre on Beach road.

Trains run from Brisbane to the Gold Coast towns of Helensvale, Nerang, and Robina throughout the day, with Robina receiving direct services from Brisbane International Airport twice hourly.

If you plan on visiting a lot of the Gold Coast, it pays to hire a car which you can pre-book online for pick up at Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane International Airport. The Pacific Highway is the main artery through the Gold Coast and is an attraction in itself.