Getting Around · Transport
Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise
4 km apart. Tram takes 6 minutes. Here’s every way to get between the Gold Coast’s two most popular destinations.
Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise are the Gold Coast’s two biggest drawcards — and they’re only 4 kilometres apart. Most visitors staying in one end up visiting the other, and the good news is the trip couldn’t be easier.
The G:link tram connects the two in 6 minutes, runs until midnight, and costs about $3.50 with a Go Card. You can also walk it in under an hour along the beachfront — one of the best coastal walks on the Gold Coast. Here’s every option broken down.
Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise
- Distance: 4.2 km (straight line), 4.8 km by road
- Tram (G:link): 6 minutes, ~$3.50 with Go Card, runs every 7–10 min
- Walk (beachfront): 45–55 minutes, flat and scenic
- Taxi/Uber: 8–12 minutes, $15–22 depending on traffic
- Bike: 15–20 minutes along the beachfront path
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| G:link tram | 6 min | $3.50 (Go Card) | Most visitors — fast and cheap |
| Walk (beachfront) | 45–55 min | Free | Nice day, sightseeing |
| Uber/taxi | 8–12 min | $15–22 | Night out, luggage, groups |
| Hire bike | 15–20 min | $10–20/hr hire | Active, sightseeing pace |
| Bus | 15–20 min | $3–5 | Alternative to tram |
By Tram (G:link) — The Best Option
The G:link light rail is by far the easiest way between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. The tram runs every 7–10 minutes and the trip takes just 6 minutes door-to-stop.
How it works:
1. Board at Broadbeach South or Broadbeach North station
2. Tap your Go Card or buy a ticket at the platform machine
3. Ride to Surfers Paradise or Cavill Avenue station (one or two stops north)
Cost: ~$3.50 each way with a Go Card (cheaper than a taxi and faster than walking). A Go Explore daily pass ($10) covers unlimited travel.
Hours: The G:link runs from approximately 5am to midnight daily (later on weekends). It’s the safest and cheapest way home after a night out in Surfers.
Walking the Beachfront
Walking from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise along the beachfront is one of the Gold Coast’s great free experiences. The paved path runs the entire 4+ km along the sand, with ocean views the whole way.
The route: Start at Kurrawa Beach, walk north along the beachfront path past various beach parks and apartment towers. You’ll pass through Mermaid Beach briefly, then arrive at the southern end of Surfers Paradise beach. Total time: 45–55 minutes at a comfortable pace.
Best time to walk it: Early morning (6–8am) for sunrise and minimal crowds, or late afternoon heading into Surfers for dinner. The path is wide and well-maintained the entire way.
What you’ll see: Broadbeach beach → Mermaid Beach → North Kirra pocket → Surfers Paradise beach and the iconic Surfers skyline coming into view.
Tips for Getting Between Broadbeach and Surfers
Go Cards give a significant discount over buying single tickets. You can get one at any tram station ticket machine (requires $5 deposit). It works on all Gold Coast trams and buses.
The G:link runs until midnight (later on weekends) — use it to get home safely after a night in Surfers Paradise. No surge pricing, no waiting for an Uber.
A popular approach: walk the beachfront to Surfers in the morning (45 min, scenic), then tram home in the evening. Gets the exercise in and saves time when you’re tired.
Split between four people, an Uber ($18–22) comes to about $5 per person — comparable to tram cost but door-to-door. Good for nights out or when carrying shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Broadbeach is 4.2 km from Surfers Paradise (straight line), or about 4.8 km by road. By tram it’s 6 minutes. Walking the beachfront path takes 45–55 minutes.
The easiest way is the G:link tram — 6 minutes, runs every 7–10 minutes, costs ~$3.50 with a Go Card. Trams run from approximately 5am to midnight. You can also walk the beachfront path in about 45–50 minutes, or take an Uber ($15–22, 8–12 minutes).
Yes. A paved beachfront path connects Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise along the ocean — about 4.2 km, taking 45–55 minutes at a comfortable pace. It’s flat, scenic, and one of the best coastal walks on the Gold Coast.
With a Go Card, the tram from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise costs approximately $3.50 each way. A Go Explore daily pass ($10) covers unlimited travel on all Gold Coast trams and buses. Trams run every 7–10 minutes from early morning until midnight.
Stay in Broadbeach — Surfers is 6 Minutes Away
Broadbeach offers a quieter, more sophisticated base with easy tram access to Surfers Paradise.
Written and maintained by a Broadbeach local. I update this guide regularly to keep it accurate.