Getting Around · Broadbeach Gold Coast 2026
The G:link Tram in Broadbeach — Everything You Need to Know
Gold Coast’s light rail connects Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise, Southport, and Helensvale. Here’s how to use it.
The G:link light rail is one of the Gold Coast’s best transport decisions, and Broadbeach sits right at its southern end. The line runs 23 kilometres from Broadbeach South through Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Southport, and all the way north to Helensvale, where it connects to Queensland Rail’s Intercity network and Brisbane.
For visitors staying in Broadbeach, the G:link makes getting around surprisingly car-free. Surfers Paradise is 8 minutes away. Southport is 20 minutes. Helensvale (and a train connection to Brisbane Airport or the city) is 35 minutes. The stops are well-placed and the trams run every 7.5–15 minutes throughout the day.
As a local, I use the G:link constantly — for dinner at Oracle Boulevard (it deposits you right there), for Surfers Paradise visits, for event days when Broadbeach parking is chaos. It’s reliable, cheap, and air-conditioned.
Key Facts
- Broadbeach has two tram stops: Broadbeach South (end of line) and Broadbeach North
- Broadbeach South to Surfers Paradise: 8 minutes, $3.30 with Go Card
- Broadbeach South to Helensvale (Queensland Rail connection): 35 minutes
- Trams run 5am–midnight weekdays, 5am–1am Friday–Saturday
- Go Card is cheapest — tap on/off at yellow card readers on each platform
| From | To | Time | Go Card Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadbeach South | Broadbeach North | 2 min | $2.80 | Two stops — Oracle Blvd area |
| Broadbeach South | Surfers Paradise (Cavill Ave) | 8 min | $3.30 | Easiest way to get to Surfers |
| Broadbeach South | Main Beach (Sea World area) | 16 min | $3.80 | Closest stop to Sea World |
| Broadbeach South | Southport (Chinatown, courts) | 20 min | $4.20 | Government, legal, shopping |
| Broadbeach South | Helensvale (QR interchange) | 35 min | $5.10 | Connect to Brisbane/Airport |
| Broadbeach South | Gold Coast Airport | Tram + bus (~TX1) | ~$8–10 | Allow 60 min total |
The Two Broadbeach Stations
Broadbeach has two G:link stations separated by about 600 metres:
**Broadbeach South** is the southern terminus — the end of the line. It’s located on The Esplanade near Hooker Boulevard, close to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. This is the main station for visitors arriving from Helensvale or Surfers Paradise.
**Broadbeach North** is in the centre of the suburb on Gold Coast Highway near Oracle Boulevard and the Broadbeach Mall. For dining, shopping, and the casino — this is the more convenient stop.
If you’re coming from Surfers Paradise or Helensvale, the tram terminates at Broadbeach South, so you get off there. If you want to be dropped closest to Oracle Boulevard and restaurants, press the button or check — some services stop at Broadbeach North before continuing to Broadbeach South.
How to Pay — Go Card vs Single Tickets
**Go Card (recommended):** A reloadable smartcard that gives you the cheapest fares — typically 30% cheaper than a paper ticket. You can buy and top up a Go Card at any G:link station ticket machine. Tap the card on the yellow card readers at the platform entry — tap on when boarding, tap off when alighting. Forgetting to tap off results in a maximum fare being charged.
**Single/Day Tickets:** Paper tickets from the vending machines at each station. More expensive than Go Card but useful for a one-off visit. A single journey paper ticket costs around 30% more than Go Card fare.
**Contactless payment:** As of 2024, the G:link also accepts Visa/Mastercard contactless tap-on/tap-off at the yellow readers. Charged at the same rate as Go Card.
**Visitor Day Passes** are available for unlimited travel within a zone — check translink.com.au for current pricing.
G:link Tips for Visitors
The TransLink app (or translink.com.au) gives you real-time tram departures, journey planning, and Go Card balance management. Download it before you arrive. The live timetable is more reliable than guessing — trams run every 7.5–10 minutes during peak hours.
Gold Coast 500, Groundwater Festival, Blues on Broadbeach, New Year’s Eve: the G:link is the only sane way to travel. Trams run extended hours and increased frequency during major events. Park at Helensvale (free, all-day) and tram in. You’ll arrive relaxed while people who drove are still looking for parking.
Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) is not directly on the G:link — take the TX1 Airport Bus to Broadbeach South station, or a direct taxi/Uber. The TX1 connects to the G:link at Broadbeach South and runs regularly. Total journey is around 45–60 minutes by bus+tram, or 25 minutes by Uber ($35–45).
The G:link connects to Surfside bus routes that serve Sea World, Movie World, and Wet’n’Wild. Take the tram north to the appropriate bus interchange and catch a Surfside service. Slower than driving but significantly cheaper — check translink.com.au for current connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Broadbeach has two G:link stations: Broadbeach South (the southern end of the line, near Pacific Fair) and Broadbeach North (central Broadbeach, near Oracle Boulevard). The tram runs from Broadbeach South north to Helensvale, stopping at Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Southport, and other Gold Coast suburbs along the way.
Fares depend on distance and payment method. With a Go Card (reloadable smartcard), Broadbeach South to Surfers Paradise Cavill Avenue costs $3.30. To Helensvale (the northern terminus) costs $5.10. Paper single tickets cost about 30% more. Contactless Visa/Mastercard tap-on/tap-off charges at Go Card rates. Buy a Go Card at any G:link station machine.
During peak hours, trams run every 7.5 minutes. Off-peak, every 10–15 minutes. Operating hours are approximately 5am to midnight weekdays and 5am to 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. During major Gold Coast events (Gold Coast 500, Groundwater, New Year’s Eve), frequency increases and hours extend.
Not directly — Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) is south of the current G:link line. From Broadbeach South, take the TX1 Airport Bus which runs directly between Broadbeach South station and the airport. The journey takes about 35–45 minutes. Alternatively, a direct Uber/taxi from Broadbeach to Gold Coast Airport costs $35–50 and takes 25–30 minutes.
Staying in Broadbeach?
Book accommodation within easy walking distance of the G:link tram for the best car-free experience.
Written and maintained by a Broadbeach local. I update this guide regularly to keep it accurate.