Driving from Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast Airport: Time & Route

Need to transfer between Queensland's two main airports? Here's the straightforward rundown.

Quick Stats

• Distance: ~95 km (59 mi)
• Typical Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Route: M1 Pacific Motorway (toll-free)
• Time Variance: +15–30 min during peak holiday traffic or accidents

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit Brisbane Airport onto the Airport Drive / Gateway Motorway (M1) southbound.
2. Merge onto the Pacific Motorway (M1) toward Gold Coast.
3. Stay on M1 for ~85 km. Pass Loganholme, Beenleigh, Coomera, Helensvale.
4. Take Exit 79 (Gold Coast Highway / Southern Cross Drive) for Gold Coast Airport.
5. Follow signs to terminal.

Alternatives If You Don't Want to Drive

• Shuttle: Con-X-ion, Airport Connections, or private transfers (~$40–60 pp, 75–90 min).
• Train + Bus: Airtrain to Helensvale, then 760 bus to airport (~2 hrs, cheaper).
• Rideshare: Uber/Ola ~$90–130 depending on demand.

Pro Tip

If you're catching a flight from OOL, allow 2.5–3 hours buffer from BNE landing—baggage, transfer, check-in, and security add up fast.