The Gold Coast Airport welcomes over 6.5 million passengers annually and is one of Australia’s fastest growing airports. It’s located in a unique position, with the Queensland/New South Wales border cutting directly across its runway. Gold Coast Airport is the key aviation hub for the Gold Coast’s 57 kilometres of white sand beaches, as well as northern holiday hotspots of New South Wales, such as Byron Bay.
What facilities are at Gold Coast Airport?
Although an unashamedly ‘low cost’ international airport, Gold Coast Airport (OOL) has all the services and facilities you would need before a domestic or an international flight.
Check-in
Both international and domestic flights depart from the same terminal. Most domestic airlines require that you be at the check-in counter at least 45 minutes before departure. For international airlines, it’s at least two hours before departure although we recommend confirming this with your airline.
Passengers should arrive for check-in with plenty of time to clear security. International passengers must also clear Customs. Each airline’s counter space is easily recognisable and most carriers provide kiosk check-in capabilities. The security screening area is located in the centre of the terminal and passengers and visitors may proceed through to the gate area once check-in is complete.
Baggage
Before you travel to the airport, confirm with your airline just what the baggage requirements are for your specific flight. Size, weight and number of bags can vary between airlines. International baggage claim and domestic baggage claim are at opposite ends of the terminal.
If you find that you have a few free hours between flights, you may like to store your luggage in the lockers near the short term car park and take a short walk across to Kirra Beach or a short bus ride to Coolangatta and soak up the Gold Coast atmosphere.
Is there a currency exchange?
Yes there are twoTravelex foreign currency exchanges at Gold Coast Airport, located throughout the terminal. Another easy option is to pre-purchase your foreign currency at your local Travel Money Oz to collect before you head to the airport.
What are the other services and facilities?
- ATMs
- AmbassaPAW therapy dogs
- Live local entertainment
- Parents’ rooms
- Baggage trolleys
- Baggage lockers
- Special assistance for passengers with disabilities or special needs
- Telephones
- Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
- Free Wi-Fi
Transport and terminal transfers
What’s the best way to get to and from Gold Coast Airport?
Thanks to the XXI Commonwealth Games of 2018, the Gold Coast has added more public transport options, to make travelling up and down the coast even easier. Below is an overview of the different ways you can travel to and from Gold Coast Airport.
Car hire: This is undoubtedly a fantastic option for visiting the Gold Coast, with its kilometres of beaches, stunning hinterland and close proximity to beautiful northern New South Wales destinations such as Byron Bay and Bangalow. You can hire your car through Flight Centre and simply pick up your vehicle when you arrive, or visit the car rental desks opposite the Arrivals area.
Picking up and dropping off: There is a pick-up and drop-off area conveniently located at the front of the terminal. Note: this is not a waiting area, it’s strictly for pick-up and drop-off only and penalties apply for waiting.
Taxis: A taxi rank is located at the southern end of the terminal, outside the Domestic Arrivals area.
Rideshare: If you’d prefer to travel via rideshare, Uber have a pick-up point at the northern end of the terminal, outside the departures area.
Shuttle bus: The SkyBus Gold Coast Airport Shuttle can connect you to the Gold Coast’s most popular tourist attractions, and is available for all flights, seven days a week, covering the region between Main Beach and Tweed Heads. If you want to travel to Byron Bay, SkyBus Byron Bay Express operates daily services from Gold Coast Airport.
Public Transport: Translink operates all the public transport on the Gold Coast, in an integrated network that includes G:link trams, Surfside Buslines and Queensland Rail. You will need a ‘smart’ travel card called a ‘Go card’, which can be bought at Hub Convenience and topped up whenever you need.
Chauffeurs and limousines: There is a staggering number of limousine and premium car hire firms on the Gold Coast. Ask your local Flight Centre Travel Expert for more information.
Parking: Gold Coast Airport offers three types of parking. Closest to the terminal is the Premium Covered Parking, just a 30-second walk to the terminal under a covered walkway. Terminal Parking is available for both short-term and long-term stays, and Budget Parking is the most economical option, with covered and uncovered car parking available.
How do I transfer between terminals?
At Gold Coast Airport, there’s no need to transfer between terminals because they’re both located in the one building.
