Gold Coast Airport has two runways, however only one has the capacity and length for commercial jet operations. This 2.5 kilometre long runway lies parallel to the terminal building with the northern half being located in the state of Queensland, and the southern half in New South Wales. The airport is capable of handling wide body jets such as the Boeing 777 and 787 and the Airbus A330. All three aircraft types fly regularly into the airport. Last year close to 6 million passengers arrived and departed from Gold Coast Airport.
Gold Coast Quick Facts
Distance from Surfers Paradise: 25km
Number of airlines: 8
Number of destinations served: 15
Number of terminals: 1
Number of runways: 2 (one only for larger commercial jet aircraft)
Check-in
Both international and domestic flights depart from the same terminal. 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
The baggage claim area is located on the southern end of the terminal. When entering the building from the street, visitors will turn left, continuing to the end of the terminal corridor. Passengers arriving on flights must all exit the gate area at the one exit which is conveniently located near baggage claim.
If you require the use of baggage stowage lockers, the airport has small, medium and large sized stowage units which are available outside, under the covered areas leading towards the short term and long term car parks. Lockers accept credit card payments as well as AUD notes and gold coins. Renters will use a touch pad to gain access to the locker of their choice.
Money Exchange
There are two ways in which to exchange currency at Gold Coast Airport. There are several Travelex ATMs located throughout the terminal which dispense Australian and New Zealand Dollars as well as Japanese Yen. Travelex also has two teller operated offices where close to 50 different types of currencies are available. One is located just outside the international arrivals hall and the other is just past security in the departures lounge. These locations are open 365 days a year.
Family Services
Most airport bathrooms provide changing tables with dedicated parent’s rooms.
Airline Lounges
There are two airline lounges at Gold Coast Airport. The Virgin Australia Lounge is located adjacent to gates 1 and 2. Entry is open to guests flying on a Virgin Australia Business Class fare, Gold and Platinum Velocity members and their eligible guest and to Virgin Australia Lounge members. Comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a complimentary selection of food and beverages are just some of the amenities available.
The Qantas Club is located just past security on the left hand side. The Qantas Club features lounge seating and a host of welcoming features including refreshments, shower facilities and a dedicated family zone. Qantas Club is open to elite Qantas Frequent Flyer members as well as high tier frequent flyers from other Oneworld carriers.
Gold Coast Airport uses one main terminal building which is located under one roof and is known as Terminal 1. International operations are located on the northern side of the terminal while domestic operations are located in the rest of the building. There are 7 “gates” or aircraft bays with one utilised for international flights. The airport does not use jet-ways and passengers must walk across the tarmac and enter the aircraft via air stairs. There is a wide variety of food and retail options available when passing the time before a flight. Gift shops, cafes and restaurants are all located directly across from the aircraft bay boarding doors. There are also food and gift options near check-in, before the security check point.
Transfers
The Fastest: Taxi ranks are located just outside of the baggage claim area.
Buses and Car Hire: Local bus #761 connects the airport with Varsity Lakes and the Robina train station. Travel time from the airport to these points is approximately 30 minutes. From Robina, trains are available to points across Brisbane, the northern Gold Coast suburbs and much of South East Queensland, including areas as far north as the Sunshine Coast.
Car Hire is the most efficient form of transport when looking to travel across a wide area. All major car rental companies are located in the baggage claim area at Gold Coast Airport.
Parking
Short Stay parking
The short term area is the closest car park to the terminal building and is intended for users who are parking for less than 10 hours. Ideal for picking passengers up and dropping them off, parking is free for the first 10 minutes. The short term car park entrance is the second on the right when entering the airport property on Terminal Drive.
Long Stay parking
The airport offers a long-term premium car park option which is located in the same conveniently located area as short term parking (second car park on right when entering from Terminal Drive). This premium area costs $30 a day. There are 66 covered parking bays within a gated area. A booking must be made on line at least 3 hours prior to arrival in order to park here. If you’re looking for a cheaper price, there are standard long term parking bays located just steps away from the short term and premium areas however these less costly long term spaces are not covered. Daily rates for parking in the standard long term area is $23 per day.
For those who prefer covered parking but at a lower cost than Premium parking rates, there is a long term car park on the left side of the airport’s Terminal Drive. This covered parking is just $22 a day which reduces to $17 after the fourth day. This parking area is just a short walk to the terminal via an undercover walkway.
As a travel hub for Queensland, the Gold Coast is serviced by a wide range of airlines. The following airlines reach Gold Coast Airport. Don't see the airline you are looking for? Talk to a consultant to book your Gold Coast flights with your preferred airline.
The following airlines reach Gold Coast. Don't see the airline you are looking for? Talk to a consultant to book your Gold Coast flights with your preferred airline.
There is a wide selection of motels, holiday rentals and self-contained units near the airport. The lovely ocean side suburbs of Currumbin, Kirra, Coolangatta and Tweed Heads are just minutes away and feature a wide range of beach front properties to choose from. Use the handy search field below to look for the best property in your desired area or call your Flight Centre consultant for assistance. To book your Gold Coast accommodation, search below or view more accommodation options.
