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Getting around · Sunshine Coast

Getting Around the Sunshine Coast

From Caloundra to Noosa, the Sunshine Coast is spread out and best explored by a mix of TransLink buses, the North Coast rail line and a transfer for the hinterland. Here’s how the pieces fit together.

Travel guide · Updated 31 May 2026 · By the Cooee Tours team

Each section below covers a way to get around, with quick links to the official timetables and operators — followed by our own transfer and charter services and a few common questions.

The 50¢ flat fare

The Sunshine Coast is part of TransLink’s South East Queensland network, so every bus and train journey is a flat 50¢ each way, however far you go.

Coastal buses now accept contactless debit or credit cards and phones as well as go cards; hinterland coaches are cash or paper ticket only. There’s no on-board cash on the main coastal services, so load a go card first.

Buses

Kinetic (formerly Sunbus) runs the coastal TransLink network, linking Caloundra, Kawana, Maroochydore, the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the University of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa.

Up in the hinterland, Glasshouse Country Coaches connect Landsborough, Maleny, Montville and Nambour (routes 890 and 891), and Kangaroo Bus Lines’ route 649 shadows the rail line between Nambour and Caboolture. Note that go cards aren’t valid on the hinterland coaches — pay the driver.

Trains

Queensland Rail’s North Coast line is the Sunshine Coast’s rail spine, with stations at Beerwah, Landsborough, Mooloolah, Eudlo, Palmwoods, Woombye, Nambour, Yandina, Eumundi and Cooroy, running through to Gympie North and south to Brisbane.

The stations sit inland, so most trips pair the train with a connecting bus to reach the beaches. A major upgrade of the Beerburrum–Nambour line is underway to add capacity.

Trams & light railPlanned

There’s no tram or light rail on the Sunshine Coast yet. A future mass-transit corridor — including the long-discussed CAMCOS rail link to Maroochydore — is in planning, but for now the coast moves by bus, train and road.

Ferries

Unlike Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast has no scheduled commuter ferry network — the rivers and the Pumicestone Passage are served by sightseeing and canal cruises rather than public transport. To reach the water, you’ll use road, rail or a transfer.

Taxis

Suncoast Cabs is the main local taxi operator, covering Caloundra through to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola. Ranks are at the airport, shopping centres and town centres, or book on demand.

Rideshare

Uber operates across the Sunshine Coast, including airport pick-ups. Availability is strong along the main coastal strip and thinner up in the hinterland.

Let us handle the getting-around

Timetables are great until you’re tired, on a deadline or travelling as a group. When it counts, our sister services take the guesswork out of the Sunshine Coast.

Airport Transfers

Door-to-door airport transfers — meet-and-greet, fixed prices and no surge pricing, with a driver waiting when you land.

Book a transfer

Coach Charters

Private coaches and mini-buses for groups, events, weddings and corporate travel — your own driver, your own schedule.

Charter a coach

Explore Sunshine Coast

Guided tours and day trips around the Sunshine Coast that handle the logistics so you can enjoy the view.

Explore Sunshine Coast

Common questions

How do I get from Sunshine Coast Airport to my accommodation?

The airport at Marcoola is close to the main beaches; a private transfer or taxi is the easiest with bags, and Uber operates there too. Local Kinetic buses also serve the area.

Can I reach Noosa by public transport?

Yes — Kinetic bus services run up the coast to Noosa Heads and Noosa Junction. Allow extra time, as coastal routes make many stops.

Is there a train to the beach?

The North Coast line stations are inland (Nambour, Landsborough and the like); you connect by bus to reach Maroochydore, Mooloolaba or Noosa.

How much are buses and trains here?

A flat 50¢ per journey on TransLink services, the same as the rest of South East Queensland.