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Getting around · Queensland

Getting Around Queensland

Queensland is vast — bigger than most countries — so getting around means everything from a 50¢ city ferry to a multi-day train through the Outback. This is the big-picture guide, with links to each region’s detail.

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

Across the whole state, TransLink ties together the public transport network, and a single journey on any TransLink bus, train, ferry, tram or on-demand service is a flat 50¢ — permanently, since 2025.

That covers South East Queensland’s full network and regional urban buses in centres like Cairns, Rockhampton, Yeppoon and the Whitsundays. Long-distance Queensland Rail Travel trains and the Brisbane Airtrain sit outside the 50¢ fare with their own pricing.

City & regional buses

TransLink contracts local bus networks statewide — Transport for Brisbane and the Brisbane Metro in the capital, and operators like Kinetic, CDC Queensland and Whitsunday Transit in the regions — all at the 50¢ fare.

Pay by go card, contactless card or paper ticket. Regional urban buses also take cash on board.

Suburban & long-distance trains

South East Queensland has an extensive Queensland Rail commuter network around Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. For the long haul, Queensland Rail Travel runs some of Australia’s great rail journeys: the Spirit of Queensland (Brisbane–Cairns), the Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane–Longreach), the Tilt Train, the Westlander and the Inlander.

The Brisbane Airtrain links the airport to the city on its own fare.

Ferries

Water is part of daily life here. Brisbane’s CityCats ply the river at 50¢, while commercial ferries connect the islands — Moreton and North Stradbroke (Minjerribah) off Brisbane, Magnetic Island off Townsville, the Keppels off Yeppoon, K’gari (Fraser Island), and the Whitsundays.

Trams & light rail

Queensland’s only tram (light rail) system is the Gold Coast’s G:link, running along the coast from Helensvale through Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach — and it’s part of the 50¢ network. No other Queensland city currently has trams.

Taxis & rideshare

13CABS and other operators cover the cities and most regional centres, and rideshare (Uber, DiDi, Ola, Bolt) operates across the major centres and many regional towns, including Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and the Whitsundays.

Coverage thins in remote areas, where a pre-booked transfer is the wiser choice.

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 Queensland.

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

Browse all tours

Guided small-group tours across Queensland that handle the logistics so you can enjoy the view.

Browse all tours

Common questions

Is public transport really 50 cents across Queensland?

Yes — a flat 50¢ per journey applies to all TransLink buses, trains, ferries, trams and on-demand services, made permanent in 2025. Long-distance trains and the Airtrain are the main exceptions.

What’s the best long-distance train in Queensland?

The Spirit of Queensland (Brisbane–Cairns) is the flagship coastal run; the Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane–Longreach) is the classic Outback journey.

Does Queensland have trams?

Only on the Gold Coast — the G:link light rail, which is included in the 50¢ fare.

Which region should I read about next?

Pick your destination below — each guide covers the local buses, trains, ferries, taxis and transfers in detail.

Getting around other regions