How to Get Around the Sunshine Coast: Your Public Transport Guide
Exploring the Sunshine Coast is easy, affordable and environmentally friendly thanks to a well-connected public transport system. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the hinterland or a local attraction, there are plenty of options to help you get from A to B with ease.
🚌 Buses: Your Coastal Connection
All scheduled bus services on the Sunshine Coast are operated by either Sunbus or Glasshouse Country Coaches under the TransLink system. With regular routes connecting popular destinations like Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Noosa and beyond, it’s an efficient way to travel the Coast.
Heading to the airport? Route 622 services Sunshine Coast Airport, and there are also shuttle, taxi and rideshare options available.
Visit translink or call 13 12 30 for timetables and route info.
🚆 Trains: Coast to Brisbane and Beyond
Trains run daily between Brisbane City and the Sunshine Coast, with most services beginning or ending at Nambour Station. A limited number extend to Gympie North. The 649 RailBus also services the route between Caboolture and Nambour, connecting you with key train stations along the way.
To plan your journey, use the TransLink Journey Planner or download the free MyTransLink app.
💳 Tickets & Fares: Why You’ll Want a go card
Most Sunshine Coast bus and train services use the TransLink ticketing system. The easiest and most cost-effective way to travel is with a go card — an electronic smart card you tap on and off.
Benefits of a go card include:
– At least 30% cheaper than paper tickets
– Automatic fare calculations and discounts
– Access to travel history and auto top-ups when you register your card
– Easy refunds for unused balances (ideal for visitors)
Buy a go card online, at major train stations, or selected retailers like 7-Eleven and NightOwl.
Visitor Options:
– go explore: Unlimited daily travel on Sunshine Coast buses – $10 adults / $5 children
– go seeQ: 3 or 5 consecutive days of unlimited travel across SEQ including Airtrain services
💸 Ways to Save
Make the most of your travel budget with these go card discounts:
– Travel off-peak (8.30am–3.30pm weekdays, after 7pm, weekends, public holidays) to save an extra 20%
– Pay for 8 journeys in a week and travel half price for the rest of the week
– Seniors travel free after two paid journeys in one day
– Kids 5–14 travel free on weekends with a valid child go card
– Kids under 5 travel free every day
🌙 Late Night Travel
Routes 600 and 620 run late Friday and Saturday nights. Secure taxi ranks with marshals operate on weekends in Maroochydore (Ocean St), Mooloolaba Esplanade, and Caloundra (Minchinton St). Rideshare services like Uber are also available 24/7.
🏞️ Exploring the Hinterland
For those venturing inland:
– Route 890: Maleny to Nambour (via Montville, Flaxton & Mapleton – weekdays only)
– Route 891: Maleny to Landsborough (7 days a week)
Note: go cards are not accepted on hinterland qconnect services — purchase tickets directly from the driver.
🚲 Bikes, Surfboards & Large Items
– Small, bagged bikes (max 90cm x 70cm x 36cm) are allowed on buses and some trains
– Larger bikes permitted on off-peak trains only
– Surfboards and bulky items allowed at driver discretion — avoid peak hours
♿ Accessible Travel
The majority of Sunshine Coast public transport is accessible. Low-floor buses with ramps, mobility scooter spaces, and accessible train stations with lifts, ramps, hearing loops and more are available.
For help, contact:
– Sunbus: (07) 5450 7888
– Glasshouse Country Coaches: (07) 5496 9249
– Queensland Rail: 13 16 17
📱 Real-Time Info & Journey Planning
Get up-to-the-minute updates with:
– The MyTransLink app (App Store & Google Play)
– TransLink’s 24/7 contact centre on 13 12 30
Final Tips for Travelling the Sunshine Coast
– Arrive 5 mins early and check your destination sign before boarding
– Raise your hand to signal the driver
– Touch on and off with your go card — it ensures your fare is calculated correctly
– Always carry your concession card if travelling on a reduced fare
– Need a lift with extra support? Accessible taxis are available on request through Suncoast Cabs.
With reliable services, real-time updates, and travel passes to suit locals and tourists alike, public transport is a smart way to experience the Sunshine Coast. Save money, skip the stress of parking, and enjoy the journey.