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Gold Coast, Queensland to Rainbow Beach, Queensland from $30: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Gold Coast, Australia
to
Rainbow Beach, Australia

How to Get from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$30 - Train, Bus via CooroyBest price
319 kmDistance
3h 50m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Greyhound Australia
Bus
Average Duration
7h  7m
Estimated price
$32-68
Recommended
Company
Various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
8h  26m
Estimated price
$30-360
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 319 km
Duration: 3h 50m

See more options

Company
Various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
7h  51m
Estimated price
$32-70
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
3h  50m
Estimated price
$40-60
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
8h  45m
Estimated price
$45-89
Company
Various
Train
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
6h  11m
Estimated price
$159-352
Company
Various
Train
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
7h  19m
Estimated price
$169-338
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Traveling From Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach

The journey from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach showcases a shift from bustling city life and vibrant beaches to serene landscapes and natural beauty.

Best Neighbourhoods in Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach features charming neighborhoods that enhance your visit experience.

Rainbow Beach Village
• Close to the beach and local shops.
• Great dining options for all tastes.
Inskip Point
• Access to stunning coastal views.
• Perfect for camping and water activities.
Carlo Sand Blow
• Unique sand dune landscape to explore.
• Ideal for picturesque sunset views.

Best Times To Visit Rainbow Beach's Attractions

Timing your visit to Rainbow Beach's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Rainbow Beach
Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for fewer crowds and stunning views.
Carlo Sand Blow
Visit during weekdays to enjoy tranquility and soft light for photography.
Inskip Point
Go in the early spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer visitors.

Rainbow Beach Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Rainbow Beach enjoys a subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are during spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Dining Recommendation in Rainbow Beach

For a truly local experience, try the fresh seafood at the Rainbow Beach Hotel, where the catch of the day is always a standout. This dining spot contrasts with Gold Coast's bustling eateries, offering a more laid-back atmosphere and a focus on seasonal ingredients that showcase the area's rich marine bounty.

Gold Coast - Rainbow Beach operators

Explore transport companies operating between Gold Coast and Rainbow Beach, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus
Contact phone
131 500
Website
https://transportnsw.info/regional

Bus from Surfers Paradise Coach Transit Centre, Beach Rd to Brisbane

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
AU$5-9
Contact phone
1300 473946
Website
https://www.greyhound.com.au

Bus from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach

Average Duration
5h 5m
Estimated price
AU$30-60

Bus from Surfers Paradise to Brisbane Domestic Airport

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
AU$14-25

Bus from Brisbane Airport Domestic to Rainbow Beach

Average Duration
5h 45m
Estimated price
AU$30-65
Contact phone
13 34 10
Website
https://premierms.com.au/

Bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Rainbow Beach

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
AU$26-35

Bus from Cooroy to Rainbow Beach

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
AU$17-23
Train
Contact phone
13 12 30
Website
https://translink.com.au/

Train from Helensvale station to Roma Street

Average Duration
1h 3m
Estimated price
AU$4-7

Train from Roma Street to Cooroy station

Average Duration
2h 23m
Estimated price
AU$7-11
Contact phone
1800 872 467
Website
https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Train from Roma Street to Cooroy

Average Duration
Estimated price
AU$9-15
Plane
Website
https://www.qantas.com

Plane from Brisbane Airport to Hervey Bay Airport

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
AU$120-300
Other Show other routes
Website
https://www.linkairways.com

Other from Brisbane Airport to Bundaberg

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
AU$120-260

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Gold Coast and Rainbow Beach is approximately 236.6 km by road. Traveling by car, it typically takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes to reach Gold Coast from Rainbow Beach. Alternatively, if you choose to go by public transportation, you can take a train and then a bus, which would take approximately 8 hours and 27 minutes. Another option is to take a bus directly from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach, which would take approximately 7 hours and 7 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach is by taking a train and bus via Cooroy, which costs $29-$55 and takes 8 hours and 27 minutes. This option may not be the quickest, but it is the most budget-friendly. However, if time is of the essence, driving is the most time-efficient option, taking approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes.
The prices for a bus between Gold Coast and Rainbow Beach vary from $30 to $88.
To travel from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach without using public transportation, the best option would be to drive. The distance between the two locations is 318.7 km, and it takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to drive from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach. The cost of driving by car typically ranges from $40 to $60, depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.
The most convenient way to travel from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 7 hours and 7 minutes and there are several operators offering this service. The cost of the bus ticket ranges from $30 to $90 depending on the operator and the time of travel.
There is no direct link between Gold Coast and Rainbow Beach. However, you can take a bus from Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach with transfers in Brisbane. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 7 minutes. The bus services are operated by NSW TrainLink and Greyhound Australia.
The flight between Gold Coast and Rainbow Beach typically takes 50 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability, but generally, prices range from around $150 to $250 per person for a one-way ticket.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Rainbow Beach with over 198 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $63 per night, offering a range of affordable options.

Trips from Gold Coast