Flights from Sydney to Gold Coast

Arriving at Gold Coast Airport (OOL)

Gold Coast Airport (OOL), formerly known as Coolangatta Airport, is one of the fastest-growing airports in Australia. Close to the cultural centres of the Gold Coast, and cut in half by the border between Queensland and New South Wales, it’s not hard to see why Gold Coast Airport is an important destination for Australian tourism.

The most popular day trip destinations from the Gold Coast are Byron Bay (75 minutes’ drive), North Stradbroke (3-hour drive and ferry), Gold Coast Hinterland (30 minutes’ drive) and Brisbane (1.5-hour drive).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there travel restrictions in place between Sydney (SYD) and the Gold Coast (OOL)?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a number of interstate travel restrictions put in place by State and Territory governments. You can check out our page on Current Travel Restrictions in Australia to see how they might affect travel for you. While we try to be as accurate as possible, restrictions can often change quickly.

If you are concerned that information might be out-of-date, you can double-check the NSW and QLD Government websites for new travel restriction information.

Which airlines offer flights from Sydney to the Gold Coast?

Coolangatta Airport on the Gold Coast has one terminal for both domestic and international flights. The airlines that operate in and out of Coolangatta Airport include Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Tigerair, Air New Zealand, Air Asia X, Scoot and Hong Kong Airlines.

How long does it usually take to fly from Sydney to the Gold Coast?

The average flight time from Sydney to the Gols Coast is around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is one of Australia's busiest airports and right in the middle of the Queensland and New South Wales border — so it is usually bustling with travellers and delays are always possible with any airline.

What’s the best way to get around the Gold Coast when arriving from Sydney?

When you arrive at Gold Coast Airport from Sydney, it should take approximately 40–50 minutes to drive to Surfers Paradise in the Gold Coast CBD (27 kilometres). The Gold Coast is on of the larger cities in Queensland covers approximately 414 square kilometres. If you’re trying to get around without a car, ashuttle bus operates from Coolangatta Airport to Surfers Paradise and takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.

The Gold Coast offers an extensive network of public transport options to explore the city after you have arrived at the Gold Coast Airport (OOL). Visitors with flights from Sydney can reach most places by catching a train, bus or light rail tram. You can read more about each of these on our extensive guide to Gold Coast Airport.

What is the best time to visit the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast experiences beautiful weather and sunshine year-round. Spring and autumn are widely considered to be the best times to purchase Sydney to Gold Coast return flights as the weather is warm, averaging around 20–28°C, and there’s not much rain. If you are looking to spend lots of time at the beach, you may love a summer visit to the Gold Coast. Weather is hot and there’s lots of sunshine; however, there is also more humidity at this time of year.

There are a couple times of year when the Gold Coast is especially busy. As a spot that’s a popular destination for families, the Gold Coast can get busy during school holidays. Between mid-November and early December, the Gold Coast fills up with recent graduates on ‘Schoolies.’ During Schoolies, the beaches and nightlife get particularly busy. If you’ll be travelling with flights Sydney to Gold Coast during one of these times, be sure to book your hotel early to lock in the best rate.

During the winter months is when there is the lowest humidity and the smallest chance of rain. It is the ideal time to reserve Sydney to Gold Coast flights if you’re looking to enjoy hiking in the Hinterland. However, winter can be a bit too chilly for lounging on the beach.