Go Card Explained: Public Transport in Brisbane and South East Queensland

Planning to explore Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and everywhere in between? The go card is your easy gateway to buses, trains, ferries and the Gold Coast tram. In this complete guide, you will learn exactly how the go card works, where to buy it, how to top it up, the best ways to save on fares, and smart tips for smooth travel across South East Queensland. Whether you are a visitor eager to hit the river, beaches and hinterland, or a local who wants stress-free commuting, consider this your travel companion for the Translink network.

Why the go card is the key to effortless travel

The go card is a reloadable smart card used to pay for public transport across the Translink network in South East Queensland. One tap on and one tap off covers your fare with automatic zone calculation and off-peak discounts. No need to fuss with paper tickets or queues at stations. Tap, ride, explore.

• Works on: Brisbane and SEQ buses, Queensland Rail suburban trains, CityCat and ferry services in Brisbane, and the G:link light rail on the Gold Coast
• Accepted across a huge region: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redlands and beyond
• Simple savings: off-peak discounts and free transfers within the journey window
• Ideal for visitors and locals: fast, contactless and budget-friendly

Travel tip: Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast form a sprawling region. If you plan to hop between them, the go card makes long-distance travel easy and often cheaper than single-use tickets.

What is Translink and how fares work in SEQ

Translink is Queensland’s integrated public transport authority for South East Queensland. The network uses a zonal fare system, which means your fare is based on how many fare zones you travel through, not how many transfers you make. SEQ is divided into zones that step out from central Brisbane to the coast and hinterland. The go card calculates the correct fare automatically when you touch on and touch off.

Highlights of the SEQ fare model:

• Zonal fares across a connected network
• Free transfers within a set transfer window so you pay for the overall journey, not each leg
• Off-peak fares that cost less outside commuter rush times
• Capping and concessions for eligible passengers

Note: Fare structures, discounts and time windows can change. Always check the latest Translink information before you travel.

Go card at a glance

• Card types: Adult, Child, Concession, Senior
• Where to use it: Buses, trains, ferries, G:link tram
• Where to get it: Train stations, major busway stations, ferry terminals, selected retailers and online
• How to pay: Preload credit by cash or card. Set up auto top-up if you like
• Tap rules: Touch on at the start of your ride and touch off at the end to be charged the correct fare

If you forget to touch off, the system charges a default fare that can be higher than your normal fare. If it was an honest mistake, you can often fix it later online.

Who should get a go card

• Visitors who plan to ride public transport for more than one or two trips
• Locals who commute or mix modes, for example train plus bus
• Families exploring riverfront attractions, theme parks and beaches
• Students who want concession fares and easy transfers

If you are only taking one or two rides, check whether contactless payment with a bank card or mobile wallet is available on your route. For most travelers, the go card still delivers the best flexibility and discounts, especially if you are eligible for concession fares.

Where to buy a go card

You can buy a go card at:

• Train station ticket offices and fare machines
• Major busway and ferry terminals
• Selected retailers and newsagents displaying the Translink sign
• Online through Translink, with delivery or pickup options

Tip for flyers: Arriving at Brisbane Airport? You can use the go card on the Airtrain, which links the terminals to the city and beyond. You can also buy and top up the card at the airport stations. Compare Airtrain online specials as they sometimes beat pay-as-you-go fares for the airport segment.

How much does a go card cost

You pay for two things:

1. A small card purchase fee
2. The travel credit you load onto the card

The purchase fee is refundable in many cases when you return the card in good condition. Load enough credit for your first few trips, then top up as you go. If you are staying a week or more, auto top-up is convenient and makes sure you never get caught short.

How to top up your go card

• On the spot: Fare machines at stations, some ferry terminals, and many retailer partners
• At counters: Train station ticket offices during staffed hours
• Online: Through your Translink account
• Auto top-up: Link a bank card to automatically add funds when your balance drops below a set threshold

Pro tip: Set up online access so you can check balances, set auto top-up and view trip history. If you misplace your card, you can transfer the balance to a replacement card in many cases.

How to use the go card step by step

1. Approach the reader or gate with your card ready
2. Touch on at the start:
   • Trains: at platform gates or station readers
   • G:link: at station readers before boarding
   • Buses: at the reader near the driver when you board
   • Ferries: at the terminal reader before you board
3. Tap off at the end:
   • Trains: at the exit gate
   • G:link: at the station reader as you leave
   • Buses: at the rear or front reader when getting off
   • Ferries: at the terminal reader after you disembark
4. Watch the screen for your balance and confirmation

Keep your card separate from other contactless cards to avoid card clash. If two cards touch the reader at once, the system might charge the wrong one.

Fares, zones and when you save money

The number of zones you cross determines the base fare. From there, you can save with:

• Off-peak discounts on most routes
• Free transfers within a set time window
• Concession fares if you are eligible

Off-peak periods typically apply outside commuter rush times on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays. If your schedule is flexible, riding off-peak is a simple way to keep costs down and enjoy a more relaxed journey.

Understanding transfers and the journey window

One of the biggest advantages of the go card is that you can change from bus to train to ferry and still pay for a single journey, as long as you transfer within the allowed time and keep moving in the same general direction. Each tap on and tap off counts as part of one continuous journey.

Tips to protect your fare:

• Always tap off to close a trip and calculate the correct zone count
• If you change lines or modes, tap on again at the next service
• Avoid long breaks mid-journey that might exceed the transfer window

If you miss a tap or get charged a default fare, you can often request a fix through your Translink account. Keep your card registered for easy fare adjustments.

Go card types explained

Choosing the right card helps you get the right price.

• Adult: Standard full fare for passengers 15 and over who are not eligible for concession
• Child: For children up to a set age, often 5 to 14. Kids under 5 can usually travel free on most services with a paying adult
• Concession: For eligible passengers such as seniors, pensioners and some tertiary students. You will need proof of eligibility and to link your entitlement to the card
• Senior: Special concessions for holders of recognized senior cards, within Translink rules

Eligibility rules update from time to time, including arrangements for tertiary and international students. Check the Translink website for current criteria and how to link your card to your concession entitlement.

Visitors: best ways to ride and save

Brisbane and the Gold Coast welcome millions of visitors, and public transport is a dependable way to get from the airport to the city, across the river, or down to the coast.

Visitor-friendly picks:

• Get an Adult go card at the airport, a city station or a retailer near your accommodation
• Ride the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport to the city and change for South Bank, Fortitude Valley or onward travel
• Use your go card on the G:link tram to move between Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach and Southport
• Combine train plus bus to reach theme parks from the Gold Coast
• Head north to the Sunshine Coast with a combination of train to Nambour or Landsborough and a connecting bus to coastal hubs

There are also tourist products on the Gold Coast, such as the go explore card that offers unlimited daily travel on certain services for a flat fee. Availability and prices change, so check current details before you buy.

Sample itineraries with a go card

• Brisbane River Day:

  • Train to South Bank, stroll the parklands
  • CityCat ferry to New Farm Park for a picnic
  • Ferry back to Howard Smith Wharves for dinner
  • Go card covers train and ferry with transfers

• City to Coast:

  • Train from Brisbane Central to Helensvale
  • G:link tram to Surfers Paradise
  • Bus to Burleigh Heads for the ocean walk
  • Ride back via tram and train in the evening

• Sunshine Coast Escape:

  • Train to Landsborough
  • Bus to Mooloolaba Beach or Noosa
  • Return off-peak for savings

Airport transport with a go card

• Brisbane Airport: The Airtrain connects both terminals to city stations, the Gold Coast line and the broader network. Go card is accepted and makes connecting simple. Airtrain often offers online specials, so compare if your travel day is fixed
• Gold Coast Airport: Public buses connect the airport to the G:link at Broadbeach South. Tap your go card on the bus, then transfer to the tram for Surfers Paradise or a train connection at Helensvale

For early mornings or late nights, check timetables in advance. The Translink app will show real-time options.

G:link light rail with a go card

The Gold Coast tram is the easiest way to move along the coastal corridor. Tap on at platform readers before boarding and tap off when you exit. Trams run frequently, especially during the day, and connect with theme park buses at Helensvale station and surf beaches from Main Beach to Broadbeach.

Ferries and CityCats in Brisbane

Brisbane’s river defines the city, and the ferry network is part of the fun. Use your go card on:

• CityCats that run long distances along the river
• Cross-river ferries for quick hops
• CityFerries servicing popular stops like South Bank, Eagle Street and New Farm Park

Ferries offer prime city views for the price of a standard fare, especially off-peak. Always check service notices for any temporary route changes.

Buses and busways

Brisbane’s busways are dedicated transit corridors that keep buses moving between major hubs like South Bank, Cultural Centre, King George Square and Mater Hill. The go card makes bus travel easy:

• Tap on near the driver when you board
• Tap off near the rear doors or at the front when you exit
• Watch the display to confirm your tap and balance

Bus travel fills the gaps between train lines and ferry stops, so you can reach neighborhoods, universities, hospitals and stadiums with fewer transfers.

Trains across SEQ

Queensland Rail suburban trains cover the spine of SEQ. With a go card, you can:

• Tap in at gated stations and head to your platform
• Change lines at Central, Roma Street, Eagle Junction, Bowen Hills and other interchanges
• Ride long distances for a very competitive fare compared to rideshare or car hire, especially off-peak

If you are planning a beach day or hinterland hike, check for track works during weekends or public holidays and allow a little extra time for replacement buses.

Smart Ticketing and contactless payment

Queensland is rolling out Smart Ticketing, which enables contactless payment with Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards and mobile wallets on selected routes and modes. The go card remains fully supported and is still the best option for concessions and many regular travellers.

What to know about contactless:

• Availability is expanding across modes and stations, with staged rollouts
• Contactless usually charges an Adult fare only
• You still need to tap on and tap off
• Keep one card or device ready to avoid card clash

If you are eligible for concession fares or want the widest acceptance, choose the go card. If you are in a hurry for a one-off ride and see a contactless reader, your bank card may be convenient.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Forgetting to tap off: You may be charged a default fare. Set a reminder or put the card in your hand as the stop approaches
• Card clash: Keep only one contactless card or device near the reader
• Low balance: Set auto top-up or check balances in the Translink app
• Boarding at the wrong zone: Confirm the direction and service on station screens
• Missing the transfer window: Move steadily between services and watch changing times in the app

If you were overcharged because of a missed tap or faulty reader, lodge a fix request through your online account. Keep your trips visible by registering your card.

Accessibility and traveling with children

• Accessible transport: Many train stations, ferry terminals and tram platforms have lifts and ramps. Buses kneel and have wheelchair spaces on most routes. Check the app for accessible services and platforms
• Parents and prams: Bus drivers can kneel the vehicle and deploy ramps on request. Ferries and trams have level boarding at most stops
• Children’s fares: Child go cards offer discounted fares. Younger children may travel free with a paying adult on many services
• Priority seating: Marked seats are available on all modes. Offer them to those who need them most

Safety and etiquette on SEQ transport

• Stand behind the platform line and wait for passengers to alight before boarding
• Keep doorways clear, move down the carriage or bus
• No feet on seats and keep food tidy
• Tap on and off promptly to prevent queues
• On ferries, listen to crew instructions and mind the gap when boarding

Queenslanders are friendly and patient. A little courtesy keeps journeys smooth for everyone.

How to plan your trip like a pro

Use the Translink app or website for:

• Real-time departures and platform info
• Disruption alerts and stop closures
• Fare estimates by zone and time of day
• Journey planning across train, bus, ferry and tram

Add your go card to your online account to view balance and rides. When exploring new areas, download offline maps and double check last services if you are out late.

Traveling to theme parks with a go card

From Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach:

• Tram to Helensvale
• Bus to Movie World, Wet’n’Wild or Dreamworld

From Brisbane:

• Train to Helensvale or Coomera
• Transfer to theme park bus routes

The go card covers the entire trip with transfers. Start early on school holidays for shorter queues.

Day trips worth the tap

• North Stradbroke Island: Train to Cleveland, short walk or connecting bus to the ferry terminal. Purchase island ferry tickets separately, then use local island buses with cash or accepted methods
• Glass House Mountains: Train to Glasshouse Mountains or Beerburrum, then hike accessible trails near the station
• Noosa Heads: Train to Nambour or Landsborough, connecting bus to Hastings Street and the National Park
• Tamborine Mountain: Train to Beenleigh or Helensvale, then a scenic bus ride up the mountain

Always check weekend timetables. Some routes run less often on Sundays and public holidays.

Refunds, returns and lost cards

• Returning your card: Many travelers return their go card and receive a refund of the purchase fee and remaining balance, subject to conditions
• Lost or stolen: If your card is registered, you can block it and transfer the balance to a new card
• Damaged cards: Visit a staffed station or contact Translink for a replacement process

Keep your receipts or online records if you expect to request a refund later.

Business and frequent travel

If you manage travel for a team or commute daily:

• Register cards for transaction summaries
• Use auto top-up for uninterrupted travel
• Travel off-peak where possible
• Explore weekly patterns to reduce costs, for example consolidating meetings to avoid peak fares

Public transport lanes and busways often beat car traffic into the city during busy periods, so the go card can be a time saver as well as a money saver.

Sustainable travel in SEQ

Riding with a go card is a smart choice for the planet:

• Fewer cars on the road means lower emissions
• Modern ferries, buses and trams are increasingly energy efficient
• Walking and riding to stations keeps your day active

Pair public transport with Brisbane’s and the Gold Coast’s growing network of riverside and coastal walks for an easy, low-impact adventure.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need a go card if I have a contactless bank card?

  • Contactless is being rolled out and is available on many services, but not everywhere yet. Contactless usually charges Adult fares only. The go card is best for concessions, broader acceptance and consistent discounts

• Can two people use one go card?

  • No. Each rider needs their own card to tap on and off

• What happens if I forget to tap off?

  • You will likely be charged a default fare. You can often request a fare adjustment through your Translink account if it was an error

• Is there a daily cap?

  • Translink uses zonal fares with transfer windows and off-peak discounts. Capping arrangements can change, so check current rules on the Translink site

• Do balances expire?

  • Your card remains valid when used regularly. If a card is unused for an extended period, it may become inactive. Balances are generally refundable subject to conditions

• Can I use the go card in other parts of Queensland?

  • The go card is designed for South East Queensland’s Translink network. Other regions may use different ticketing arrangements

Quick checklist before you ride

• Get a go card and load credit
• Register your card online
• Download the Translink app
• Plan your first journey and check for off-peak times
• Keep the card handy and away from other contactless cards
• Tap on and tap off every time

Conclusion: tap into the best of Brisbane and SEQ

From skyscrapers to surf beaches, rainforests to riverfront dining, South East Queensland is made for exploring. The go card is your simple, reliable and budget-friendly ticket to it all. One tap takes you from the airport to the city, onto the river, down the coast or up to the mountains. Add off-peak savings, seamless transfers and expanding smart ticketing, and you can travel like a local in no time.

Pick up a go card when you arrive, add a little credit, and set out for South Bank’s parklands, Fortitude Valley’s bars, Surfers Paradise’s shoreline and Noosa’s headlands. Public transport in Brisbane and SEQ is integrated, frequent and easy. Your go card is the key.