Cross River Rail: Link broken between Brisbane Airport and Gold Coast

South East Queensland’s $5.4 billion Cross River Rail network promises faster and more frequent services, but it comes at a cost.

It’s been billed as the game changer for Queensland’s train network, but details of the Cross River Rail project have left Gold Coast leaders stunned.

The Airtrain linking the Gold Coast with Brisbane Airport is one of the Queensland tourism industry’s most successful assets, but it will be no more once Cross River Rail takes effect, with commuters instead forced to change trains at either Roma Street or Eagle Junction station.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the move would be “a huge disincentive” for travellers to take the train from Brisbane to the tourist strip.

“Something isn’t right when the two biggest cities in Queensland, with two major international airports, won’t have a direct airtrain service,” he said.

“I accept that the services from the Coast to Brisbane City will be faster, but having to change for an airport connection is a huge disincentive.

“The whole intent of Cross River Rail is more services, faster services and greater reliability.

“That seems to not apply to the critical airport direct services.”

Tom Tate

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Brett Fraser said it was disappointing to see the direct rail link cut.

“It’s probably going to be an annoyance to lose that convenience, but as long as they get the design features right so people don’t have to cart luggage halfway across a station I don’t think it will actually deter visitors,” he said.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said it was less than ideal.

“Seamless travel between Brisbane and the Gold Coast is so important to our visitor economy, especially for visitors travelling through Brisbane Airport,” she said.

“We know that travellers are looking for ease of connectivity when planning their transport options, while frequency of services is also a priority.”

Brisbane Airport spokesman Stephen Beckett said the Airtrain link to the Gold Coast provided an essential service for travellers.

“Fast, reliable and affordable public transport is essential for Brisbane Airport,” he said.

“We’ll work with all levels of Government to ensure Queenslanders who need to get to the airport, can do so as easily as possible.”