Go Card and TransLink: Public Transport in South East Queensland

What is the go card?

The go card is a small smartcard you tap on readers at train stations, bus stops, and ferry terminals. It holds credit that you draw from each time you travel on any TransLink service in South East Queensland. Unlike some Australian transport systems that charge different fares based on distance or zones, TransLink operates on a flat-fare model: every journey costs the same regardless of whether you're traveling one stop or across the entire region. The card itself is plastic, about the size of a credit card, and is free or low-cost to buy.

TransLink services covered by the go card

TransLink runs multiple transport types across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and the Ipswich region. The go card works on all of them:

• Buses: The most frequent and extensive service. Buses run in the city and suburbs, with different routes and timetables. Touch on when you board, touch off when you exit.
• Trains: Heavy rail and light rail lines connecting suburbs, major hubs, and the Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast areas. Touch on and off at entry and exit. Airtrain, the separate service connecting Brisbane Airport, is NOT covered by the go card's 50-cent fare and is priced separately — check airtrain.com.au before you travel.
• Ferries: CityCat ferries on the Brisbane River (and regional ferries) are included. Touch on and off at ferry terminals.
• Light rail: The G:link tram in Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Touch on and off at tram stops.

All of the above accept the go card at the same 50-cent flat fare.

The 50-cent flat fare and how it works

TransLink's defining feature is the 50-cent flat fare on almost every service — bus, train (excluding Airtrain), ferry, tram, and on-demand transport across South East Queensland. You do not pay more for longer distances or travel to outer suburbs. This makes TransLink significantly cheaper than distance-based systems and removes the complexity of working out how much a trip will cost.

To make use of this fare, you must touch on AND touch off. The system needs to record both points to charge you correctly. Forgetting to touch off usually results in a default fare charge, which defeats the purpose of the flat fare. Always touch off at your destination.

Getting a go card

You can buy a go card at several locations:

• Train stations: Staffed stations and unmanned ticket machines at major stations sell cards.
• Convenience stores and newsagents: Many shops in Brisbane and coastal areas stock them.
• Online: Order a card in advance from the TransLink website and have it posted to you.
• Transport retailers: Dedicated transport ticket shops in city centers.

The card costs a small amount (check the current price on the TransLink website). Once you have a card, it's reusable — you do not need to buy a new one when you move suburbs or change jobs within the TransLink network.

Topping up your go card

Once you have a card, you need to load credit onto it before you can travel. There are several ways to do this:

• Online: Use the TransLink website to top up with a bank card. This is the fastest way for most people.
• At a machine: Automated machines at train stations, major bus stops, and transport retailers accept cash and cards.
• In-app: If TransLink offers a mobile app, you may be able to top up through it.
• Auto top-up: Link your bank card to your go card account so the card automatically recharges when the balance falls below a set amount. This removes the need to remember to top up manually.

Most new arrivals find online or auto top-up easiest because it works from your phone and never leaves you stranded with an empty card.

Touching on and touching off

The go card uses contactless technology, similar to a bank card. To use it:

• When you board: Hold your card to the reader on the bus, train, or ferry. You'll hear a beep and see a green light, confirming the touch-on is recorded.
• When you exit: Touch off at the reader when you leave. This is important — forgetting to touch off charges you the default fare, not the flat 50-cent fare. Some bus routes are touch-on only, so check the signage at your local stops.

TransLink's contactless payment system

TransLink's Smart Ticketing system lets you tap a contactless debit or credit card, or a linked phone or smartwatch, directly on the card reader — no go card required. Contactless payment is now available on all South East Queensland trains, trams, ferries and buses, at the same 50-cent flat fare as the go card, whether you tap on with a go card, a contactless bank card, or a paper ticket.

If you use contactless payment, you must tap on and tap off with the SAME card or device for your whole journey, including any transfers between services — tapping on with one card and off with another (or mixing a go card with a bank card) means the system won't recognise it as a transfer and may charge you twice. A digital wallet (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay) counts as a different payment method from the matching physical card, even when they're linked to the same bank account. You can still use a go card or a paper ticket if you prefer not to use contactless payment.

Is the go card the only way to pay on TransLink?

No. Contactless payment — tapping a contactless debit or credit card, or a linked phone or smartwatch — is now available on all South East Queensland trains, trams, ferries and buses, at the same 50-cent fare as the go card. You can still use a go card or buy a paper ticket if you prefer.

What happens if I forget to touch off?

The system charges a default fare, which is higher than the 50-cent flat fare. Always touch off when you exit to ensure you pay only 50 cents.

Can I use my bank card instead of a go card?

Yes. Contactless payment is available across all South East Queensland trains, trams, ferries and buses at the same 50-cent flat fare as the go card. Tap on and tap off with the same card or device for the whole journey, including transfers — mixing cards can mean you're charged twice.

Is the go card expensive to buy?

No, the card itself costs a small amount (check the TransLink website for the current price). The cost of travel depends on the credit you load onto it — each journey on almost any service is a flat 50 cents (Airtrain is excluded).

Do I need to carry the card everywhere?

No, not necessarily. Since contactless payment now works on all South East Queensland trains, trams, ferries and buses, you can tap a contactless debit or credit card, or a linked phone or smartwatch, instead of carrying a go card.

Is public transport cheaper than driving in South East Queensland?

Yes. At 50 cents per journey, public transport is far cheaper than running a car for daily commuting, especially in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. There's no fuel cost, no parking fee, and no maintenance expense. For weekend trips and regular commutes, the go card's flat fare saves money quickly.