One of Australia's most accessible holiday destinations — under 90 minutes from Brisbane by car, direct flights from all major Australian cities, and now an international airport with routes to New Zealand and Singapore. Here's everything you need to plan your journey.
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is located at Marcoola, just 10 minutes from Mooloolaba and 35 minutes from Noosa. It's a modern, relaxed airport — no fighting through Brisbane traffic, no interminable terminal walks. Arrivals and car hire are straightforward, and you'll be on the beach in under half an hour from landing.
🌏
MCY is now an International Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport has opened its international terminal, with direct routes now operating to New Zealand (Auckland) and Singapore via Bali. More international routes are expected to come online soon — making the Sunshine Coast an increasingly viable direct-arrival point for international visitors without the need to transit through Brisbane.
🇳🇿 Auckland (AKL)🇸🇬 Singapore via BaliMore routes coming soon
Airport code: MCY
📍 Friendship Drive, Marcoola QLD 4564 🚗 10 min to Mooloolaba 🚗 20 min to Caloundra 🚗 35 min to Noosa
Flying into Brisbane instead?
Brisbane Airport (BNE) adds ~25 minutes and ~30 km to your drive, but often offers cheaper fares and more airline options. Always compare both airports before booking.
Flights to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)
Sydney (SYD) → Sunshine Coast (MCY)
Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas
Direct flights to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)
~1h 25m
Multiple daily
Melbourne (MEL) → Sunshine Coast (MCY)
Jetstar, Virgin Australia
Direct to MCY — often cheaper than flying via Brisbane
International — clear customs at MCY. Direct service to New Zealand.
~3h 30m
Several weekly
Singapore (SIN) via Bali 🌏 → Sunshine Coast (MCY)INTERNATIONAL
International service
Via Bali (DPS) — clear international customs at MCY. New route now operating.
~8h
Weekly
Option 02
🚗 Drive from Brisbane
The drive from Brisbane is one of Australia's great holiday road trips. Straight up the Bruce Highway, the Glass House Mountains rise dramatically on your left as you leave the city sprawl behind — a natural signal that you've left Brisbane and the Coast is close. The road is fast, the drive is easy, and there are good stops along the way if you're not in a rush.
Brisbane CBD
🏙️ → Caloundra
~1h 10m
94 km
Via: Bruce Highway (M1) north to Caloundra Rd exit
💡 Avoid Friday afternoon — peak holiday traffic backs up from 3pm. Leave before 2pm or after 7pm.
Brisbane CBD
🏄 → Mooloolaba
~1h 20m
108 km
Via: Bruce Highway north, Mooloolaba Rd exit
💡 Straight up the M1. Easy drive. Mooloolaba Rd takes you directly to the Esplanade.
Brisbane CBD
🌿 → Noosa Heads
~1h 45m
145 km
Via: Bruce Highway north, Cooroy exit or Noosa Dr
💡 On a Wednesday or Saturday, time the drive to stop at Eumundi Markets just off the highway.
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
✈️ → Sunshine Coast
+25 min
+30 km
Via: Airport Link tunnel → Bruce Hwy north
💡 Avoid peak hours — the stretch from Brisbane Airport north can get congested heading into a weekend.
Gold Coast
🌊 → Sunshine Coast
~2h
~170 km
Via: M1 through Brisbane, continue north
💡 Great option if combining both coasts in one trip. Check your route — tolls may apply (~$8–$15).
Stops worth making on the drive up
🌋 Glass House Mountains
Stop at the lookout on Old Gympie Road for the full panorama of all eleven peaks — especially dramatic at sunset on the northbound trip.
📸 Wild Horse Mountain
The most accessible lookout point in the Glass House area, with actual brumbies roaming the surrounding forest — a genuine surprise for first-timers.
🛍️ Eumundi Markets
Driving through on a Wednesday or Saturday? Detour to Eumundi Markets — just off the highway, 600+ artisan stalls, and one of Australia's best market experiences.
🦘 Australia Zoo
Steve Irwin's legendary zoo sits right on the Bruce Highway at Beerwah — an easy stop if you have kids in the car or simply want to meet a koala on the way.
Option 03
🚌 Bus & Coach
Several coach services run daily between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, stopping at major towns including Caloundra, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Noosa. A budget-friendly option — particularly useful if you're arriving into Brisbane city or Brisbane Airport and don't want to rent a car.
* Queensland Government 50c flat bus fare applies to Translink services as of 2024.
Option 04
🚕 Airport Transfers
From Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), your accommodation is typically 10–40 minutes away depending on your destination. All major transfer and car hire options operate from the terminal.
🚖 Uber / Rideshare
Good availability at MCY. Expect surges on Friday evenings during peak season.
$25–$70
10–40 min
🚕 Sunshine Coast Taxis
Reliable and can be pre-booked for early morning pickups — worth doing in peak season.
$30–$80
10–40 min
🚌 Con-X-ion Shuttle
Shared door-to-door shuttle. Slower than a taxi but significantly cheaper for solo travellers.
From $22
~1h (shared)
🚗 Car Hire
All major companies operate from the MCY terminal. Strongly recommended if you plan to explore the hinterland or drive between towns.
From $45/day
No extra time
💡 Insider Tips
From locals who've seen the traffic jams
⏰
Leave Brisbane before 2pm on Fridays
The Bruce Highway north of Brisbane backs up badly from 3–7pm every Friday afternoon. Time your departure accordingly — or stop for dinner in Brisbane and leave at 8pm.
🌧️
Check conditions for the hinterland drive
The Blackall Range can get sudden fog and heavy rain. The roads are winding — not ideal in low visibility. Check the weather before heading up if you're going inland.
⛽
Fill up before the Coast
Fuel is measurably cheaper in Brisbane and the outer suburbs. Fill the tank before you reach Caboolture or Caloundra Road.
🅿️
Parking in Noosa is tight in summer
Noosa has very limited parking in December and January. Book accommodation with on-site parking, or use the park-and-ride shuttle from Noosa Junction.
✈️
Always compare MCY vs BNE fares
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is convenient but flight prices vary significantly. Always search both airports — sometimes flying into Brisbane and hiring a car is substantially cheaper.
🚐
Pre-book transfers for December–January
Transfer companies run at full capacity in peak season. Book your Con-X-ion or airport taxi well in advance to avoid waiting on arrival with tired kids and heavy bags.
Getting Around Once You're Here
The Sunshine Coast is car-friendly by design. A hire car gives you access to all five regions — coast, hinterland, north and south — and is the only realistic way to reach the waterfalls, hinterland villages and national parks on your own schedule. Sunbus operates local bus routes along the coastal strip between Caloundra and Noosa, and the 50c flat Translink fare makes it an excellent option for day trips between beach towns if you're staying in one place.
Car hire: Available at MCY, Noosa, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. Book well ahead in January and Easter school holidays.
Sunbus: The main local bus network covers Caloundra to Noosa with frequent services along the beachside corridor.
Uber: Available across the Coast with reasonable coverage — less reliable late at night in northern areas around Noosa.
Cycling: A sealed shared path runs much of the coastal foreshore between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. Bikes can be hired from several operators.
🚗
Exploring the Coast by Road
Once you're here, our road trips guide covers the six best drives — coastal strip, hinterland villages, waterfalls, the Kenilworth donut run and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to the Sunshine Coast?
Flying directly to Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is the easiest option, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities. Driving from Brisbane takes around 90 minutes via the M1 motorway. Coach services also operate from Brisbane's Transit Centre, taking approximately 2 hours.
Is there a train to the Sunshine Coast?
There is no direct train service to the main Sunshine Coast beaches. The closest rail connection is Caboolture on the Brisbane City Rail network, from which you would need a bus or car to continue north. Coaches and shuttle services from Brisbane Airport and the CBD are generally more practical.
How far is the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane?
The Sunshine Coast is approximately 100km north of Brisbane city centre. By car, the drive typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and your destination on the Coast. Noosa is about 150km from Brisbane and can take 1.5 to 2 hours.
By sunshinecoast.travel team · Updated Jun 26
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