THE SHORT ANSWER
Gold Coast Schoolies 2026 runs from 21 to 27 November, according to Safer Schoolies. A Mercedes van for up to seven to Surfers Paradise costs $209 from Gold Coast Airport, $269 from Brisbane City and $289 from Brisbane Airport. Split seven ways, that's about $30 to $41 each.
- From OOL (van)
- $209
- From Brisbane (van)
- $269
- Per van
- 7 · 5 bags
Schoolies 2026 on the Gold Coast
The Queensland Government's Safer Schoolies site lists the 2026 Gold Coast celebrations as running from Saturday 21 to Friday 27 November 2026. Official wristbands are for Year 12 school leavers and give access to the Schoolies Hub on Surfers Paradise Beach; students who left school before Year 12 can visit but can't register for a wristband or enter the Hub (Safer Schoolies). Check the official site for wristband registration and safety information before you travel.
Fares to Surfers Paradise
Per van, one way. Split the fare however your group likes; the booking is one payment.
| From | V-Class (7 seats) | Per person (7) | Sedan (3 seats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise transfer | $209 | $29.86 | $169 |
| Private transfer Brisbane to Gold Coast (Brisbane City) | $269 | $38.43 | $219 |
| Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast transfer | $289 | $41.29 | $229 |
For parents booking for the group
- Book early. The booking form shows the earliest pickup time currently available, so lock in your dates once accommodation is booked.
- Count the bags. A van carries seven passengers and five bags. Seven students with a suitcase each need a second vehicle or lighter packing.
- Book the trip home at the same time. Choose Return and add the pickup for the end of the week; both legs are paid together.
- Use the driver notes for the accommodation name, building entrance and a contact for the group.
- Read the official safety advice on the Safer Schoolies parents page.
Bigger groups
Groups of more than seven book one van for each part of the group. See group transfers Gold Coast and Brisbane and our guide when one van beats two cars. Accommodation outside Surfers Paradise? Fares for every suburb are on Gold Coast suburb transfers.
Flying in for Schoolies
Students coming from interstate can land at either airport. Gold Coast Airport is closest to Surfers Paradise; see Gold Coast Airport transfers. Landing in Brisbane? See Brisbane Airport private transfers. Enter flight numbers when you book.
Schoolies transfer questions
When is Schoolies 2026 on the Gold Coast?
Safer Schoolies lists 21 to 27 November 2026. Check the official site for any changes.
How many students fit in one van?
Up to seven passengers with five bags in a Mercedes V-Class or Vito-Tourer.
How much is a van from Brisbane to Surfers Paradise?
$269 per van from Brisbane City, one way, on the date we checked. Schoolies dates are priced for their own date and time.
Can we book the trip home now?
Yes. Choose Return and add your end-of-week pickup; both legs are priced and paid together.