Can Dogs Go on Gold Coast Buses, Trains or the G:link?
The short answer
No, your dog can't ride a Gold Coast bus, train or G:link tram, even in a carrier. Translink says pets aren't permitted on any of its bus, train and tram services, Queensland Rail says animals aren't permitted on any of its services or stations, and G:link lists bringing an animal on board as a prohibited item. Approved assistance animals are the exception, and they travel free. If your dog needs to get somewhere without your car, options that take pets include Hopo ferries for small dogs under 7kg, 13cabs with a secure carrier, and Uber Pet. Here's what each operator actually says, so you're not caught out at the platform.
Last checked 28/10/2026. Every rule here comes from the transport operator's own website or the Queensland Government's, and each one was checked a second time before we published.
At a glance
| Service | Pet dogs? | The fine print |
|---|---|---|
| Buses (Translink) | No | Assistance animals only |
| G:link light rail | No | Assistance animals only |
| Trains and stations (Queensland Rail) | No | Not even on the platform; assistance animals only |
| Hopo ferry | Small dogs under 7kg | On a lead or in a carrier, at the captain's discretion |
| 13cabs | Yes | Secure carrier on every booking, no extra charge |
| Uber Pet | Yes | One pet per trip, on a lead, harness or in a carrier |
Buses and the G:link
The Gold Coast's buses and the G:link are part of the Translink network, and Translink's rule is short: "Pets are not permitted on any of our bus, train and tram services." There's no small-dog or carrier exception. G:link's own prohibited items list includes bringing animals on a public passenger vehicle, unless it's an approved guide, hearing or assistance animal. See Translink's using public transport page and G:link's prohibited items list.
Trains: not even the platform
Queensland Rail runs the Gold Coast line, and its rule goes further than the train itself. It says animals aren't permitted on any Queensland Rail service or station, except:
- guide, hearing and assistance dogs certified under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009, with the handler's identity card, including dogs in training
- assistance animals that meet the Disability Discrimination Act requirements and carry a Translink Assistance Animal Pass
So waiting on the platform at a Gold Coast line station with your pet dog isn't allowed either. See Queensland Rail's planning your journey page.
What about the Brisbane CityCats?
Translink does allow dogs on Brisbane River ferries and CityCats between 8.30am and 3.30pm and between 7pm and 6am on weekdays, and all weekend. Your dog must be on a lead and wearing a muzzle, or in an enclosed carrier, stay under your control, and stay outside the ferry cabin, and you need to carry waste bags. Staff may ask you to wait for another service if a ferry is full. It's a Brisbane River rule, though, and with no dogs on the train, you'd need to drive your dog up to use it.
Hopo ferries: the Gold Coast's dog-friendly boat
Hopo is a ferry service that sells its own tickets, separate from Translink, with stops at Surfers Paradise, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Broadwater Parklands and Sea World. Its small pets page says:
- small dog breeds and cats can travel, and small means less than 7kg
- pets must be on a lead or in a carrier, and sit on your lap or at your feet
- a maximum of two pets per person
- keep control of your pet, carry waste bags and clean up any mess
- pet travel may not be possible at busy times like weekends and school holidays, and it's at the captain's discretion
- Hopo recommends pets only travel on short journeys, not the two-hour sightseeing loop
- excessive barking or aggressive behaviour may mean you and your pet forfeit the trip
Hopo says there's a water bowl at its kiosk in Surfers Paradise. Sea World's accessibility page only mentions assistance animals, and says they can't go on rides, so don't plan on taking your pet dog in. See Hopo's travelling with small pets page, and check its live service updates before you go.
Taxis and rideshare
13cabs. 13cabs says it accepts dogs and cats on bookings across its national network, including the Gold Coast. Pets need to be in a secure carrier on every booking, there's no extra charge on top of the standard fare, and you just let them know you're travelling with a pet when you book on 13 2227 or in the app. 13cabs also offers SUVs for when your pet or their carrier needs more room, but the carrier rule still applies, so it's less practical for a dog too big for one. See 13cabs' taxi for pets page.
Uber Pet. Choose Uber Pet in the app and you'll be matched with a pet-friendly ride for up to 3 passengers and 1 pet. Uber says to keep your dog secure on a lead, harness or in a carrier, keep them with you, and bring a blanket or towel to protect the seat. The app shows your price upfront, including any applicable fees, but Uber says Uber Pet trips may cost more than other ride options, and a cleaning fee can apply if your dog leaves waste or excessive fur, or causes damage. Uber also says availability varies by location, so check the option shows up where you are. See Uber Pet.
For a big dog without a carrier, Uber Pet is the option that fits. For a nervous small dog, a carrier in a 13cabs taxi is the calmer ride.
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Assistance animals
Translink says approved assistance animals travel free on all its buses, trains, ferries and trams, as long as your dog is accredited under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009, or your animal has a Translink Assistance Animal Pass or interstate assistance animal accreditation.
Taxis and rideshare drivers can't turn assistance animals away. Business Queensland says personalised transport drivers have a legal obligation to accept passengers travelling with assistance animals or assistance animals in training, and that allergies, fear of dogs and religious beliefs aren't acceptable reasons to refuse. See Business Queensland's assistance animals page.
Will dogs ever be allowed on trains?
Not yet. A 2026 e-petition to the Queensland Parliament asked for a trial of dogs on selected Brisbane public transport. It closed on 10/10/2026 with 715 signatures, was tabled on 13/10/2026 and was referred to the Hon Brent Mickelberg MP. It asked about Brisbane services, so it wouldn't automatically change anything on the Gold Coast, but we'll update this guide if the rules change. See the petition on the Parliament website.
Getting to the vet, the groomer or the beach without a car
- Book the ride when you book the appointment, and tell the driver or 13cabs you've got a dog
- Carriers: let your dog get used to it at home first, with a treat and a towel that smells like home
- Bring a towel or blanket for the seat, waste bags and water on hot days
- Short-nosed and older dogs feel the heat fastest, so travel early or late in summer
FAQs
Can dogs go on the G:link?
No. G:link lists bringing animals on board as prohibited unless it's an approved guide, hearing or assistance animal, and Translink says pets aren't permitted on its tram services.
Can I take my dog on the train on the Gold Coast?
No. Queensland Rail says animals aren't permitted on any of its services or stations, except certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs and approved assistance animals.
Can my small dog go on a Gold Coast bus in a carrier?
No. Translink says pets aren't permitted on any of its bus, train and tram services, and it doesn't make an exception for carriers.
Which Gold Coast ferry takes dogs?
Hopo ferries take small dogs and cats under 7kg, on a lead or in a carrier, with a maximum of two pets per person, at the captain's discretion.
Can I take my dog in a taxi or Uber on the Gold Coast?
Yes. 13cabs accepts dogs in a secure carrier at no extra charge if you tell them when you book, and Uber Pet matches you with a pet-friendly ride for one pet per trip.
Checked 28/10/2026. We're humans, not council, so we can get things wrong. Check the signs, the venue and council's current rules before you go. Transport rules, fares and pet policies change without notice too, so always check with the operator before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.
