Where can I buy a Go Card?

The Go Card is South East Queensland’s public transport payment system. You can buy a Go Card at train stations, newsagents and convenience stores for a $10 refundable deposit, then add Go Card top-ups as you need them.

What is a Go Card?

The Go Card is the payment system used on public transport across South East Queensland. It is Brisbane’s equivalent of Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne or Smartrider in Perth.

The Go Card works on a tap-in, tap-out system on buses, trains and ferries across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. It is the Queensland government’s preferred payment method, and thus fares paid for with a Go Card are at least 30% cheaper than using a single paper ticket.

Where to buy a Go Card

But where can I buy a Go Card? Well, for locals, the most convenient place might be online. That’s little use to visitors, though. So, if arriving in Queensland, the best place to buy a Go Card is at a train station. You can get them from either machines or the ticket office, put some money on them and top them up as required.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.

Map of Go Card top-up locations

However, there are several other places where you can buy a Go Card. Translink reckons there are more than 680 locations where you can buy a Go Card, and more than 1,600 locations where you can add a Go-Card top-up. Most of these are newsagents and convenience stores, and most of them will display a Go Card logo in the window.

Translink also provides a map of the nearest location where you can buy one. You’ll need to pay a $10 refundable deposit.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

Can I use a bank card instead of Go Card?

Unlike other public transport systems elsewhere, you currently can’t use a bank card or credit card in lieu of the Go Card. This, however, is changing. A system of new machines that accept the tap-in and tap-out of bank cards is slowly being rolled out. The new system was pioneered on the Gold Coast, and is gradually being introduced through South East Queensland.

Go SeeQ cards for tourists

The other option for visitors is a Go SeeQ card, which allows you two trips on the Airtrain to or from Brisbane airport, plus unlimited travel elsewhere on the network. The Go SeeQ card costs $79 for three days or $129 for five days. Not many visitors will find that worth the investment.

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