Accessible Drop-off & Pick-up Zone at Gold Coast Airport

Gold Coast Airport is dedicated to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all travellers, recognising the diverse needs of its passengers. As part of this commitment, a designated accessible drop-off and pick-up zone has been established to ensure convenient and safe access for individuals with mobility challenges. This zone aims to streamline the arrival and departure process, making it easier for passengers requiring assistance to be dropped off close to the terminal entrances or picked up efficiently upon arrival. For those requiring onward transportation, various car rental services are also conveniently located at Gold Coast Airport, offering accessible vehicle options that can be pre-booked to further enhance your travel experience.

This article serves as your clear and concise guide to the accessible drop-off and pick-up zone at Gold Coast Airport. We will provide detailed information on the zone’s location, guidelines for its use, and important considerations to ensure a smooth and respectful experience for all passengers who rely on this dedicated area, as well as highlight the availability of car rental for accessible onward travel.

Accessible Drop-off & Pick up Zone Gold Coast Airport

Location and Identification of Accessible Zones

  • Drop-off Zone: The dedicated accessible drop-off zone is conveniently located kerbside at the northern end of the terminal, directly outside the Departures area. This location provides close and level access to the terminal entrance for departing passengers with mobility needs.

  • Pick-up Zone: The accessible pick-up zone is situated kerbside at the southern end of the terminal, outside the Domestic Arrivals area. It’s important to note that this accessible pick-up bay is located within the designated Uber pick-up zone. This shared location allows for easy identification and access for both ride-share and private vehicle pick-ups of passengers with disabilities.

  • Signage: Travellers should look for clear and prominent signage indicating the designated accessible drop-off and pick-up zones. These signs typically feature the international symbol of access (the wheelchair symbol) along with clear directional instructions.

Key Features and Guidelines for Use

  • Drop-off Only: It’s important to remember that the accessible drop-off zone at the northern end of the terminal is strictly for immediate drop-off purposes only. Vehicles cannot be left unattended in this zone. This ensures that the space remains available for other passengers requiring accessible drop-off.

  • Time Limits: Vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit are granted double the standard time allowance in the drop-off zone. This means you are permitted up to four minutes in the accessible drop-off zone, provided the driver remains with the vehicle at all times to assist the passenger. This extended time allows for safe and comfortable disembarking.

  • Pick-up Zone: The designated accessible pick-up bay at the southern end of the terminal, within the Uber pick-up zone, is available for use by Uber and taxi drivers collecting passengers with disabilities. This central location ensures easy access for pre-booked accessible transport options.

  • Taxi Call Point: For those requiring a taxi with accessibility features, there is a dedicated accessibility taxi call-up point located inside the terminal within the baggage reclaim area. This allows arriving passengers to easily request an appropriate taxi if one is not immediately available at the kerbside.

Alternative Options for Accessible Parking and Access

  • Mobility Friendly Parking: For passengers requiring a bit more time for drop-off or pick-up but who may not possess a disability parking permit, Gold Coast Airport offers one-hour free “mobility friendly” parking in the short-term car park. These designated spaces are easily identifiable by their green paint and “Mobility Friendly 1 hour only” markings. Importantly, a disability permit is not required to utilise these specific bays. However, intercom assistance is needed upon exit to validate the free hour.

  • Accessible Parking in Car Parks: In addition to the kerbside zones, clearly marked accessible parking spaces are available in all public car parks at Gold Coast Airport. These spaces are reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit and are typically located closer to the terminal entrances for added convenience. Standard parking rates apply in these car park spaces beyond any initial free period offered.

Additional Accessibility Information

  • Kerbside Rampways: Ensuring smooth transitions between different levels, Gold Coast Airport features kerbside rampways providing easy access between the car parks and the street to the terminal sidewalks. These ramps eliminate the need for steps and assist passengers using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other walking aids.

  • Terminal Facilities: Beyond the dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones and parking options, Gold Coast Airport offers a range of other accessibility features to enhance your journey. These include easily accessible toilet facilities located throughout all terminals, hearing loops installed in key areas to assist passengers with hearing impairments, and the availability of wheelchairs upon request directly from your airline. It’s always recommended to arrange wheelchair assistance with your airline in advance to ensure it’s readily available when you need it.

Gold Coast Car Rental: Your Accessible Adventure Awaits

Having navigated Gold Coast Airport with ease, utilising the accessible drop-off and pick-up zones or mobility-friendly parking options, the next step to fully experiencing the Gold Coast is having the right vehicle. Whether you require a car rental in Gold Coast with specific accessibility features or simply a comfortable and reliable ride for your holiday, Alpha Car Hire offers a diverse fleet to suit your needs. With convenient airport pickup, you can seamlessly transition from the terminal to exploring the region’s accessible attractions, from its stunning beaches to its accessible national parks and vibrant city life. Kickstart your Gold Coast adventure with the perfect vehicle from Alpha Car Hire and enjoy the freedom to discover all this beautiful region has to offer.