A Guide to Sunshine Coast Airport – MCY

Last Updated: February 14, 2024
Sunshine Coast Airport

Flying into the Sunshine Coast airport offers a stunning view. From above, you’ll see the breathtaking Mt Coolum and beautiful beaches as you approach. It’s an exciting moment, whether you’re coming for a holiday or moving here.

Welcome to Sunshine Coast Airport, the gateway to your next adventure or your return home. This airport is where your journey begins or ends, offering flights with airlines like Air New Zealand and Virgin, connecting you to destinations far and wide. Whether you’re here to explore the beautiful Sunshine Coast or heading somewhere new, we’re here to help make your travel experience smooth and enjoyable.

Airport Facilities and Services at Sunshine Coast Airport

Making Your Journey Smooth and Enjoyable

Sunshine Coast Airport is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, the airport offers a range of facilities and services designed to meet your needs.

  • Special Assistance: For passengers requiring additional support, the airport offers accessible wayfinding technology, personal concierge services, and a variety of digital resources to ensure a smooth journey from start to finish.
  • ATMs and Banking: Conveniently located ATMs in the departure area ensure you have access to cash before your flightโ€‹.
  • Information Desk: A Visitor Information Desk in the Arrivals area is ready to assist with any enquiries, helping you navigate the airport and local area with easeโ€‹.
  • Luggage Trolleys: Complimentary luggage trolleys are available throughout the car parks and terminal, making it easier to manage your belongingsโ€‹.
  • Free WiFi: Stay connected with complimentary WiFi available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to browse, work, or keep in touch with loved onesโ€‹.
  • Family Facilities: Travelling with infants is made easier with baby care rooms equipped with changing facilities and comfortable seating for nursing, ensuring a comfortable experience for both parents and childrenโ€‹.
  • Dining and Shopping: A selection of dining options caters to all tastes, from quick snacks to sit-down meals, alongside retail stores offering everything from last-minute travel essentials to local souvenirsโ€‹โ€‹.
  • Accessibility and Mobility: The airport prides itself on being accessible to all travellers, offering services and facilities to accommodate passengers with mobility needsโ€‹.

From the moment you arrive at Sunshine Coast Airport, these facilities and services are designed to provide a stress-free start to your journey. Whether it’s assistance you need, a quick snack before your flight, or simply the convenience of free WiFi, Sunshine Coast Airport has you covered.

Enhanced Transportation and Access Details at Sunshine Coast Airport

Seamlessly Connecting You to the Sunshine Coast and Beyond

Sunshine Coast Airport offers a variety of transportation options catering to the needs of all travellers. Hereโ€™s how you can seamlessly connect to and from the airport:

  • Public Transportation: Translink’s public buses serve Sunshine Coast Airport, providing an affordable and convenient way to reach various destinations across the region. The bus stop is located to the right of the Arrivals Hall, with services connecting the airport to Sunshine Coast’s key locationsโ€‹.
  • Taxis: A taxi rank is conveniently located in front of the Arrivals Hall. Metered taxis offer a direct and hassle-free way to reach your destination. An additional fee is applied for pickups at the airport, ensuring that taxis are readily availableโ€‹.
  • Ride-Sharing Services: Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in the Sunshine Coast area, offering an alternative to traditional taxis. Pick-up zones for these services are clearly marked outside the terminal, providing a modern and convenient transport optionโ€‹.
  • Car Rentals: The airport hosts several car rental agencies within the Arrivals Hall, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and more. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the Sunshine Coast at your own pace, with the convenience of booking directly upon arrivalโ€‹.
  • Shuttle Services: For those looking for direct transfers to hotels or specific locations, shuttle services like Con-X-ion offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, covering the entire Sunshine Coast region. This service is ideal for travellers seeking a stress-free transition from the airport to their accommodationโ€‹.
  • Special Access Transport: For passengers with mobility challenges, special assistance services are available. These services ensure that all travellers can access transport options comfortably and safelyโ€‹.

Parking at Sunshine Coast Airport

For locals travelling interstate for business or catching up with family, the airport ensures hassle-free experiences from the get-go. A plethora of car parking options, from short-term to long-term, are just moments from the terminal building.

  • The airport offers four on-airport parking options for those driving a private car: ParkTerminal, ParkCovered, ParkValue, and Long Term.

  • ParkTerminal is the closest parking to the terminal and is the most convenient option for picking up or dropping off passengers. It also offers discounted rates for stays of three days or longer.

    parking at sunshine coast airport

  • ParkCovered is a covered parking option that is also within easy walking distance of the terminal.

Time to Terminal: 3-minute walk

  • ParkValue is the cheapest parking option, but it is a short walk to the terminal.

    Time to Terminal: 6-minute walk

  • Long Term is the newest parking option and is perfect for longer trips away. It is located a short drive from the terminal, but there is a shuttle bus that runs regularly between the car park and the terminal.

    Time to Terminal: 7-minute walk

  • Sunshine Coast Airport Parking Drive-Up rates as of 18 January 2023.

    ParkValue Long Term
    Length of stay / Drive up rate Length of stay / Drive up rate
    0 โ€“ 15 mins: FREE 0 โ€“ 15 mins: FREE
    15mins โ€“ 30mins: $6.00 15mins โ€“ 30mins: $6.00
    30mins โ€“ 60mins: $7.00 30mins โ€“ 60mins: $7.00
    1 โ€“ 2 hours: $9.00 1 โ€“ 2 hours: $9.00
    2 โ€“ 3 hours: $11.00 2 โ€“ 3 hours: $11.00
    3 โ€“ 4 hours: $13.00 3 โ€“ 4 hours: $13.00
    4 โ€“ 24 hours: $25.00 4 โ€“ 24 hours: $25.00
    1 โ€“ 2 days: $49.00 1 โ€“ 2 days: $49.00
    2 โ€“ 3 days: $71.00 2 โ€“ 3 days: $71.00
    3 โ€“ 4 days: $93.00 3 โ€“ 4 days: $93.00
    4 โ€“ 5 days: $114.00 4 โ€“ 5 days: $114.00
    5 โ€“ 6 days: $135.00 5 โ€“ 6 days: $135.00
    6 โ€“ 7 days: $155.00 6 โ€“ 7 days: $155.00
    Per additional day or part thereof: $20.00 Per additional day or part thereof: $20.00

     

    ParkTerminal ParkCovered
    Length of stay / Drive up rate Length of stay / Drive up rate
    0 โ€“ 15 mins: FREE 0 โ€“ 15 mins: FREE
    15mins โ€“ 30mins: $8.00 15mins โ€“ 30mins: $9.00
    30mins โ€“ 60mins: $9.00 30mins โ€“ 60mins: $10.00
    1 โ€“ 2 hours: $10.00 1 โ€“ 2 hours: $11.00
    2 โ€“ 3 hours: $14.00 2 โ€“ 3 hours: $15.00
    3 โ€“ 4 hours: $16.00 3 โ€“ 4 hours: $16.00
    4 โ€“ 24 hours: $27.00 4 โ€“ 24 hours: $30.00
    1 โ€“ 2 days: $54.00 1 โ€“ 2 days: $60.00
    2 โ€“ 3 days: $81.00 2 โ€“ 3 days: $90.00
    3 โ€“ 4 days: $108.00 3 โ€“ 4 days: $120.00
    4 โ€“ 5 days: $135.00 4 โ€“ 5 days: $150.00
    5 โ€“ 6 days: $162.00 5 โ€“ 6 days: $180.00
    6 โ€“ 7 days: $189.00 6 โ€“ 7 days: $210.00
    Per additional day or part thereof: $27.00 Per additional day or part thereof: $30.00

You can book parking online in advance, which is recommended to secure a spot and save money.

There are also a number of off-airport parking options available, which may be cheaper than on-airport parking.

Car Hire from the Sunshine Coast Airport

Eager to explore at your own pace? Numerous reputable car hire companies are ready at your service. ย They are handily located near baggage services so picking up a hire car a simple process.

  • Avis Car & Truck Rental Maroochydore Airport
  • Budget Car Rental Sunshine Coast Airport
  • Europcar Sunshine Coast Airport
  • Hertz Sunshine Coast Airport
  • Redspot Car Rentals Sunshine Coast Airport
  • Thrifty Car Rental Sunshine Coast Airport
  • East Coast Car Rentals Sunshine Coast Airport

These car rental companies offer a variety of vehicles to choose from, including economy cars, SUVs, vans, and convertibles. Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle, the length of rental, and the time of year.

You can book a car hire online in advance or at the airport on arrival. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure that you get the car you want.

Here are some tips for getting a good deal on a rental car:

  • Book in advance.
  • Compare prices from different companies.
  • Be flexible with your dates.
  • Consider renting a car from a local location.
  • Look for discounts and promotions.

Dive into the Sunshine Coast Airport website for exclusive deals and discounts to get the best price, before hitting the roads that weave through the picturesque coast.

Sunshine Coast Airport Transfers

โ€‹Airport shuttles are a popular way to get to and from the Sunshine Coast Airport. They offer a door-to-door service, which is convenient and comfortable. There are a number of different shuttle companies operating from the airport, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

Shuttle prices vary depending on the company and the destination. Generally, expect to pay between $30 and $50 for a one-way trip. Shuttles are typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To book a shuttle, you can contact the company directly or book online. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Here are some of the airport shuttle companies that operate from the Sunshine Coast Airport:

Of course, there is always the local taxi service and Uber as well who can arrange your airport transfer.

Nearby Comfort: Accommodation Options

Staying close to the airport is a breeze with a range of nearby hotels.ย  Here are the 5 nearest hotels to the Sunshine Coast Airport:

  1. Ramada by Wyndham Marcoola Beach located on David Low Way is a 6-minute drive from the airport. ย It has an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar. Rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.

     

    Ramada by Wyndham Marcoola Beach hotel near Sunshine Coast Airport

  2. Sunshine Coast Airport Motelย is a 5-minute drive from the airport. It has an outdoor pool, a BBQ area, and a free airport shuttle. Rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.

    Sunshine Coast Airport Motel hotel near Sunshine Coast Airport

  3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel is a 9-minute drive from the airport. It has an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and a business centre. Rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.

    Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast hotel near Sunshine Coast Airport

  4. Atlantis Marcoola Beachfront Resort is a 5-minute drive from the airport and is the closest Resort to the local airport. It has an outdoor pool, a spa, and a gym. Rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private balcony with sea views.

    Atlantis Marcoola Beachfront Resort hotel near Sunshine Coast Airport

  5. Sand Dunes Resortย is a 12-minute drive from the airport. It has an outdoor pool, a tennis court, and a BBQ area. Rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.

    Sand Dunes Resort hotel near Sunshine Coast Airport

    Ultimately due to the ideal location of the Sunshine Coast Airport, you will not be far from any of the accomodations places on the Sunny Coast.

Connectivity: Exploring Beyond the Sun-Kissed Shores

For locals, the Sunshine Coast Airport’s location is its trump card. You’re just:

  • 30 minutes from the sophisticated streets of Noosa.
  • 35 minutes away from Caloundra’s serene beaches.
  • A brief 25-minute drive from the bustling Mooloolaba Esplanade.
  • 30 minutes from the roar and excitement of Australia Zoo.

And if you’re in the mood for city lights, Brisbane, with its artsy lanes and riverside allure, is a comfortable 80-minute drive away. With such iconic spots in proximity, the airport isnโ€™t just a gatewayโ€”itโ€™s the starting point of numerous adventures waiting to be penned.

So if you have to travel for business or maybe you work FIFO, the airport on the Sunshine Coast is convenient no matter where you live on the coast.

Plans and Upgrades: An Exciting Future

The airport’s future looks bright, with plans set in motion by the collaboration of Sunshine Coast Regional Council, CAPA member advisories, and Palisade Investment Partners, an independent specialist Australian infrastructure manager. Thereย are a number of planned upgrades for the Sunshine Coast Airport. These include:

  • A new terminal building, which will double the size of the existing terminal and include expandedย retail and food and beverage offerings, upgrades to airport operations, and improvements to public transport and ride-share infrastructure.
  • A new car park, which will provide more parking spaces for passengers and visitors.
  • Improved road access to the airport, including a new bypass road.
  • The development of an aerospace precinct will support the growth of the region’s general aviation sector.

The total cost of the upgrades is estimated to be $500 million. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

Wrapping Up: Departures and Arrivals

Every departure from the Sunshine Coast leaves behind memories, and every arrival promises new stories. Whether you’re buying a plane ticket for a quick getaway or awaiting great service on your return journey, remember, Sunshine Coast Airport is more than just an airport; itโ€™s the beginning and continuation of countless journeys.