Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We have answers!

Do I need to book?

You do not need to book your seat on the ferry. Simply wait for the next arriving ferry with your ticket, or purchase a ticket onboard.

Where can I buy a ticket?

All tickets can be purchased onboard the ferries or at the customer service desks.  Value passes can only be purchased online and from most hotels and tour desks. 

How much does it cost?

Flexible fares start from as little as $5.00.

The full range of ticketing options can be found here

Where can I find the timetable?

The Hopo Timetable can be found here

How do I know if the ferry is running on time?

Hopo has a high-reliability record. However, the ferries may run late on rare occasions due to unforeseen circumstances. Delays and disruptions to the service of ten minutes or longer are published on our website. See LIVE Service Announcements.

How often does the ferry stop?

The ferry stops every hour with increased service frequency during peak periods. 

Can I take my bike or surfboard on the ferry?

Yes, we are happy to take bikes, surfboards, and any other reasonable sports equipment on the ferry.

Is the ferry wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the ferry and all piers are equipped with ramps and wheelchair friendly areas to assist you throughout your trip.

What is the journey time and route?

The route includes two zones from the Nerang River (south) to the Broadwater (north).

You can travel the entire route (approximately 1 hour one-way) or hop on hop off at any stop.

Our flexible fares are based on travel time e.g. Short Hop, Long Hop or Day Pass:

Short Hop – travel time is less than 20 minutes, within one zone

Long Hop – travel time is more than 20 minutes, within two zones

Day Pass – unlimited travel within any zone

The two zones are located at either end of the route:

Zone A includes southern stops at Surfers Paradise (Appel Park) and HOTA, Home of the Arts.

Zone B includes northern stops at the Broadwater Parklands (Southport), Marina Mirage and Sea World.

For further assistance visit the Customer Service Desks at Surfers Paradise or Sea World Cruises terminal.

What happens if I lose my ticket?

Please ensure you keep your ticket in a safe place as we cannot replace lost tickets. In the unfortunate case you do misplace your ticket, you will need to purchase another one.

What days does the ferry operate?

Everyday except Christmas Day.

Can I bring or purchase food and beverages on the ferries?

No food please
Food is not to be consumed onboard for hygiene reasons. However, a wide range of picnic spots and dining options are available at all destinations.

Drinks are ok  
You may bring and consume non-alcoholic beverages while onboard. Water, soft drinks, beer and wine, are available to purchase on the ferries. Alcoholic drink purchases are limited to two per person.

Is there a toilet onboard?

Onboard toilets are for emergency use only.  There are fully accessible toilets at each stop.  However, please note the full loop journey is 2 hours and the ferry departs swiftly from each stop.

Can I pay with my translink Go Card or Go Explore card?

Unfortunately, you can not pay with your Go Card. Hopo is privately funded public transport, and is not part of the Queensland government funded Go Card network.

Do you accept concession or companion cards?

Absolutely! Hopo accepts all Australian concession cards and companion cards. Companions travel for free with the purchase of a ticket by the cardholder, click here for accessibility information.

Concession cardholders receive discounted tickets, the following cards are accepted:

  • Student Card (or wearing school uniform)
  • Seniors Card
  • Pensioner Concession Card
  • Veterans Card
  • Health Care Card
  • Low Income Income Healthcare Card
  • Foster Child Health Care Card
  • Ex-Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card
  • Carers Business Discount Card

Still have a Question?

Contact Us

Plan Your Trip.

Check tickets and departure times