Stage 2 of the Gold Coast light rail opened for passenger services on Sunday 17 December 2017. It was completed ahead of the GC2018 Commonwealth Games with light rail transporting more than 1.1 million passengers during the event.

Connecting Gold Coast University Hospital station with Helensvale station, the 7.3 kilometre extension provides a seamless connection with heavy rail, linking Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

In August 2015 the Queensland Government announced a preferred route for Stage 2 and GoldlinQ completed a competitive procurement process with CPB Contractors appointed the design and construction partner in April 2016.

The $420 million project was delivered with a $270 million contribution from the Queensland Government, $95 million from the Australian Government and up to $55 million from the City of Gold Coast.

Stage 2 included three new light rail station with provision for two future stations and four new light rail vehicles. Since completion it has delivered a 33 percent increase in daily passenger trips (as at June 2019).