This is a guide to standard one way adult Australian train fares. Please note that fares listed here are approximate, they vary seasonally, and special discounts are sometimes available. Concession fares are available for children and seniors. These fares as well as discounted advance purchase tickets, and fares to other destinations are available though on-line booking centres; simply click on the relevant booking link button.
Smart Cards
Fares listed here are for longer distance or pre-booked train services. For shorter distance travel within major cities and the commuter regions on hop-on/hop-off trains, trams, buses and ferries, you should use the relevant prepaid SmartCard:
Opal (Sydney / Hunter / Illawarra / Blue Mts)
myki (Melbourne and central Victoria)
Go Card (Brisbane and SE Queensland)
TravelCard (Adelaide and suburbs)
SmartRider (Perth and suburbs)
Green Card (Tasmania)
My Way (Canberra)
Tap and Ride (Northern Territory)
For details on how to buy and use all transport SmartCards, see our comprehensive Smart Card page
Travel by train to Australia's Capital city. Three NSW Trainlink XPLorer trains depart Sydney Central station every day - early morning, midday and early evening for the four hour journey to Canberra's Kingston railway station, with the same schedule in the other direction. Sit back, relax and watch the scenery of the NSW Southern Highlands glide by. You can choose between economy and first class seats. An onboard buffet service is available from which you can buy drinks and meals.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Sydney to Melbourne (XPT Train)
Travel by train between Australia's two largest cities on NSW Trainlink's XPT trains. Modelled on the British High Speed Trains, the XPTs (eXpress Passenger Trains) offer Economy class seats, First class seats and 2-berth bunk style sleeping compartments for overnight travel. XPTs have an onboard snack bar so you can purchase meals and drinks. The journey between Sydney Central station and Melbourne Southern Cross station takes about 11 hours. Trains run twice daily - one travels in daytime, the other travels overnight. You must book in advance and you will have your own reserved seat or berth. Fares are approximate and special discounts are sometimes available.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Sydney to Brisbane (XPT Train)
Travel by train between Sydney and Brisbane on NSW Trainlink's XPT trains. Modelled on the British High Speed Trains, the XPTs (eXpress Passenger Trains) offer Economy class seats, First class seats and 2-berth bunk style sleeping compartments for overnight travel. XPTs have an onboard snack bar so you can purchase meals and drinks. The journey between Sydney Central station and Brisbane Roma Street station takes about 14 hours. One train each day runs the full route, departing Sydney mid afternoon arriving Brisbane very early the following morning, then departing Brisbane early each morning for the journey in daylight down to Sydney where it arrives late evening. There are also integrated NSW Tranlink bus connections from Casino to Brisbane that means you can leave Sydney in the morning for a daytime journey up to Brisbane, or you can leave Brisbane in the afternoon for an overnight journey down to Sydney. You must book in advance and you will have your own reserved seat or berth. Fares are approximate and special discounts are sometimes available.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Sydney to Armidale (Northern Tablelands XPLorer)
Travel by train between Sydney and Armidale on NSW Trainlink's XPLorer trains. The Northern Tablelands XPLorer departs Sydney Central station every morning for the daytime journey up to New England and the Northern Tablelands. At Werris Creek, the train divides with the front half continuing North into the New England region calling at Tamworth and Armidale, whilst the rear section heads North-West onto the Tablelands calling at Narrabri and Moree. The train departs both northern cities every morning for the journey south to Sydney. XPLorer trains have first and economy class seats and an onboard snack bar so you can purchase meals and drinks. The journey between Sydney Central station and Tamworth takes about 6 hours, to Armidale about 7 hours and to Moree about 8 hours.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Sydney to Dubbo (Central West XPT)
Travel by train between Sydney and Dubbo on NSW Trainlink's XPT trains. Modelled on the British High Speed Trains, the XPTs (eXpress Passenger Trains) offer Economy class seats and First class seats. XPTs have an onboard snack bar so you can purchase meals and drinks. The journey between Sydney Central station and Dubbo takes about 6 hours. The Central West XPT departs Sydney early every morning, calls at Bathurst, Orange and other towns along the way arriving Dubbo just after lunch time. It departs Dubbo early every afternoon and returns to Sydney by late evening. Note that whilst you can travel to Bathurst on the XPT, in addition to the XPT, there are two daily trains between Sydney and Bathurst informally known as the Bathurst Bullet. These trains do not require bookings and fares are charged at Opal Card rates.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Sydney to Broken Hill (Outback XPLorer)
Travel by train between Sydney and the outback city of Broken Hill. The NSW Trainlink XPLorer train departs Sydney once per week early every Monday morning for the 13 hour journey west to Broken Hill where it arrives in the late evening. It leaves Broken Hill early every Tuesday morning for the return trip to Sydney. XPlorer trains offer first and economy class seating, and have an on board buffet from which you can purchase drinks and meals.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Sydney to Griffith (Griffith XPLorer)
Travel by train between Sydney and the Riverina town of Griffith. The NSW Trainlink XPLorer train departs Sydney twice per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the eight and a half hour journey west to Griffith. It leaves Griffith every Sunday and Thursday for the return trip to Sydney. XPlorer trains offer first and economy class seating, and have an on board buffet from which you can purchase drinks and meals.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Brisbane to Gold Coast (TransLink Train and G:Link)
Translink run regular electric trains between Brisbane Airport, Brisbane City and the Gold Coast. Gold Coast Trains pick up at both Brisbane Airport stations, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane Central, Roma Street, South Brisbane (and other stations) and run down to Helensvale, Robina and Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast. To get to Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach you can change from train to tram at Helensvale station. Trams run frequently and the interchange at Helensvale is very easy. The whole journey (train and tram) can be done using your GoCard. No need to book a seat, just show up, tap on at the station and jump on board. Note that premium fares apply if you are travelling to or from Brisbane Airport.
The Spirit of Queensland is a modern train service than runs five times each week right up the north-east coast of Australia from Brisbane to Cairns. It leaves Brisbane Roma Street station mid-afternoon five days each week for the 24 hour journey north. On the southbound trip, it leaves Cairns station early morning five days per week. Calling at all major cities up the coast, this is a great way to discover the tropical and sub-tropical Queensland coast. In addition to premium economy class seats, the 'Spirit' also offers Rail Bed sleeper seats that lie flat for a business class experience. Meals and drinks are available on board from the Galley car, and all meals are inclusive and served at your seat for Rail Bed sleeper seats.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Brisbane to Rockhampton (Tilt Train)
Travelling between Brisbane and Rockhampton, sit back, enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride and avoid the traffic onboard the Tilt Train. The Tilt Train connects passengers with some of Queensland's most iconic tourist destinations along the coastline with a quick and convenient way to access the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Capricorn Coast, Bundaberg, Burnett, Fraser Coast and South East Queensland regions. Offering Economy and Business Seats, a Galley Car for light snacks and refreshments and Free Wi-Fi to help you stay connected.. there's no easier way to travel. Additional Citytrain services run between Brisbane and Gympie North. You do not need to book a seat on these Gympie North trains and your fare is payable on GoCard.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Brisbane to Longreach (Spirit of the Outback)
The perfect Outback Queensland experience begins aboard the Spirit of the Outback, a journey through everchanging scenery and rugged terrain between Brisbane and Longreach.
The train departs Brisbane on Tuesdays and Saturdays and heads north to Rockhampton before turning west to Emerald and Longreach. The full journey takes just over 24 hours, so you get to experience both daytime and nighttime travel. The train has sleeping berths as well as sitting cars, and
Onboard facilities: The Galley offers customers a selection of meals, light refreshments and beverages to purchase. Showers and toilets are located at the end of all sleeping and sitting carriages. Exclusive Shearers Rest Lounge available to First Class travellers with access to the latest movies on entertainment tablets.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Brisbane to Charleville (The Westlander)
Discover the true pioneering spirit of Queensland's famous outback as you follow in the path of Queensland's famed explorers onboard The Westlander. From Brisbane travel across the Great Dividing Range, through the rich farmlands of the Darling Downs to Charleville, this scenic journey travels through some of the state's most picturesque outback regions. Depending on the travel sector a complimentary in-seat snack pack will be delivered to each seat at meal times. Light refreshments can be purchased from the Economy Lounge. Experience this unforgettable journey into Queen​sland's western frontier as you follow in the footsteps of the early pioneers on The Westlander. Unwind, as you sit back relax and watch the striking scenery pass you by
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Townsville to Mount Isa (The Inlander)
Appeal to your adventurous spirit and take the track less travelled onboard The Inlander. Explore the history and natural treasures of North Queensland's rugged inland. This historic journey takes you past Charters Towers and through the Great Dividing Range before arriving into the heart of Queensland. The Inlander offers forward facing seats perfect for relaxing as you watch the vast landscapes disappear over the horizon. Throughout the trip a complimentary in-seat snack pack will be delivered to each seat depending on the journey travelled. Light refreshments are available for purchase in the Economy Lounge.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Melbourne to Albury (VLine)
VLine run three trains each day between Melbourne Southern Cross station and Albury, stopping at Seymour, Benalla, Wangaratta, Wodonga and other towns along the way. The full journey takes about 4 hours. All tickets must be pre-booked; you can choose between economy and first class seats. Trains have an onboard buffet car from which you can purchse meals and drinks.
VLine run four or five trains each way each day on the 2 and three-quarter hour route between Melbourne Southern Cross Station and Shepparton. All Shepparton trains have economy class seats, but some also have first class seats and buffet car. The trains with first class and buffet car require you to reserve your seats in advance. Even though the other trains don't require you to reserve seats, you must still purchase your ticket in advance. You can book seats or buy tickts at the link below.
Some Shepparton trains from Melbourne connect with co-ordinated VLine buses that run up to Tocumwal and Griffith. You can book a through fare with VLine.
VLine run two trains each day between Melbourne Southern Cross and Swan Hill. The end to end journey takes a little less than 5 hours. All trains include economy and first class seats and have an on board buffet from which you can purchase drinks and meals. Swan Hill trains have reserved seats - you can purchase your ticket and reserve your seat at the link below.
VLine run one or two trains each day between Melbourne Southern Cross and Echuca. The end to end journey takes about three and a half hours. Regular hourly trains run between Melbourne and Bendigo/Epsom/Eaglehawk. All trains run with economy class seats only and there is no buffet service. Echuca trains have reserved seats - you can purchase your ticket and reserve your seat at the links below. For travel between Melbourne and Bendigo you need a Myki stored value card. For travel beyond Epsom to Echuca, you cannot use your Myki and can purchase a ticket in advance, but there is no seat reservation.
VLine run three or four trains each day between Melbourne Southern Cross and Warrnambool via Geelong, Colac and Camperdown. The end to end journey takes a little more than 3 and a half hours. All trains include economy and first class seats and have an on board buffet from which you can purchase drinks and meals. Warrnambool trains have reserved seats - you can purchase your ticket and reserve your seat at the links below.
VLine run three trains each day between Melbourne Southern Cross and Bairnsdale via Warragul, Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Sale. The end to end journey takes about 4 hours. All trains include economy seats and one train each day also offers first class seats and an on board buffet from which you can purchase drinks and meals. Bairnsdale trains have reserved seats - you can purchase your ticket and reserve your seat at the links below.
VLine trains between Melbourne and Traralgon run approximately hourly and do not require reservations. Just hop on board and use your Myki card to pay your fare.
VLine run five trains each day between Melbourne Southern Cross and Ararat via Ballarat. Some Ararat trains are combined between Melbourne and Ballarat with Maryborough trains so be careful which part of the train you board. The end to end journey takes about 2.5 hours. All trains include economy seats and are not reserved. To travel west of Wendouree you cannot use your Myki card and will need to purchase a paper ticket before boarding.
VLine run one or two trains each day between Melbourne Southern Cross and Maryborough via Ballarat. Some of these trains are combined between Melbourne and Ballarat with Ararat trains so be careful which part of the train you board. The end to end journey to Maryborough takes about 2.5 hours. All trains include economy seats and are not reserved. You can use your Myki card to travel between Ballarat and Melbourne, but to travel north of Ballarat you will need to purchase a paper ticket before boarding.
VLine trains between Melbourne and Ballarat/Wendouree run every 40 minutes (or hourly on weekends) and do not require reservations. Just hop on board and use your Myki card to pay your fare.
Travel by train between Melbourne and Adelaide on Australia's longest established interstate train: The Overland. One of Australia's real treasures, The Overland is a very comfortable and relaxing way to travel. Settle into your comfy seat and watch the scenery roll by on the ten hour daylight journey. The Overland departs Melbourne Southern Cross station two mornings each week and travels through the day before arriving at Adelaide parklands Terminal (Keswick) in the late afternoon. It makes the reverse journey also two days per week. The train includes a lounge car and you can purchase meals, snacks and drinks on board. First class (Red Premium) includes includes complementary lunch and morning and afternoon tea served at your seat!
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Sydney to Perth (The Indian Pacific)
A journey aboard the iconic Indian Pacific will whisk you between Perth, Adelaide and Sydney in comfort and style. With epic transcontinental crossings between the Indian and Pacific oceans, step onboard for an all-inclusive rail holiday you'll never forget.
Your journey includes: 4 days/3 nights aboard the Indian Pacific, All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages, A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines, Off train experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide and surrounds, Cook, Rawlinna and Perth.
This luxury sleeping-car train departs weekly from Sydney for the 4 day journey to Perth. Come Aboard for this experience of a lifetime.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Adelaide to Darwin (The Ghan)
Setting off from Adelaide, you'll travel coast to coast through the fiery Red Centre, experiencing Australia at its dramatic best on this all-inclusive journey. After your first night onboard take in an outback sunrise in Marla before the train makes its way to Alice Springs where a half a day of Off Train Excursions await. Your third and final day includes more extraordinary excursions in Katherine before arriving into Darwin as early evening falls.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
East Perth to Kalgoorlie (The Prospector)
Travel on one of Australia's fastest and most moder trains - the Prospector leaves East Perth Terminal station once per day (twice daily on Mondays and Fridays) for the six and a half hour journey east to the WA Goldfields city of Kalgoorlie. Sit back, relax and watch the countryside whizz past. The train includes an on board cafe so you can purchase drinks and meals.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Perth to Bunbury (The Australind)
Twice daily, the Australind train departs Perth station (platform 3) for the two and a half hour journey down to the city of Bunbury. One train departs in the morning and another in the late afternoon. The train is fully reserved, so you must book in advance. There is a snack bar on board from which you can buy food and drinks.
Fares vary seasonally in response to demand and may be different to those shown here.
Melbourne to Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania Ferry)
We know it's not a train, but the Spirit of Tasmania ferry is just as good as one. Travel to Tasmania overnight, or on one of the daylight sailings in peak season. Departing from Port Melbourne, Station Pier, each sailing takes about 10 and a half hours before arriving at East Devonport, Tasmania. You can choose from a recliner seat, or you can book a bed in a cabin - either four or two occupancy. Onboard you will find restaurants and entertainment centres at which you can while away the time before arriving in the Apple Isle.
