You are in: Main Page » Getting There » By Train

Sydney Rail Travel - Train Tickets and Information

Below you'll find information covering rail travel between Sydney and other Australian towns and cities. The page includes a section giving background on the country's rail network, as well as explaining the various ticketing options available on suburban and inter-city routes.

Overview

Providing you have the time, travelling by train is one of the most atmospheric and satisfying ways to explore Australia. Covering great distances at a relaxed pace, the delights of a rail journey on routes such as the Indian Pacific (which links Sydney, Adelaide & Perth on a 4,352km, 3 night trip) should not be underestimated.

Indeed, the resurgence of scenic trips by rail, show that the golden days of train travel are not just a thing of the past. And by taking the plunge, you'll experience the country's extraordinary landscapes, as well as an altogether different kind of holiday adventure the moment you climb aboard.

So far as the provision of rail services are concerned, in Australia they vary from state to state, with certain outlying areas making use of equivalent coach services where no passenger rail network exists.

Train operators and Rail Journeys

First off, it's worth visiting Railaustralia.com.au for details of national train operators, along with timetables and an up-to-date list of fares. More specific to Sydney, CountryLink operate services from Sydney to Melbourne (10.5 hours), Sydney to Brisbane (13.5 hours) and Sydney to Canberra using comfortable XPT and Xplorer trains (the latter of which operate between Sydney and Armidale, Moree, Griffith, Broken Hill and Canberra). Both train types are well-equipped with the XPT featuring a sleeping car, first-class and economy carriages. In addition, for those with special needs, each service carries an access ramp to help customers board, while XPTs feature one carriage with a toilet suitable for wheelchair users.

Between Sydney and Melbourne, services operate twice daily (one during the day, one overnight), while an equivalent service also runs from Sydney to Brisbane. It's worth noting that first and economy class seating is identical (even in terms of legroom), while the overnight Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Brisbane XPT services offer a sleeping-car with twin-berth compartments.

For all of the services listed above, tickets can be booked online by visiting CountryLink. However, to reserve sleeping berths, you'll need to contact the company's reservation centre on 132 232, visit a CountryLink Travel Centre or agency or e-mail a booking enquiry.

The Great Southern Railway features three famous routes, namely "The Ghan", "The Overland" and "Indian Pacific". The Indian Pacific will be of interest to those visiting Sydney, as it links the city with Adelaide & Perth (with the journey taking 3 nights). Running twice a week all year round, the route from Sydney encompasses the Blue Mountains and the famous treeless Nullarbor Plain (at which point you'll travel along on the longest stretch of straight railway line in the world) before reaching Perth, the capital of Western Australia. And, as well as passing outback towns you can enjoy an optional off-train sightseeing tour, whilst also spending an evening in the gold rush town of Kalgoorlie.

On board, the train features three classes of accommodation, namely Gold Kangaroo Sleepers - a.k.a First Class - with a choice of single-berth 'roomette' or twin-berth 'twinette' sleepers (each equipped with private washbasin and toilet). Travellers can also make use of a Gold Kangaroo lounge car, along with a Gold Kangaroo dining-car (meals are included in the overall ticket price, as is complimentary tea and coffee in the lounge car).

Red Kangaroo Sleepers provide economy 2-berth sleepers, while those travelling alone will be required to share with another passenger of the same sex. Accommodation features a wash basin, while Red kangaroo class passengers can make use of a lounge car selling snacks, soft and alcoholic drinks and a self-service restaurant car (note, however, the cost of meals and drinks is not included)

Cheapest of all are the "Red Kangaroo Daynighter seats" which, as well as reclining, offer decent amounts of legroom. In addition, passengers can make use of the Red Kangaroo lounge and self-service restaurant (see above). Cars of this type also feature a shower, with soap and towels provided for each passenger.

To purchase tickets, book online at www.gsr.com.au or contact the Great Southern Railway Sales Centre on 13 21 47 (within Australia), +618 8213 4592 (International) or email salesagent@gsr.com.

Railpasses

As of February 2007, prices for the Great Southern Railway "Railway Explorer Pass" (valid for travel between 1st April 2007 to 31st March 2008) are $690 for adults and $590 for students, backpackers and children. The pass, which entitles the user to 6 months unlimited Red Kangaroo Daynighter seat travel, is valid on the company's Indian Pacific, Ghan and Overland services.

Alternatively, the Austrail FlexiPass (valid for travel between 1st April 2007 to 31st March 2008) costs $950 for 15 days unlimited train travel within a 6 month validity period, or $1330 for 22 days unlimited train travel in a 6 month period. Valid on The Indian Pacific, The Ghan and The Overland services, as well as travel across Australia (including cities such as Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Brisbane and Canberra plus travel along the east coast all the way up to Cairns).

Rail Services within Sydney

For details of suburban rail services within Sydney's metropolitan area, please visit our essentials pages which cover the various public transport options available.

You are in: Main Page » Getting There » By Train