Train from Sydney to Brisbane: A Scenic Guide to Australia’s East Coast by Rail

Getting from Sydney to Brisbane doesn’t have to mean airports, traffic or long drives.

If you’ve got the time and want to enjoy the journey itself, catching the train from Sydney to Brisbane is a laid-back, scenic way to see the New South Wales and Queensland coast.

This isn’t a bullet-fast ride — it’s a 14-hour coastal adventure through national parks, beach towns, farmland and subtropical valleys.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get from Sydney to Brisbane by train, I’ve got everything covered — from what the train ride feels like to booking hacks, stopover ideas, and whether it’s really worth the time.

Having lived in Sydney for three years and dug into travel forums and rail blogs, I’ve pieced together the good, the bad and the comfy when it comes to this classic Aussie train trip.

What to Expect on the Sydney to Brisbane Train Journey

Train travel from Sydney to Brisbane runs along the North Coast Line, stretching roughly 913 kilometres between two of Australia’s biggest cities.

The service is run by NSW TrainLink and uses their XPT (Express Passenger Train) fleet, known for connecting regional towns across the state.

While the journey isn’t quick — it takes around 14 to 15 hours — it’s the kind of slow travel that rewards patience with ever-changing views and a truly local experience.

There’s just one direct train per day in each direction. If you’re heading north from Sydney, the train usually departs in the afternoon from Central Station and arrives early the next morning at Brisbane’s Roma Street Station.

The southbound service does the reverse during daylight hours, so depending on the direction and timing, you’ll get either sunrise or sunset over the coast.

Either way, the train ride from Sydney to Brisbane gives you front-row seats to Australia’s natural beauty.

Now, when it comes to seating, there are three main options. Economy class is the most budget-friendly with reclining seats, footrests and air-conditioning — comfortable enough for most.

First class gives you a bit more room, extra recline and fewer passengers per carriage.

For overnight travellers who want to lie flat, sleeper cabins are available for an extra fee.

These include real beds with linen, privacy, and even a pre-packed breakfast — ideal if you want to arrive feeling rested.

The train line from Sydney to Brisbane takes you through river valleys, beach towns, rolling farmland, and subtropical forest.

Some of the standout segments include crossing the Hawkesbury River just after leaving Sydney, skimming along the Central Coast, and winding through banana plantations near Coffs Harbour. It’s not just a way to get there — it’s a moving postcard.

How to Book Your Train Tickets

Booking a seat on the Sydney to Brisbane train is pretty straightforward, but knowing a few insider tips can save you money and guarantee a more comfortable spot.

You can grab tickets online via the NSW TrainLink website or through TransportNSW. There’s also the option to book over the phone by calling 13 22 32, or in person at major train stations.

Online bookings usually come with a small discount — about 5% off the base fare — and they let you choose your preferred seat.

Fares depend on how far in advance you book, which class you choose, and the time of year.

A standard one-way trip in Economy usually starts at around A$111, while First Class can be 30 to 50 per cent more.

If you want a sleeper berth on the overnight service, that’ll add about $88 per person on top of the First Class fare.

During school holidays and public long weekends, expect peak pricing — if you can travel in off-peak times, you’ll not only save money but also get a quieter ride.

Children between 4 and 15 travel at half price, and sometimes for as little as $1 when travelling with a full-paying adult.

There are also discounts for pensioners, students, and those holding concession cards.

If you’re planning to explore more of NSW or even cross into Queensland, a Discovery Pass could be worth looking into — it offers unlimited travel for a set period, which suits anyone doing a longer trip or multiple routes.

For the best value and availability, book early — especially if you’re travelling during peak season or want a sleeper cabin.

Seats do sell out, and the sleeper sections are limited. Whether you’re doing the full Sydney to Brisbane via train route or breaking it up with stopovers, a little forward planning goes a long way.

Onboard Experience and Facilities

The onboard setup is simple but thoughtfully designed for long-distance comfort.

The XPT trains used on the train ride from Sydney to Brisbane are decades old but still manage to provide a smooth journey, especially if you pick the right seat.

In Economy, you’ll get standard reclining seats, footrests, drop-down trays, and decent legroom — enough to make the trip comfortable if you’re travelling light.

First Class offers a bigger seat, more recline, and a quieter carriage, which makes a noticeable difference on longer hauls.

If you’re travelling overnight, you might want to upgrade to a sleeper.

These are two-berth compartments that transform from seats into proper beds, complete with pillows, linen, towels, and toiletries. There’s even a small breakfast included.

Sleeper passengers also get access to showers, which can be a game-changer after 14 hours on the move.

Food-wise, the train has a buffet car where you can grab hot meals, snacks, and drinks.

Choices aren’t fancy, but they’ll fill you up — think pasta bakes, sausage rolls, toasties, and basic breakfast items.

Most travellers bring their own snacks and water bottles, which is totally allowed and probably cheaper too.

A reusable mug or bottle is handy since the buffet uses disposables, and sometimes the card machines lose reception, so bring a bit of cash just in case.

There are toilets in every carriage and showers in the sleeper cars.

Wi-Fi and power outlets aren’t standard — only sleeper cabins have shaver sockets, and there are no USB ports in Economy or First.

Bring a power bank and preload your shows, books or podcasts.

Luggage is fairly generous: Economy passengers can check in one bag and bring one carry-on, while First Class allows two checked bags.

Overhead racks and under-seat storage handle smaller items.

Accessibility has improved — there are wheelchair spaces and assistance services available if booked ahead.

Most stations along the Sydney to Brisbane route have ramps or lifts, but it’s best to check in advance if you have mobility needs.

Overall, the train travel from Sydney to Brisbane is laid-back and low-stress — especially when compared to flying.

Comparing Train vs Plane vs Car vs Bus

If you’re choosing how to get from Sydney to Brisbane by train versus other options, it’s worth breaking down each one.

The train isn’t the fastest, but it stands out for being a relaxed and scenic way to cover the distance.

Compared to a flight, it takes way longer — around 14 to 15 hours versus just 90 minutes in the air.

But once you factor in airport transfers, check-ins, and delays, the actual time saved by flying isn’t always as much as it seems.

Flying is cheapest if you snag a deal with a budget airline, with tickets sometimes under $100. But then you’ve got to deal with baggage fees, limited legroom, and the general chaos of airports.

It’s efficient, yes, but not exactly relaxing — and you miss the landscape entirely.

Driving yourself takes around 10 to 11 hours and gives you the most flexibility. You can stop anywhere, leave when you like, and make detours.

But it’s tiring, especially solo, and the costs of fuel and tolls can add up. Plus, parking in Brisbane or Sydney isn’t exactly cheap or easy.

Then there’s the bus — usually an overnight trip that can take up to 17 hours.

It’s cheaper than the train in most cases, but with far less legroom, fewer onboard services, and no chance to walk around or stretch out properly.

The train line from Sydney to Brisbane hits a sweet spot for those who want comfort and scenery without needing to drive or deal with airports.

It’s slower, sure, but it’s a great option if you’ve got the time. You get to move around, eat a hot meal, lie back, and watch the coast roll by.

For some, the journey becomes part of the adventure — not just the way to get there.

Must-See Stopovers and Detour Tips

One of the best things about travelling from Sydney to Brisbane via train is the chance to explore towns along the way.

The XPT stops at over 20 stations, and while most people stay onboard for the full trip, breaking the journey can turn this into a multi-day coastal adventure.

Places like Broadmeadow (near Newcastle), Taree, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, and Casino aren’t just quick stops — they’re gateways to beaches, rainforests and regional gems.

Coffs Harbour is a standout. It’s got beaches, whale watching in season, and the iconic Big Banana.

If you get off here for a night, you can soak up the sea air and recharge before hopping back on the next day’s service.

Grafton is another underrated detour. Known for its jacaranda trees and historic buildings, it’s especially pretty in spring.

If wine is more your thing, Broadmeadow lets you veer off into the Hunter Valley — just grab a bus or hire a car from Newcastle.

There’s also Casino, the so-called “Beef Capital,” which is linked by bus to Byron Bay.

That’s a favourite stop for travellers wanting a beach break with a laid-back vibe.

A few passengers also use Wauchope or Taree to detour into small riverside towns or kayaking spots, depending on the season.

If you’re into nature or slower travel, these detours give you something that flying never will.

Breaking up the train travel from Sydney to Brisbane like this means you can take your time.

You can stretch the trip out over several days, exploring each region without needing to rent a car or deal with traffic.

Just make sure to plan ahead — book your segments early, and always double-check connections, especially on public holidays or weekends.

Tips for a Comfortable Rail Journey

The train ride from Sydney to Brisbane is long, so packing smart makes all the difference. First things first — bring a power bank.

There are no USB ports or standard outlets in Economy or First Class, so if you’re relying on your phone or tablet for entertainment, charge everything fully and download what you need before boarding.

Podcasts, movies, e-books — load them up. Mobile reception cuts in and out along the route, especially in rural areas.

Comfort gear helps too. A neck pillow, earplugs, a light blanket and comfy layers go a long way, especially on the overnight service.

The air-conditioning is decent but can run cold at night, and having your own blanket is a nice touch if you’re not in a sleeper cabin.

For food, the buffet car covers basics, but many travellers swear by packing their own snacks and drinks.

Think fruit, sandwiches, muesli bars — nothing messy, but enough to get by if the buffet isn’t to your taste or you just want to save money.

Water bottles are allowed, and there’s no issue bringing your own refillable one.

The buffet car uses disposable cups, so a reusable mug is also a smart move. And speaking of smart moves, always sit on the east side of the train (right side going north) if you want those ocean views — they’re especially stunning near the Central Coast and Coffs Harbour.

For families, the train’s extra space and onboard toilets make it a better choice than a cramped plane or a long car ride.

NSW TrainLink doesn’t allow pets unless they’re certified assistance animals, but they do accommodate prams, wheelchairs and mobility aids — just book in advance.

Delays can happen, so if you’re arriving in Brisbane early in the morning, think about where you’ll go until check-in opens.

Having flexible plans helps make the journey feel like part of the holiday.

Future of the Sydney–Brisbane Train Route

The train from Sydney to Brisbane route is set for big changes over the next few years.

NSW is replacing its ageing XPT fleet — in service since the 1980s — with a modern Regional Rail Fleet built by CAF, a Spanish train manufacturer.

These new trains are expected to roll out between late 2025 and 2027. They’ll offer onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, better air-conditioning, and updated seating.

One major change, though, is that these new trains won’t include sleeper cabins. That’s a real shift for overnight travellers who currently enjoy proper beds and some privacy.

If lying flat during the trip is important to you, now might be the time to book while the existing sleeper service still runs.

For now, the sleeper remains one of the most unique aspects of train travel from Sydney to Brisbane.

During the transition, two of the six Grafton–Sydney trains are temporarily replaced with coaches while the fleet undergoes upgrades.

These buses are air-conditioned and accessible, but don’t impact the Sydney–Brisbane service directly — it continues to run daily as usual.

Even with new trains on the horizon, the core appeal of the journey won’t change.

The coastal route, the chance to explore regional towns, and the slower pace all stay the same.

If anything, the upgrades will make the long ride more appealing to younger travellers and digital nomads who’ve been waiting for power sockets and Wi-Fi onboard.

Until then, pack your power bank, settle in, and enjoy the scenic charm of the original XPT experience.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

The train from Sydney to Brisbane isn’t just transport — it’s a journey packed with character, coastlines and calm.

If you’re not in a rush, it offers a uniquely Aussie experience that’s far more than getting from point A to B.

With roomy seats, scenic views and the option to stretch out in a sleeper, it turns a long trip into something genuinely memorable.

Whether you ride it straight through or hop off along the way, train travel from Sydney to Brisbane invites you to slow down and soak up a slice of regional Australia.

If that sounds like your kind of trip, grab a seat, charge your phone, and let the journey unfold.