Adelaide to Sydney by Train: Everything You Need to Know for the Perfect Trip

Are you wondering if there’s a train from Adelaide to Sydney? There sure is! The train is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a more leisurely, scenic journey.

After travelling across Australia for over five years, I’ve found train travel relaxing and filled with stunning views. 

In this post, I’ll cover the options, trip highlights, and why it’s a great way to travel between these two cities.

Option 1: Adelaide to Melbourne, Then Melbourne to Sydney

The most common way to travel from Adelaide to Sydney by train is through Melbourne. Here’s how it works:

Adelaide to Melbourne

The journey begins with a leisurely ride on the Overland from Adelaide Parklands Terminal to Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station.

This scenic trip takes approximately ten and a half hours and offers a comfortable and stress-free experience.

The Overland is known for its comfort, with standard and premium seating and large windows perfect for taking in the Australian countryside.

Melbourne to Sydney

Once in Melbourne, you’ll transfer to the NSW TrainLink XPT service, which heads north to Sydney. This leg of the journey takes about 11 hours.

The XPT offers first-class economy class, with sleeper cabins for overnight trips, making it an easy and comfortable way to travel between cities.

Option 2: Travel the Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Sydney

For those seeking a legendary Australian adventure, the Indian Pacific is an excellent option.

This long-distance train runs from Perth to Sydney, passing through Adelaide.

The journey takes four days and three nights, but if you board in Adelaide, you’ll only need to travel the final stretch to Sydney. 

While this option is more time-consuming, it offers a luxury experience with premium service, gourmet meals, and breathtaking views.

If time isn’t an issue and you want your journey to be part of the adventure, the Indian Pacific Adelaide to Sydney train is worth considering.

Train Travel Benefits

Travelling by train in Australia comes with many benefits that you don’t always get with flying or driving:

✅ Scenic Routes

The breathtaking scenery is one of the most compelling reasons to take the train. Australia’s countryside is diverse and beautiful, from rolling hills to desert plains.

Train travel lets you sit back, relax, and enjoy the view, inspiring you with the beauty of the Australian landscape.

✅ Comfort

Trains offer much more legroom and the ability to walk around, making long trips more comfortable.

Whether you book economy or upgrade to premium, you’ll find it easier to relax than being stuck in a car or plane.

✅ Less Stress

Unlike flying, there’s no rushing through security, checking in hours early, or dealing with the hassle of airports.

Train stations are often centrally located, and the boarding process is much simpler.

✅ Eco-Friendly Travel

Trains produce fewer carbon emissions per passenger than cars or planes, making them more environmentally friendly.

How to Book Your Train Journey

Booking a train from Adelaide to Sydney is a straightforward process you can easily manage. You can book tickets online through the Journey Beyond website for the Overland or through NSW TrainLink for the XPT.

Both services offer flexible fare options; you can plan your trip to score cheaper tickets. Remember to check for any seasonal offers or discounts.

Additionally, if you choose the Indian Pacific route, you must book through Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions.

This is more of a luxury experience so that prices will reflect that. However, the value comes from an all-inclusive journey with meals, drinks, and off-train excursions.

What to Expect on the Journey

Here’s a bit more about what you can expect on both routes:

• Adelaide to Melbourne (The Overland): This trip is comfortable and scenic, with large, reclinable seats and access to a café.
  
  You’ll pass through regional Victoria and South Australia, enjoying views of vast farmland and rural towns. It’s a relaxing trip, perfect for kicking back with a good book or chatting with fellow travellers.
  

• Melbourne to Sydney (NSW TrainLink XPT): Once you board the XPT in Melbourne, it’s another comfortable journey, and if you book an overnight sleeper, you can rest well.
  
  The train offers a buffet car with snacks, meals, and onboard entertainment to keep you occupied. This leg of the journey passes through lush greenery and rural towns, giving glimpses of Australia’s diverse landscapes.

• The Indian Pacific: For the ultimate luxury train experience, the Indian Pacific is hard to beat. The train has private cabins, a dining car serving gourmet meals, and a lounge for mingling with other passengers.
  
  The route from Adelaide to Sydney showcases beautiful outback scenery, and the experience is as much a part of the adventure as the destination.

Costs and Travel Times

When planning your trip, it’s important to consider both the cost and the time it will take. Here’s a breakdown:

• Adelaide to Melbourne (The Overland): Tickets for The Overland start around $99 for an economy seat and increase depending on class and flexibility. Travel time is approximately 10.5 hours.
  
• Melbourne to Sydney (NSW TrainLink XPT): Economy seats start at around $65, while first-class and sleeper options are higher. The journey takes about 11 hours.
  
• The Indian Pacific: Prices for the Indian Pacific vary significantly based on the level of accommodation and inclusions.
  
  Expect to pay more for this premium experience, with fares typically starting from $1,200 for the Adelaide to Sydney leg, which takes just over 24 hours.

Travelling From Adelaide to Sydney FAQs

Final Thoughts

The train from Adelaide to Sydney is a unique and comfortable way to see more of Australia.

There’s a train journey for everyone, with options ranging from budget-friendly routes to luxury experiences.

If you want to discover more travel ideas and make the most of your trip, visit our Sydney and Adelaide Travel Guide for all the details and advice you need!