About Brisbane

Brisbane is a vibrant, subtropical city stretched along the bends of the Brisbane River, combining a laid-back outdoor culture with a growing arts, food, and events scene. The South Bank precinct is the city's cultural heart, home to the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), the Queensland Museum, and Streets Beach, an inner-city lagoon right beside the river. The Story Bridge, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and the city's riverside parks and walkways are among the top draws for first-time visitors.

Brisbane is also a practical base for exploring the east coast by rail. The NSW TrainLink Train connects the city with Sydney, with onward connections to Melbourne and Canberra, making it straightforward to travel between Queensland's capital and the rest of Australia without flying. Whether you are spending a few days in Brisbane or passing through on a longer journey, the city's rail connections put the east coast within easy reach.

Train Routes to and from Brisbane

Brisbane – Sydney

The most popular interstate rail connection on the east coast, operated daily by NSW TrainLink.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 913 km
Travel time: 14 h 10 m - 16 h 11 m
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Sydney - Brisbane

Daily return service from Sydney to Brisbane, with overnight sleeper options available.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 913 km
Travel time: 14 h 6 m - 19 h 18 m
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Brisbane – Melbourne

A long-distance journey via the XPT from Brisbane to Sydney, with an onward connection to Melbourne.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 994 km
Travel time: 1 d 4 h
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Melbourne – Brisbane

Return connection from Melbourne north to Brisbane, with a change at Sydney Central.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 994 km
Travel time: 1 d 14 h
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Brisbane – Canberra

An interstate connection from Brisbane to the national capital, via Sydney with an onward Xplorer service.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 1306 km
Travel time: 1 d 1 h
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Canberra – Brisbane

Return connection from Canberra north to Brisbane, via Sydney Central.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 1306 km
Travel time: 21 h 58 m - 1 d 11 h
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Train Stations in Brisbane


Brisbane Central Station

Brisbane Central Station is the main city terminal, located on Ann Street at the northern edge of the Brisbane CBD, directly opposite Anzac Square. Opened on 18 August 1889 as the original terminus, it has been modernised into the busiest station in Queensland, featuring 6 platforms and a full range of passenger amenities including large departure screens, ticketing facilities, and parking. The station operates 24 hours and connects all suburban and interurban city network lines, making it the key interchange point for most train journeys within South East Queensland.
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How to Get from Brisbane to Other Cities by Train

Brisbane to Sydney Train Journey

The Brisbane to Sydney route is Australia's most iconic east coast rail connection, with the NSW TrainLink XPT departing from Roma Street Station and arriving at Sydney Central. The journey covers approximately 913 km in around 13 to 14 hours, with a daily departure and overnight sleeper cabin options available, twin-berth compartments with complimentary breakfast included. Economy and First Class seating are also available. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.
Mecca to Medina Train Journey
Mecca to Jeddah Airport Train Journey
Brisbane to Melbourne Airport Train Journey

The Brisbane to Melbourne journey uses the NSW TrainLink XPT from Roma Street to Sydney Central, followed by a connection to the Melbourne XPT service. The full trip covers approximately 1,375 km in around 25 to 26 hours, passing through Queensland's subtropical landscapes, the rural heart of New South Wales, and the Victorian countryside. It is one of Australia's great long-distance rail experiences. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.
Brisbane to Canberra Train Journey

The Brisbane to Canberra connection uses the NSW TrainLink XPT to Sydney, followed by an Xplorer service to Canberra. The total journey takes approximately 19 to 29 hours depending on connection times. While not a single direct service, it is a reliable and practical way to travel between Brisbane and Australia's national capital by rail. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.
Mecca to Jeddah Train Journey

Travel Tips for Visiting Brisbane by Train

  • Book Tickets in Advance
    Sleeper cabins on the XPT to Sydney fill quickly, especially during school holidays and peak travel periods. Booking as early as possible gives you the best choice of seat type and fare.
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  • Depart for Interstate Services
    All NSW TrainLink long-distance trains depart from Roma Street Station, not Brisbane Central. Check your departure station carefully when booking, and allow enough time to get there — Roma Street is a short suburban train or taxi ride from the CBD and Central Station.
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  • Bring a Portable Charger
    Current XPT trains do not have onboard Wi-Fi or charging ports in all classes. Bringing a fully charged portable battery pack and downloaded entertainment makes for a more comfortable long-distance journey.
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  • Sleeper for Overnight Services
    The overnight XPT to Sydney offers twin-berth sleeper cabins with complimentary breakfast, providing a comfortable and private way to cover the distance while you sleep.
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  • Use the Go Card for Local Travel
    If exploring Brisbane and the South East Queensland region by suburban train, the Go Card reloadable smartcard offers the cheapest fares and is available at Central Station and major stations across the network.
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  • Allow Time for Sydney Connections
    If traveling from Brisbane to Melbourne or Canberra, you will need to change trains in Sydney. Allow at least 1 to 2 hours between services to account for any delays, and check NSW TrainLink timetables carefully when booking your onward leg.
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FAQ About Trains to and from Brisbane