About Sydney

Sydney is one of the world's most spectacular harbour cities, where the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge frame a skyline unlike anywhere else on earth. Visitors can explore historic The Rocks neighbourhood at the foot of the Harbour Bridge, take a ferry across the glittering harbour to Manly, or walk the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal trail along the sandstone cliffs south of the city. Bondi Beach, just a short bus ride from the CBD, is world-famous for its golden crescent of sand, surf culture, and the Bondi Icebergs ocean pool perched beside the breaking waves.

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

Train Routes to and from Sydney

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
CHECK DETAILS

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
CHECK DETAILS

Sydney – Melbourne

The most popular interstate rail connection in Australia, operated twice daily by NSW TrainLink.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 866 km
Travel time: 10 h 48 m - 13 h 22 m
CHECK DETAILS

Melbourne – Sydney

Daily return service from Melbourne to Sydney, with a morning and an overnight departure.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 866 km
Travel time: 10 h 57 m - 11 h 15 m
CHECK DETAILS

Sydney – Canberra

A frequent and convenient connection from Sydney to Australia's national capital.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 286 km
Travel time: 3 h 45 m - 12 h 32 m
CHECK DETAILS

Canberra – Sydney

Return service from Canberra to Sydney, with several daily departures throughout the day.

NSW TrainLink train
Distance: 286 km
Travel time: 3 h 45 m - 7 h 30 m
CHECK DETAILS

Train Stations in Sydney

Sydney Central Station is Australia's largest and most important intercity rail terminal, located on Railway Colonnade Drive in Haymarket at the southern edge of the CBD. The current station building was opened on 4 August 1906, designed by Government Architect Walter L. Vernon, and is instantly recognisable for its grand sandstone facade and 75-metre clock tower. The station features 25 platforms and operates 24 hours a day, serving as the terminus for all NSW TrainLink interstate services to Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra, as well as most Sydney suburban lines and connections to the Airport and Blue Mountains. Facilities include ticket desks and machines, waiting rooms, currency exchange, ATMs, and left luggage storage. The light rail also departs from Central, connecting the station to Circular Quay and Surry Hills.
Learn More

How to Get from Sydney to Other Cities by Train

Sydney to Brisbane Train Journey

The Sydney to Brisbane route connects New South Wales' capital with Queensland's via the daily NSW TrainLink XPT, running overnight from Sydney Central to Brisbane Roma Street. The journey covers approximately 913 km in around 13 to 14 hours, passing through Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, and the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Sleeper cabins, First Class, and Economy seating are all available on the overnight service. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.
Mecca to Medina Train Journey
Mecca to Jeddah Airport Train Journey
Sydney to Melbourne Airport Train Journey

The Sydney to Melbourne route is Australia's most traveled interstate rail connection, with NSW TrainLink operating two XPT services daily — a daytime departure at approximately 7:40 AM and an overnight service in the evening. Both trains run from Sydney Central to Melbourne Southern Cross, covering approximately 866 km in around 11 hours. The overnight service offers twin-berth sleeper cabins with complimentary breakfast, while both services feature Economy and First Class seating and a buffet car serving hot meals. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.
Sydney to Canberra Train Journey

The Sydney to Canberra route is one of the most convenient interstate connections in Australia, with NSW TrainLink Xplorer services running several times daily between Sydney Central and Canberra. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and is a popular choice for business travelers, public servants, and tourists visiting the national capital. Economy and First Class seating are available. You can compare departure times and ticket prices using our search form above.
Mecca to Jeddah Train Journey

Travel Tips for Visiting Sydney by Train

  • Book Train Tickets in Advance
    Sleeper cabins on overnight XPT services to Melbourne and Brisbane fill quickly, especially during school holidays and long weekends. Booking as early as possible secures the best fares and your preferred seat or cabin type.
    1
  • Use the Opal Card for Local Travel
    For travel within Sydney on suburban trains, buses, ferries, and the light rail, the Opal reloadable smartcard offers the cheapest fares and is available at Central Station and convenience stores across the city.
    2
  • Sydney's Interstate Hub
    All NSW TrainLink long-distance services to Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra depart from and arrive at Sydney Central Station. The station is well connected to the CBD, Circular Quay, and the airport by train, bus, and light rail.
    3
  • Sleeper for Overnight Services
    The overnight XPT to Melbourne and Brisbane offers twin-berth sleeper cabins, a comfortable and practical way to cover the distance while you sleep, with complimentary breakfast included for sleeper passengers.
    4
  • Bring a Portable Charger
    Current XPT trains do not have Wi-Fi, and charging outlets are not available in all classes. Downloading entertainment and carrying a fully charged portable battery pack is recommended for longer journeys.
    5
  • Allow Time to Reach Central Station
    Sydney Central is well connected but can be busy, particularly during peak hours. Allow at least 20–30 minutes before your train's departure to collect your ticket, find your platform, and board comfortably.
    6

FAQ About Trains to and from Sydney