Last Reviewed: September 2026
Brisbane to Sydney by Train: Key Facts at a Glance
TL;DR:
- Distance: 913 km between Sydney and Brisbane.
- Total journey time: around 14 to 15 hours, combining train and connecting coach.
- Frequency: one combined service daily, in each direction.
- Fares: from around $70 AUD in economy, rising for first class and the sleeper cabin.
- Baggage: one item of checked luggage is included; bikes and surfboards need advance booking.
- Direction note: the overnight service, with sleeper cabins, runs from Sydney; the daytime service runs from Brisbane.
The Brisbane to Sydney XPT train departs Roma Street Station at 5:45 a.m. and arrives at Sydney Central at approximately 8:10 p.m. — around 14 hours. Economy fares start from $70 AUD, with first-class and sleeper options available. Book via NSW TrainLink up to six months in advance.
NSW TrainLink runs the Brisbane to Sydney train journey as a combined train-and-coach service once a day in each direction. You’ll travel by XPT train between Sydney and Casino, then connect to a NSW TrainLink coach for the final leg into Brisbane’s Roma Street Station, or the other way around if you’re heading south.
How to Book Brisbane to Sydney Train Tickets
You can book your Brisbane to Sydney train and coach journey online, by phone, or in person at a NSW TrainLink station. For a broader look at how train travel works across the country, our guide to train travel for Australians is worth a read before you book.
- Online through the Transport for NSW website, where booking ahead gets you a 5% discount on the adult fare — look for tickets marked “Economy Saver” or “First Class Saver,” which carry this discount and tend to sell out first.
- By phone on 13 22 32.
- In person at a staffed NSW TrainLink station.
The concession applies to pensioners, seniors, students, and other eligible groups. You can book up to six months ahead, and fares are generally lower the earlier you book, so it’s worth locking in your seat as soon as your dates are firm.
Ticket Classes: Economy, First Class, and Sleeper
Fares and comfort levels vary depending on which class you choose, and it’s worth knowing what each one includes before you pay.
| Class | What’s included | Good for | Price Range (AUD) |
| Economy | A standard reclining seat and one item of checked luggage. | Budget-conscious travellers. | ~$90–$115 |
| First Class | More legroom, a seat that reclines further, a quieter carriage, and an extra piece of checked luggage. | Longer daytime travel where a bit more comfort helps. | ~$150–$190 |
| Sleeper (Sydney–Casino leg only) | A private double bunk with turndown service and shared facilities, on the overnight train leg between Sydney and Casino. | Travellers who’d rather sleep than sit through the night. | ~$230–$280+ |
Keep in mind that the sleeper cabin is only available on the train portion of the overnight journey, between Sydney and Casino, as the onward leg to Brisbane continues by coach. If sleeping through the night matters to you, it’s worth confirming the sleeper is included in your specific booking before you pay.
If you’re watching your budget across the trip, our guide to using Australia’s public transport on a budget has more ways to save.
What to Expect Onboard the XPT
The XPT trains running this route date back to the 1980s and 1990s, and it shows. Don’t expect Wi-Fi or power outlets on board, and mobile reception can be patchy in places, especially through more remote stretches.
What you will find is a buffet car, accessible toilets, air conditioning, and space to store your luggage. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drink, which is worth doing since the buffet car’s menu is fairly limited.
Transport for NSW is working on a new fleet of intercity trains to eventually replace the ageing XPTs, but as of September 2026, no firm in-service date has been confirmed — the new trains are still going through testing and safety accreditation.
There’s also no confirmed timeline for when sleeper cabins might be phased out, so if an overnight sleeper is part of your plan, it’s worth checking availability directly with NSW TrainLink closer to your travel date. The connecting coach for the Casino to Brisbane leg is a standard long-distance coach, comfortable enough for a few hours but without onboard Wi-Fi either.
Departure Stations, Timetables, and What to Do on Arrival
Because this journey runs in two stages, it helps to know what each leg looks like and where you’ll end up once you arrive.
Brisbane to Sydney (Daytime Service)
The daytime service leaves Brisbane’s Roma Street Station at 5:45am and travels by train as far as Casino, where you’ll change onto a connecting NSW TrainLink coach for the rest of the way to Sydney’s Central Station, arriving at approximately 8:10pm.
Roma Street sits close to Brisbane’s CBD, with easy access to buses and Brisbane’s own train network (the nearest ferry terminal, North Quay, is about a 16-minute walk away). Give yourself at least 30 minutes before departure to check in and find your platform, since exact times can shift with the timetable.
Sydney to Brisbane (Overnight Service)
Heading north, you’ll board the overnight train at Sydney’s Central Station at 2:47pm, reach Casino in the early hours, then connect onto the coach for the final stretch into Brisbane, arriving at approximately 4:53am. This is the direction with sleeper cabins available on the train leg, so it’s the better option if you’d like to arrive rested.
Sydney Central is well connected to the city’s train, bus, and light rail networks, making it easy to reach from wherever you’re staying. It’s also served directly by Sydney’s suburban and intercity rail lines, so most travellers can reach it without needing a connecting bus. Because this route mixes train and coach, it’s worth checking the current NSW TrainLink timetable for exact departure times before you book.
Scenic Highlights: What You’ll See Along the Route
Which side should you sit on for the best views? Heading south from Brisbane to Sydney, the ocean views along the coast are generally best from the left-hand side of the train; heading north, they’re usually best from the right. It’s a small thing, but worth asking about when you book if scenery matters to you. If you’d like to see how this trip compares with the country’s other scenic routes, our guide to Australia’s top scenic train journeys is worth a look before you decide.
Brisbane to Sydney Train vs. Other Transport Options
Wondering whether the train is the right call for this trip? Here’s roughly how it stacks up against flying, driving, and the bus.
| Mode | Duration | Cost (AUD) | Frequency | Approx. CO₂ per passenger |
| Train + coach | ~14–15 hours | From ~$70 | 1 combined service/day | Lower than flying or driving |
| Car | ~10–11 hours | ~$150–180 (fuel & tolls) | Flexible | Higher than train |
| Bus (Greyhound) | ~17 hours | From ~$93 | 2–3/day | Similar to a train, lower than flying |
| Plane | ~1.5 hours | ~$50–200 | Multiple daily | Highest per passenger |
If your schedule is flexible and you enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the train-and-coach option can be a relaxed, scenic way to travel, though it takes longer than flying or driving. If you’re short on time, flying is hard to beat at around 90 minutes, and our guide to flight times between Brisbane and Sydney has more detail.
If you’re after a bit more freedom over your route and stops, our guide to planning a road trip along Australia’s east coast may suit you better than the mixed train-and-coach option.
Travel Tips for the Brisbane to Sydney Train Journey
A few small things can make a long train-and-coach journey much more comfortable.
- Bring some cash for the buffet car, since not every onboard purchase accepts card payments.
- Pack a portable charger, since there are no power outlets on board.
- Download shows, music, or podcasts before you go, since Wi-Fi isn’t available and mobile reception can drop out.
- Bring a travel pillow and something warm if you’re taking the overnight service.
- Carry a refillable water bottle to fill up along the way.
- Keep a copy of your ticket handy, whether on your phone or printed.
- Sit on the side of the train that suits the views for your direction of travel.
- If your train or coach connection is delayed, NSW TrainLink staff can help you rebook the connecting leg, so it’s worth asking at the station rather than assuming you’ve missed your onward journey.
- Bring your own snacks if you have specific dietary needs, since the buffet car’s menu is limited.
If you’re weighing up other interstate train routes, our guide to the Brisbane to Melbourne train covers what that longer journey involves.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Brisbane to Sydney Train
How long does the Brisbane to Sydney train take?
The full Brisbane to Sydney journey takes around 14 to 15 hours, combining an XPT train with a connecting NSW TrainLink coach. Exact timing depends on which direction you’re travelling and how well the connection lines up, so it’s worth checking the current timetable when you book.
How much does a Brisbane to Sydney train ticket cost?
Economy fares typically start from around $70 AUD one-way, with first class and an overnight sleeper cabin priced higher. Fares can change with demand and how far ahead you book, so it’s worth confirming the current price when you’re ready to travel.
Is there Wi-Fi or power outlets on the train?
No. The XPT trains running this route don’t have Wi-Fi or power outlets, and mobile reception can be unreliable in places. Bring a portable charger and download anything you’ll want to watch, read, or listen to before you set off.
Can I bring a bike or a surfboard on the train?
Yes, but you’ll need to book it in advance, since bikes and surfboards are treated as checked luggage with their own size and packing requirements. Check with NSW TrainLink or the booking site for current requirements and any fees before you travel.
Is the sleeper cabin still available?
Sleeper cabins are currently available on the overnight train leg between Sydney and Casino, with the onward journey to Brisbane continuing by coach. Transport for NSW hasn’t confirmed a timeline for phasing sleepers out under its new intercity fleet, so check availability when you book.
Which stations does the journey depart from and arrive at?
Travelling from Brisbane, you’ll depart from Roma Street Station; from Sydney, you’ll depart from Central Station. Both directions involve a connecting coach at Casino, so your ticket covers the train and coach legs as one booking.
Key Takeaways
- The Brisbane to Sydney trip isn’t a single through-train — it’s a combined XPT train and connecting coach journey via Casino, taking around 14 to 15 hours in total.
- Economy fares typically start from around $70 AUD one-way, with first class and an overnight sleeper cabin available at a higher price.
- There’s no Wi-Fi or power outlets on board, and mobile reception can be patchy, so it’s worth packing a portable charger and downloading entertainment in advance.
- Sleeper cabins are available for now, but Transport for NSW hasn’t confirmed when its new intercity fleet will replace the ageing XPTs, or what that means for sleeper availability long-term.
- Bikes and surfboards can travel with you if you book them ahead of time as checked luggage.
Travelling between Brisbane and Sydney by train and coach takes longer than flying, but it trades speed for a slower, scenic look at the New South Wales coast, from the beaches around Coffs Harbour to the farmland further inland. If you’re not in a rush and enjoy watching the country go by, it’s a comfortable way to make the trip. Whichever direction you’re heading, book directly through NSW TrainLink to lock in your seat, your class, and your connection details. And if you’re planning to send or receive money while you explore the country, Remitly can help you do that quickly and securely.
