How to Book Train Travel From Sydney to Brisbane

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia, is the country's third largest city and serves as a major financial and commercial center. This Pacific coastal city is also well-known for its cultural and performing arts venues, watersport activities and national sporting events. Brisbane is also a transportation center, making train travel into the city from Sydney both convenient and comfortable.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Computer with Internet access

Book Your Train Travel From Sydney to Brisbane

1. Book your train travel over the phone by calling CountryLink at 011 ([phone] or 011 ([phone] to make group reservations. Be aware of the time difference before placing your call. Expect moderately priced fares.

2. Book train travel on the 31 service from Brisbane Transit Centre to Sydney Central Station through the CountryLink Web site (see Resources below). The 31 offers a direct route to Sydney with an estimated travel time of 16 to 17 hours.

3. Print out the email you'll receive after you book your train travel arrangements. This email will confirm your travel accommodations and scheduled departure time, and will also serve as your ticket to board the train.

Find Your Way Around Brisbane

1. Take a taxi from the Brisbane Transit Centre on level 3 beyond Bay 36. Be careful not to confuse the taxi pickup area with the taxi setdown area, which is the drop-off point.

2. Tell anyone who may be picking you up in Brisbane that car parking is available under the west and east office towers of the complex, the former being accessible via Roma Street and the latter from the hotel entrance.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally from outside the United States, check which prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Book online to find unusual discounts. Pay attention to any promotions flagged on the County Link Web site before making your reservations because the service periodically runs special offers.

• Take advantage of discount rates, such as special fares offered to pensioners, students and families traveling together. Children under the age of 4 may travel for free.

• Check the CountryLink Web site before leaving for the Brisbane station for any alerts that may affect your travel, such as delays due to track repair or other construction.

• Step off the train and straight into a hotel lobby. The Brisbane Transit Centre Complex includes a major chain hotel on the premises.

• Charge your laptop or handheld device before boarding the train. The only available outlets onboard are found in the men's toilet facilities and are intended only for electric shavers.

• Be aware that Bankcard is no longer an acceptable form of payment for services, such as the dining car.

• Economy-coach class on this route does not include meals. However, the train will stop intermittently to allow passengers to briefly dismount for meals.