How to Book Train Travel From Melbourne to Canberra

Canberra is the national capital and governmental seat of Australia. The city is home to many national monuments and sites of interest, such as the National Library, the Old Parliament House and the National Archives of Australia. Canberra is also known for its community theaters, lively nightclubs and music halls.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Book Your Train Travel From Melbourne to Canberra

1. Book your train tickets on CountryLink by calling 011 ([phone]. Consider the time difference and the expense of placing an international call before dialing. Think about booking tickets online at the CountryLink Web site (see Resources below).

2. Use the Online Booking service to view available trains from Melbourne Southern Cross Station to Canberra Station on the CountryLink Web site. Note that a connection is necessary at Cootamundra between the 624 service departing Melbourne and the 782 destined for Canberra.

3. Decide on the class preference for each train once you're sure of the date you wish to travel. You can compare rates at this point before making a purchase. In general, train fares are reasonably priced.

4. Continue to book your train travel by entering your billing and passenger information when prompted. Note that any special requests, such as special meals (like vegetarian or gluten-free diets) must be made at least 48 hours prior to your departure date.

5. Finalize your purchase and verify that your travel details are correct. If you need to make corrections, use the "Start Over" feature.

6. Keep the email confirmation that you'll receive after making your train travel reservations. This email will contain all of your travel details and will also act as your ticket to board the train.

Find Your Way Around Canberra

1. Ride the public ACTION buses, which service most sections of the city and are accessible from the Canberra railway station.

2. Rent a car to travel one of the many parkways or national highways that connect city districts, or the less-traveled access roads of the suburbs.

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 travel online to find Internet-only specials.

• Consider upgrading to first class on the 624 train from Melbourne to Cootamundra, which takes about 6 hours of travel time. First class costs a bit more than economy class, but you'll be entitled to book a sleeping compartment.

• Be sure to pack any necessary medication in your carry-on baggage rather than in your checked luggage.

• Economy is the only class available on the 782 train pulling into Canberra. Fortunately, you're only on this train for approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.

• Be aware that there are frequent track renovations. Check the CountryLink Web site for possible delays that could affect your travel before departing Melbourne.