How to Book Train Travel from Canberra to Brisbane

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia, is a coastal plains city situated in the southeastern portion of the state. Noted for its metropolitan cityscape, as well as its distinctive "Queenslander" residential architecture, Brisbane is a city that successfully blends the traditional with the contemporary.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Computer with Internet access

Book Your Train Travel From Canberra to Brisbane

1. Book your train tickets from Canberra to Brisbane through the CountryLink Web site (see Resources below). You can also book your CountryLink rail tickets by calling 011 ([phone]. Keep the time difference and the cost of placing an international telephone call in mind.

2. Note that the most direct route combines the 632 service from Canberra to Sydney Central and the 31 service from Sydney to Brisbane.

3. Choose your class of accommodations online. Save a little money by booking economy for the first train (632) and then choosing first class for the second train (31). Booking first class will allow you to sleep on the last leg of the journey, if desired. You'll only be on the first train for 4 1/2 to 5 hours, compared to about 13 hours on the second train.

4. Click the "Price My Trip" link to calculate your total fare based on your previous selections. Expect reasonable fares. Proceed with your reservations by entering information for each passenger in your party, followed by your payment information.

5. Carefully review the information you entered and your travel details when prompted on the confirmation page. If all is correct, complete your purchase and wait for a confirmation email.

6. Print out your confirmation email, which serves as both your receipt and your train ticket. Bring it to the station with you on the day of your travel.

Find Your Way Around Brisbane

1. Catch one of the intercity trains at Roma Street near platform 3. For example, the AirTrain provides transport to the airport and several stops in the Central Business District.

2. Find hotel lodgings or get a bus within a few steps. The Roma Street Station is connected to the Brisbane Transit Centre by a pedestrian overpass. The Centre houses an on-site hotel, as well as a bus line pickup station.

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 pay for your tickets and prepare for your journey simultaneously.

• Be aware that the proper name of the station is actually Roma Street Station, even though the CountryLink Web site refers to your destination as "Brisbane Transit." This station has 10 platforms, but you can expect to come in on platform 1.