Townsville to Rockhampton train: Fare prices & timetable
The Townsville to Rockhampton train leaves four times a week, with one way fares costing from $129 and sleeper tickets priced from $234.75.
The Townsville to Rockhampton train is hardly the fastest or most luxurious train in the world. But if you want to travel down the Queensland coast, it is a feasible alternative to driving. It’s not as quick, and there’s less freedom to build in stops along the way.
But, at the same time, even the economy seats are relatively comfortable, and the service is faster than some of the dawdling Australian trains elsewhere in the country.
Townsville is where you can take the ferry to gorgeous Magnetic Island, enjoy sunset cruises and visit the Museum of Underwater Art. For more Townsville experiences, explore here. To ferret out the best Townsville accommodation deals, look here.
Rockhampton offers fascinating history walks and cave tours. To source the best Rockhampton accommodation deals, go here.
Skip the explanation and book your train ticket.
Townsville to Rockhampton train timetable
The Townsville to Rockhampton train is the Cairns to Brisbane train – the Spirit of Queensland. According to the Queensland Rail timetable, this service runs four times a week.
Top experiences to book in and around Rockhampton
- (Highly recommended ✅) Great Keppel Island day trip – with lunch.
- Cathedral Cave tour at Capricorn Caves. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 90 minute Deep Vault Cave and Flower Pot tour at Capricorn Caves.
- Time Safaris walking tour.
Departures from Townsville are on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 14.54. The train is scheduled to arrive in Rockhampton at 00.29 the next day. That’s a journey time of nine hours and 35 minutes.
In the other direction, the Rockhampton to Townsville train departs Rockhampton at 00.11 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It arrives in Townsville at 09.38.
Townsville to Mackay train fares
Fares on the Townsville to Rockhampton train cost from $129, and can be booked online. There are also sleepers available, with the RailBed fare costing from $234.75.
Solid accommodation picks within easy walking distance of Townsville Station include the Holborn at Central, the Civic Guest House and the Clarion Hotel.
The best places to stay in Rockhampton, Queensland
The best Rockhampton accommodation choices are:
- For character and charm: Denison Boutique Hotel.
- For heritage: Quality Hotel Regent.
- For well-equipped apartments: Quest Rockhampton.
- For really good value: Rockhampton Serviced Apartments.
- For a great pool: Korte’s Resort.
More Townsville train journeys
Townsville to Bundaberg train.
Townsville to Rockhampton train.
Other Queensland train services.
6 Townsville experiences to book in advance
- Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
- SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
- Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
- Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
- Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
- Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.
Townsville accommodation recommendations
The best bets for Townsville accommodation are…
- For beachside location: Water’s Edge The Strand.
- For a good value, well located motel: Yongala Lodge By The Strand.
- For a sassy, chic resort: Rambutan Resort.
- For families: Discovery Parks Townsville.
- For business-friendly apartments: Quest Townsville on Eyre.