Toowoomba to Brisbane train: Fare prices & timetable

The Toowoomba to Brisbane train is timetabled to run twice a week, with one way fares costing from $24.46.

Given that Toowoomba is relatively large and relatively close to Brisbane, it would be reasonable to expect there to be a train link between the two cities. The good news is that you can go from Toowoomba to Brisbane by train. The bad news is that the services are ridiculously infrequent, hence most people drive from Toowoomba to Brisbane instead.

Book in advance for the best prices on Toowoomba to Brisbane train tickets.

Toowoomba is not on the main South East Queensland rail network, and the only train that passes through is the Westlander service. This is the Charleville to Brisbane train, which runs twice a week. You can use it, but you really need to plan ahead.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

Toowoomba to Brisbane train timetable

According to the Queensland Rail timetable, the Toowoomba to Brisbane train leaves Toowoomba at 07.00 on Thursdays and Saturdays. It arrives at Brisbane’s Roma Street Station at 11.25. That’s a journey time of four hours and 25 minutes, which is ludicrously slow given the 127km distance.

The return service departs Brisbane at 19.15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, arriving in Toowoomba at 23.05.

Top Toowoomba accommodation recommendations

The best Toowoomba accommodation options are:

For central location and undercover parking at a 4.5 star with a pool: Oaks Toowoomba.
For well-equipped apartments: Athena Motel Apartments.
For a holiday park with plenty for the kids: Big4 Toowoomba Garden City.
For a surprisingly good motel at cheapish rates: Applegum Inn.

Toowoomba to Brisbane train fare prices

Fares on the Toowoomba to Brisbane train service vary a little depending on demand and when you book. The cheapest one way fares, booked well in advance, cost from $26.46, however. Tickets can be booked online.

Accommodation near Brisbane’s Roma Street Station includes the good value Selina, the design-focused George Williams Hotel and the rooftop pool-boasting Grand Chancellor.

Things to do in Brisbane after arriving include a Segway sightseeing trip, a laidback Brisbane River cruise, and taking the boat upriver to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. You can also organise transfers to Australia Zoo, a hinterland rainforest tour and action-packed days out to Moreton Island.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.