Townsville to Mackay train: Timetable, fare prices & journey time

The Townsville to Mackay train runs four times a week. One way fares cost from $75, and the journey is timetabled to take 4h42m.

Most people travelling along the Queensland coast do so by car. Driving is quicker, often cheaper and gives more freedom. But with a bit of careful planning, it is also possible to travel along the Queensland coast by rail.

The best thing to do in Mackay is a snorkelling cruise around the South Cumberland Islands.

The Townsville to Mackay train is a good example of this. It’s not a frequent service, or a high speed one. But if all you want to get from Townsville to Mackay without driving, the train service will probably do the job.

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.

Mackay is the departure point for a marvellous snorkelling cruise to the South Cumberland Islands. To choose from the best Mackay tours and experiences, head this way. To select the right Mackay accommodation for you, book here.

Townsville to Mackay train timetable

The Townsville to Mackay train is the Cairns to Brisbane train – the Spirit of Queensland. According to the timetable, it runs four times a week. Departures from Townsville are on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 14.54. The train is scheduled to arrive in Mackay at 19.36. That’s a journey time of four hours and 42 minutes.

Three great Mackay experiences to book in advance

(Highly recommended ✅) Whitsunday Islands boat cruise – with snorkelling and paddleboarding.
Cape Hillsborough sunrise tour – meet wallabies on the beach.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Finch Hatton Gorge waterfalls tour.

In the opposite direction, the Mackay to Townsville train departs Mackay at 04.54 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It arrives in Townsville at 09.38.

Townsville to Mackay train fares

Fares on the Townsville to Mackay train cost from $75, and can be booked online on the Queensland Rail Travel website.

Good value accommodation options within easy walking distance of Townsville Station include the Holborn at Central, the Civic Guest House and the Clarion Hotel.

Mackay accommodation options include the sizeable apartments of Mantra Mackay, the family-friendly Discovery Parks holiday park and the handily central Rydges Mackay Suites.

Blacks Beach in Mackay, Queensland. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

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.