Gladstone to Cairns train: Timetable, fare prices and stops

The Gladstone to Cairns train is timetabled to take 18h7m, with one way fares costing from $179.40. Taking a sleeper might be a better bet than an economy seat, however.

The Gladstone to Cairns train is one feasible way of travelling up the coast of Queensland. It’s less gruelling than taking the bus and doesn’t involve backtracking via Brisbane like the Gladstone to Cairns flights.

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Gladstone to Cairns train timetable

The Gladstone to Cairns train is the same as the Brisbane to Cairns train. It is the Spirit of Queensland service that runs up the coast of Queensland. Gladstone just happens to be one of the stops along the way.

According to the Queensland Rail Travel timetable, the Spirit of Queensland runs from Gladstone four times a week. Departures are on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, with the train leaving Gladstone at 22.23. It arrives in Cairns the next day at 16.30. That makes for a not inconsiderable journey time of 18 hours and seven minutes.

The return train from Cairns to Gladstone leaves Cairns at 08.35, and arrives in Gladstone at 02.02 the next day. These trains run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

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