Townsville to Brisbane train: Timetable, prices and stops
The Townsville to Brisbane train takes 18h26m according to the timetable, with fare prices starting at $189. You’ll probably want to pay extra for a bed, however.
- Note: This article was checked and updated on 13 March 2024.
A Townsville to Brisbane train journey is one way of travelling down the Queensland coast. Admittedly, if you try it, you’ll be missing out on much of what makes Queensland so appealing, but if you just need to get from Townsville to Brisbane without flying, it’s at least an option.
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.
Want to skip the explanation and just book your Townsville to Brisbane train ticket? Then book here.
Taking the Townsville to Brisbane train requires a fair bit of careful planning, however – it’s not like there are several services per day. In fact, there are five departures per week. These leave Townsville on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Townsville to Brisbane train timetable
If you’re looking for the Townsville to Brisbane train timetable on the Queensland Rail Travel website, you need to hunt for the Cairns to Brisbane train. Or, as it is officially known, the Spirit of Queensland. This is the same train – it just comes down the coast from Cairns and stops in Townsville.
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.
The Townsville to Brisbane train timetable has the Spirit of Queensland leaving Townsville at 15.54. This is the same time for all five services. It arrives at Brisbane’s Roma Street Station at 10.20 the next morning. This makes for a total journey time of 18 hours and 26 minutes. You can book the train here.
Brisbane to Townsville train departure times
In the other direction, the Brisbane to Townsville trains depart Roma Street Station at 13.45 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They arrive in Townsville at 07.57 the next day.
Major stops along the route include Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Maryborough and Gympie.
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.
Next section: Fare prices.