Townsville to Bundaberg train: Fare prices & timetable

The Townsville to Bundaberg train runs four times a week, with one way fares costing from $161.40 and sleeper tickets priced from $284.25. According to the timetable, the Townsville to Rockhampton train takes 11h54m.

The Townsville to Bundaberg train isn’t exactly known for its speed or luxury. But if you’re travelling down the Queensland coast, it’s a plausible option for non-drivers. The journey is better tackled as a road trip over several days.

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.

Bundaberg brings rum distillery tours, Lady Musgrave Island day trips, ginger beer brewery tastings and farm experiences.

But, on the flip side, the economy seats aren’t as cramped as airline seats, you can buy sleeper tickets and you don’t have to keep your eye on the road. The train is also a bit faster than some of the very slow Australian train services elsewhere in the country.

Townsville to Bundaberg train timetable

The Townsville to Bundaberg train is the Cairns to Brisbane train – the Spirit of Queensland. As per the Queensland Rail timetable, this service 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 Bundaberg at 04.50 the next day. That’s a journey time of eleven hours and 54 minutes.

In the other direction, the Bundaberg to Townsville train departs Bundaberg at 20.22 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It arrives in Townsville the next day at 09.38.

6 Bundaberg experiences to make the most of your free time

(Highly recommended ✅) Tour – with tastings – at the Bundaberg rum distillery.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Day trip to Lady Musgrave Island on the Great Barrier Reef.
Fly out to Lady Elliot Island for a day on the reef.
See migrating humpbacks – on a four hour whale watching cruise with lunch.
Brewery tasting tour – including the famous Bundaberg ginger beer.
Farm life experience at Splitters Farm.

Townsville to Bundaberg train fares

Fares on the Townsville to Bundaberg train cost from $161.40, and can be booked online on the Queensland Rail Travel website. There are also sleepers available, with the RailBed fare costing from $284.25.

Good accommodation picks within a short walking distance of Townsville Station include the Holborn at Central, the Civic Guest House and the Clarion Hotel.

Good value Bundaberg accommodation includes the Bundaberg Spanish Motor Inn, the Bundaberg Big4 Cane Village Holiday Park and the Charm City Motel.

Bundaberg streetscape — Bundaberg is one of the largest cities in Central 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.