By Train in Sydney

By Train

The main terminal for long-distance and intercity trains is Central Station, about 2 km (1 mi) south of the city center. Two daily services (morning and evening) operate between Sydney and Melbourne; the trip takes about 11 hours. Two Explorer trains make the four-hour trip to Canberra daily. The overnight Brisbane XPT makes the 15-hour Sydney-Brisbane journey every day. Call the state rail authority, Countrylink, between 6:30 AM and 10 PM daily for information about fares and timetables, or check the Countrylink Web site. The Indian-Pacific (operated by Great Southern Railways) leaves Sydney on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons for Adelaide (26 hours) and Perth (64 hours).

Tickets for long-distance train travel can be purchased from Countrylink Travel Centres at Central Station, Circular Quay, Wynyard Station, and Town Hall Station. Countrylink has several passes that are a good value: the Backtracker Pass allows unlimited travel between Sydney and Melbourne (and back to Brisbane), and includes a return trip to the Blue Mountains and one day with unlimited travel on Sydney buses, trains, and ferries. Passes are available for 14 days and one, three, and six months, starting at A$220.

Contacts

Central Station (Eddy Ave., City South). City Rail (13-1500. www.cityrail.nsw.gov.au). Countrylink Travel Centres (Eddy Ave., Central Station, City South. 13-2232. www.countrylink.info). Great Southern Railways (13-2147. www.gsr.com.au). Metro Light Rail (02/8584-5250. www.metromonorail.com.au).