XPT Reliability
 

We are thinking about taking the overnight XPT from Brisbane down to Sydney, partly because we like trains!

I have two questions:
I have read that there is little difference between first and economy class. Is this correct? Booking ahead, first class is not that expensive and we thought it would be slightly more comfortable for sleeping.

How reliable is the service? We would be scheduled to arrive at 11:38 am and have a flight at 6:30 pm. Doesn't seem like a risk but would appreciate any comments?

I don't think you would have anything to worry about as its generally within 1/4 hour of arrival time. The only problem you would ever have is a derailment somewhere on the line and then there still would be time to be bussed to Sydney.

Hi, john2003!

The XPT Service is generally quite good until it gets to the outer areas of the two big cities, at which time it has to share the rail lines and stations with the normal suburban network (thus having to "wear" the effects of any delays affecting the main system). The last time I took an XPT (to Sydney from melbourne) it was on-time for most of the journey, but still arrived at Sydney Terminal about fifty minutes late. This may be an occasional hiccup only, but be prepared.

I agree with our above friends.

I took the day XPT Bris-Sydney a while back, and it was fine, and roughly on time.

If you were going overnight - I would certainly cough up for first class, if it's only a little more. The extra comfort can't hurt. These are not as comfortable as the European trains, which are my only other recent experience of long distance train travel. The food is abominable, by the way. Bring something to eat!

Both first and economy are "sit up" overnight.It is a long trip (much more comparable with amtrak than european trains) It is roughly the equivalent of a trans pacific flight in economy.

Get a sleeper.