QLD Rail, Brisbane

Roma Street Station is Brisbane's first railway station opened in 1876. If you are catching long distance trains, then this is the terminus for them. The Cairns tilt train departs two evenings a week and takes a little more than 24hours.
The Sunlander departs for Cairns three mornings a week. This train is slower than the Tilt Train, but cheaper.
The Westlander departs Tuesday & Thursday evenings for Toowoomba, Roma & Charleville.
Departing from Roma Street are trains to Nerang on the Gold Coast.
The Spirit of the Outback departs twice a week for Longreach. It runs through Rockhampton, Emerald & Barcaldine.
This is where you catch the train to Sydney, it departs early morning and arrives in the evening in Sydney.
A train also goes to Townsville.
At different times of the year, Steam train rides are held and these depart from here.
As well as the long distance trains, it also services the local suburban routes.

Unfortunately Brisbane's Transit System is not the most reliable in the world, however; when comparing with India's trains, they are the best!

Most city trains during peak hour make you feel like a sardine in a can, but you can get a seat during non peak hour times.

The express trains are brilliant and make travelling to work quicker and more convenient.

Timetables are available at Roma Street Station, Fortitude Valley Station and Central Station. (Some of the suburban stations have time tables)

Recently a new system has been put in place for the trains, bus and ferry called "Go Card" (a card that you put money on and swipe at the station you get on and the station you get off at) instead of a paper ticket. The system has had a few “teething” problems, but as long as you swipe on and off you shouldn’t have any issues.

For train times, you can visit: http://www.transinfo.com.au/

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The Queensland Rail system in Brisbane travels west as far as Rosewood or Ferny Grove, North as far as Caboolture, East to Eagle Farm and Doomben (or punters!) and South to the Gold Coast. A special service AirTrain, also travels to Brisbane Airport - both domestic and international terminals.

This is an efficient and comfortable rail system, with multiple stops, and some express routes, if you are travelling beyond the city.

Brisbane has a new travel system in place. Now all you need is one ticket, and that covers you on the ferry, the train and the busses....

No more buying tickets every time you change modes of trnsport, all you gotta do is tell the dude that runs the ticket machine your final destination and your set to go!!

TransLink now provides one single public transport network covering south-east Queensland from Gympie North/Noosa to Coolangatta and west to Helidon.

Just one TransLink ticket will take you wherever you want to go on buses, trains and ferries within the new system. Zones, fares and concessions will be standardised across the system, providing one set of rules for everyone.

TransLink is working together with the Queensland government, Brisbane City Council (BCC), QR (Queensland Rail) and private operators to improve the integration of services - making it easier for you to get to where you want to go.

The fairly new Air Train system to and from the Brisbane Airport, is a comfortable 20 minute electric rail trip. Very efficient transport, but costs AU$12 for a one way trip. So, if there's a group of you, take a cab!

Train stops at Central Station and Roma Street Station - but has the disadvantages of having to carry or manage your own luggage, if you travel heavy!

Train tickets are really cheap and great value.

You can go on any train/ferry or bus within the zones you have paid for and the ticket lasts for 24 hours.

The trains also go all night so you can catch the train home after a big night out instead of a taxi.

No toilets onboard though so go before you get on!!!!!

Very safe as well and there is security on there 24 hrs.

Transinfo has information on bus & train times within Brisbane & down to the Gold Coast.

Note: Public holidays have limited bus & trains running.

Phone: TransInfo call centre on 13 12 30. They take calls 6am - 9pm Monday to Friday, and 7am - 9pm Saturday and Sunday (Public holidays may vary).

If you're planning to head to the North, take the Tilt Train till Rockhampton or Cairns, this trip will be faster and more comfortable than a bus journey. The price is very competitve for the high level of service.
If you have a student card ISIC, you could get an half price ticket -> great value.

I was impressed by the quality of service and features of this express train, with aboard meals, music, confortable seat, enough room for legs, clean, quiet, TV with live view from the loco,...
In one word all you couldn't get in a bus... and you will arrive in better shape.

Highly recommended, I like it as much as my Swiss trains...

Brisbane - Rockhampton (one way)
Duration journey by Tilt train= 8h45
Duration journey by bus = 12h
Indicative price Tilt train = AU$ 97.90 adult / AU$ 49.50 student
Indicative price by bus = AU$ 98 adult / AU$ 86 student/backpacker