Trains & Long-Distance Buses

Australia does not have a dense rail network like Europe — but it does have some of the most legendary train routes in the world and a good long-distance bus system for budget travelers.

Legendary Train Routes

• The Ghan (Adelaide → Alice Springs → Darwin): 2,979 km through the red heart of Australia in 54 hours. One of the most famous train journeys worldwide. Through endless desert, over the MacDonnell Range, and into the tropical Top End. From 1,599 AUD (Gold Service) or 3,199 AUD (Platinum). Runs weekly.
• Indian Pacific (Sydney → Adelaide → Perth): 4,352 km across the continent in 65 hours — the third-longest railway line in the world. The Nullarbor Plain with the longest straight railway track in the world (478 km without a curve!) is hypnotic. From 1,299 AUD (Gold).
• Spirit of Queensland (Brisbane → Cairns): 1,681 km along the coast in 24 hours. Business-class seats that convert into beds. From 175 AUD (Economy) or 350 AUD (RailBed).
• XPT (Sydney → Melbourne): 11 hours, from 65 AUD. Slower than flying, but scenic and affordable.

Long-Distance Buses

• Greyhound Australia: Largest long-distance bus network, connecting all major cities. Sydney–Melbourne from 65 AUD (12 hours). Hop-on/Hop-off passes for backpackers: Whimit Pass (from 299 AUD for 15 days of unlimited travel).
• Premier Motor Service: Cheaper alternative on the east coast. Sydney–Byron Bay from 75 AUD.
• Murray Coaches, Firefly Express: Regional providers between major cities.

Public Transport in Cities

• Sydney: Opal Card for metro, bus, ferry, light rail. Sunday cap: max. 8.05 AUD for the whole day!
• Melbourne: myki Card for trams, buses, trains. Free Tram Zone in the CBD — free!
• Brisbane: go card for buses, ferries, trains. CityCat ferries are an experience.
• Perth: SmartRider. Free CAT buses in the CBD.