1. What are the changes to the timetable?
From 2 September 2024, there will be changes to timetables for Tilt Train, Spirit of Queensland, Spirit of the Outback and Westlander services and connecting RailBus services. There are no timetable changes for Inlander services between Townsville and Mount Isa.
From 2 September 2024, we will return to a full timetable for both Tilt Train services operating between Brisbane, Bundaberg and Rockhampton. In addition to bringing back our nine one-way Bundaberg Tilt Train services per week, our Rockhampton Tilt Train will also return to 15 one-way services per week.
The current timetable for travel up to 1 September 2024 (inclusive) was changed from 17 July 2023, whilst the Tilt Train consists undertook planned maintenance.
To plan your rail journey, check the timetable information before making a booking or travelling.
2. When can I book to travel?
Bookings are now open for all long-distance services for travel until 31 March 2025.
You can book your travel now online or by calling our reservations team, visit a Queensland Rail Travel Centre or your local travel agent. Book online here.
For travel up to and including Sunday 1 September 2024, journeys on the Spirit of Queensland between Brisbane and Rockhampton including intermediate stations will continue to only be available for booking 28 days before the travel date.
For travel from Monday 2 September 2024 journeys on the Spirit of Queensland between Brisbane and Rockhampton including intermediate stations will revert to only being available for booking 7 days before the travel date.
With the return of additional Tilt Train services, customers planning to travel between Brisbane and Rockhampton are encouraged to check Tilt Train timetables for travel options
3. What will change for the Tilt Train timetable from 2 September 2024?
From 2 September, we will return to a full timetable for both Tilt Train services. Please check timetable information for more details before making a booking.
In addition to bringing back our nine one-way Bundaberg Tilt Train services per week, our Rockhampton Tilt Train will also return to 15 one-way services per week.
Our Tilt Train services between Brisbane, Bundaberg, and Rockhampton, have been undergoing planned maintenance since July 2023. With both the Bundaberg and Rockhampton Tilt Trains back to their full timetable in September, the Spirit of Queensland will revert to eight one-way services per week.
Here are the new times for the Bundaberg and Rockhampton Tilt Trains from 2 September 2024:
- Brisbane to Rockhampton depart Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 11:00am
- Brisbane to Rockhampton depart Tuesday and Sunday at 4:55pm
- Brisbane to Bundaberg depart Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 4:55pm
- Rockhampton to Brisbane depart daily at 6:45am
- Bundaberg to Brisbane depart Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 5:15am
4. What will change for the Spirit of Queensland timetable from 2 September 2024?
From 2 September, the Spirit of Queensland departure times will change for every station. Please check timetable information for more details before making a booking.
With both the Tilt Trains back to their full timetable in September, the Spirit of Queensland will revert to eight one-way services per week.
From Brisbane, the Spirit of Queensland will depart at 3:45pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, arriving in Cairns 5:05pm the following afternoon.
From 2 September, the Spirit of Queensland will depart Cairns at 7:40am on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Brisbane 9:00am the following morning.
5. What will change for the Spirit of the Outback timetable from 2 September 2024?
From 2 September, the Spirit of the Outback will continue to depart from Brisbane on Tuesdays at 6:10pm and on Saturday afternoons it will depart earlier at 2:40pm.
From Longreach, the Spirit of the Outback will depart on the same days, Monday and Thursdays and will now depart at 10:00am. RailBus connection times from Longreach to and from Winton will change to meet the train. Please check timetable information for more details before making a booking.
6. Are there any changes for the Westlander and Inlander services?
From 2 September, there are some minor changes to the Westlander timetable. Please check timetable information for more detail before making a booking or travelling. There are no changes to the Inlander timetable.
7. Have long-distance fares also changed?
From 2 September 2024, with the return of the Tilt Train to a full timetable, all fares will revert to the former standard fares applicable for the Tilt Train and Spirit of Queensland.
For customers travelling up to and including Sunday 1 September 2024 between Rockhampton and Brisbane and intermediate stations on the Spirit of Queensland, we have adjusted the Economy Seat fares to match those previously provided on the Tilt Train services that have been undergoing maintenance. Book online here.
8. Can I still travel on Spirit of Queensland between Rockhampton and Brisbane?
From 2 September 2024, the Tilt Train will return to a full timetable, providing more frequent services on the Tilt Train between Brisbane and Rockhampton and between Brisbane and Bundaberg. You can still book travel on the Spirit of Queensland, however applicable Spirit of Queensland fares and booking restrictions apply.
9. What maintenance was required on the Tilt Trains?
Since July 2023, the Tilt Trains have undergone planned maintenance. There are two Tilt trains that operate the coastal route between Brisbane and Rockhampton. Like all trains, these require regular maintenance to boost safety, reliability and longevity of the service.
10. Do I need a new ticket for travel from and after 2 September 2024?
Your ticket will have the correct departure time for the date you are travelling.
For travel from 2 September 2024, bookings open on Wednesday 29 May 2024 and will include any timetable change.
To plan your journey, check the timetable information before making a booking or travelling.