train trip brisbane to mackay

Mackay (Qld) Train, Tram, Ferry and Bus Timetables

Honest tourism information about Australia

Mackay to Brisbane train: Timetable, fares and stops

• David Whitley
• Practicalities

The Mackay to Brisbane train costs from $161.40. According to the Queensland Rail Travel timetable, the train journey from Mackay to Brisbane lasts 13h24m.

Most people travelling from Mackay to Brisbane will choose to fly. And with good reason, too. It’s a long way, and flying is far quicker than driving.

However, the third option is taking the Mackay to Brisbane train down the Queensland coast.

Skip the information and just book your train ticket .

Mackay to Brisbane train timetable

The Mackay to Brisbane train is the Spirit of Queensland train that runs from Cairns to Brisbane . It runs four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The departure from Mackay Station is at 18.56, and the train arrives at Brisbane’s Roma Street Station at 09.20 the next day. That means the journey time from Mackay to Brisbane by train is 13 hours and 24 minutes.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

• Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure .
• Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
• Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
• North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
• Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
• Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

The return journey, according to the Queensland Rail Travel timetable, departs Brisbane on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 15.45. It arrives in Mackay at a somewhat unpleasant 04.34.

Mackay to Brisbane train fares

Mackay to Brisbane train fares cost from $161.40. That’s for an economy seat, which can feel tough-going on an overnight rail journey. There are also sleeper seats available, which cost from $297. Tickets are cheaper booked online in advance .

Best Mackay accommodation options

The top places to stay in Mackay are:

• For attractive apartments by Blacks Beach: The Shores Holiday Apartments .
• For a cheap, but surprisingly good, motel: Cool Palms Motel .
• For apartments with kitchenettes by the marina: Mantra Mackay .
• For a holiday park with lot of family-friendly facilities: Big4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park .
• For fully furnished apartments in prime position next to Bluewater Lagoon: Riviera Mackay .

The Mackay to Brisbane trains stop in Sarina , Carmela and St Lawrence before arriving in Rockhampton . After Rockhampton, it continues to Mt Larcom, Gladstone , Miriam Vale and Bundaberg . Then come Maryborough West, Gympie North, Cooroy, Nambour and Caboolture before finally arriving at Brisbane Roma Street.

Accommodation and sight-seeing

Mackay accommodation options include the apartments of  Mantra Mackay , the family-friendly  Discovery Parks holiday park  and the helpfully central  Rydges Mackay Suites .

Accommodation near Brisbane’s Roma Street Station includes the affordable  Selina , the stylish  George Williams Hotel  and the  Grand Chancellor , which has a lovely rooftop pool.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo ) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
• Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
• Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
• Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour .
• Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
• Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
• XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
• Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
• See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour .

Things to do in Brisbane  after arriving include a fun  Segway sightseeing trip , a relaxing  Brisbane River cruise , and  taking a boat upriver  to the  Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary . You can arrange  transfers to Australia Zoo , a  hinterland rainforest tour  and  action-packed day trips to Moreton Island .

Three great Mackay experiences to book in advance

• (Highly recommended ✅ ) Whitsunday Islands boat cruise – with snorkelling and paddleboarding.
• Cape Hillsborough sunrise tour – meet wallabies on the beach.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Finch Hatton Gorge waterfalls tour .

More Queensland travel

How much does the Townsville to Bundaberg train cost?

Camp by a waterfall at the Malanda Falls Holiday Park .

How long is the Proserpine to Bowen drive .

Where can I buy a Go Card in Brisbane ?

Where to stop on the Biloela to Gladstone drive .

Trains from Brisbane to Mackay Queensland

Best options, other options, brisbane to mackay queensland train schedule, transportation from brisbane to mackay queensland.

• Trains RUB 9,771
• Flights RUB 11,714
• Buses are not available
• Ferries are not available
• Taxis are not available
• Vans are not available

Facts about the train from Brisbane to Mackay Queensland

Popular routes, from brisbane.

• Brisbane → Sydney
• Brisbane → Gold Coast City
• Brisbane → Cairns
• Brisbane → Melbourne
• Brisbane → Adelaide

To Brisbane

• Sydney → Brisbane
• Gold Coast City → Brisbane
• Melbourne → Brisbane
• Cairns → Brisbane
• Adelaide → Brisbane

From Mackay Queensland

• Mackay Queensland → Brisbane
• Mackay Queensland → Bundaberg
• Mackay Queensland → Gladstone
• Mackay Queensland → Cairns
• Mackay Queensland → Proserpine

To Mackay Queensland

• Townsville → Mackay Queensland
• Cairns → Mackay Queensland
• Bundaberg → Mackay Queensland
• Gladstone → Mackay Queensland
• Proserpine → Mackay Queensland

Popular Routes in Australia

• Sydney → Melbourne
• Melbourne → Sydney
• Sydney → Canberra

How to get from Brisbane to Mackay Queensland by train

Train from Brisbane to Mackay Queensland is a decent alternative to bus or air travel. Travelling from Brisbane to Mackay Queensland by train is easy, safe, and convenient. There is a direct railway link between the two destinations, which makes your trip smooth and hassle-free. Tickets are available for online booking and it is a good idea to buy them in advance to secure your seat. To get the most out of your train journey, check the schedule and choose the most convenient departure. As a rule, trains and ticket classes are available for every taste and budget.

How far is Brisbane from Mackay Queensland?

The distance from Brisbane to Mackay Queensland is 650 km. Railways link the two destinations so that you can travel direct without connections. If there are connections, they will be indicated in your ticket.

How long does it take to get from Brisbane to Mackay Queensland by train?

Depending on the type of train, the length of your railway journey from Brisbane to Mackay Queensland may vary. The slowest train needs about 13h to get to Mackay Queensland, and the fastest one brings you there in about 13h. We recommend opting for the fastest service to save you time, especially if you travel by day. With overnight service, the difference of a couple of hours seems not so crucial and may prove even convenient.

Note that trains normally depart on time from their station of origin but sometimes come later than scheduled to their terminus. It is better not to plan short connections if you are going to continue your journey immediately after arrival to Mackay Queensland.

In many destinations, train stations are located very centrally and have good transport connections with the rest of the city, bus stations, and airports. It mostly concerns the older and well-established railway stations. The newer and bigger ones tend to appear in the outskirts of towns and cities, first of all, due to the reason of limited space in the central locations. Getting to and from there may be challenging even by taxi, as restrictions may apply on taxi operators allowed to serve the passengers. Hence, we highly recommend double-checking the location of the station you will depart from and arrive at as some destinations have several train stations.

How much does it cost to get from Brisbane to Mackay Queensland by train?

There may be carriages of a different class on one and the same train on one and the same route. The price of your ticket will vary accordingly – from a dirt-cheap tag for hard seats to high numbers for super comfy overnight sleeper berths on luxury trains. For the Brisbane – Mackay Queensland route, the cheapest ticket costs while if you want to travel with more comfort, expect to pay for the most expensive option.

Travelling by train essentials

• Train tickets often sell out well before the date of departure. Book them in advance even if your travel does not fall onto high-season dates. Travelling during peak periods which also include public and national holidays, and long or bank weekends, advanced booking is a must if you do not want to remake your travel plans on the spot. It is unnecessary to go to the train station to book – buy your ticket online in a few clicks.
• Advanced booking ensures you get the seats and berths you want. For example, the lower berths are always the first to sell out, while upper berths may be available even on the departure date. Similarly, for longer distances, it is the night trips that enjoy the highest demand, while you may be able to grab a ticket for the same route an hour before departure if it is an inconvenient day ride that eats a huge part of your time.
• There may be different carriages within one and the same train: fan-only and air-conditioned; hard seats and soft seats; second class berths and private compartments. Before buying your ticket, make sure you understand what type of seat you are paying for. Prices may differ greatly, but sometimes it is a good idea to pay more not to spend 20 hours on a hard seat in a fan-only carriage. In general, second-class berths are a good choice for longer overnight trips, while for shorter 4-6-hour day journeys, a soft seat is a great option.
• Air-conditioning on trains can be excessive – as well as heating during the cold season. Make sure to pack layers not to get cold or hot during your trip. In hot countries, fan-only carriages are a cheaper and acceptable alternative to air-conditioned carriages.
• There are toilets on board a train. Depending on the type of train, some carriages can be equipped with simple squat-type toilets or normal Western toilets. Regardless of your ticket's price, the train toilets' cleanness is not often up to the standard, alas. It especially concerns cheaper classes, though even in first-class carriages, complaints are not unheard of.
• There is normally a dining carriage on long-distance trains, but on some routes, dining carriages have become extinct due to covid-19 restrictions. Check in advance if food is available on board or simply pack some snacks to be on the safe side. On many trains, you will also see hawkers patrolling the aisles during the journey and selling soft beverages and snacks. Alcohol drinks are prohibited on trains.
• Smoking is prohibited, too, if, of course, you are not travelling by a common class somewhere in China or Indonesia!
• Arrive at the train station at least half an hour before departure to allow enough time to find your platform and go through check-in formalities. A passport or other ID which you use for buying your train ticket is almost always needed, so keep it at hand to produce when asked at check-in or boarding.
• Trains may arrive at their destination later than scheduled. These delays are not uncommon, especially for long-haul routes. Be ready and plan accordingly. Yet compared to buses, trains are less weather and traffic dependent hence more reliable schedule-wise.
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Brisbane to Mackay

Table of contents, popular departures, traveling by coach from brisbane to mackay, overnight coaches, coach companies, departure and arrival stations.

Cheapest ticket prices

Trip reviews from brisbane to mackay, other popular destinations from brisbane.

Brisbane to Townsville

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Brisbane to Maryborough

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Brisbane to Noosa

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Brisbane to Coffs Harbour

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Brisbane to Bundaberg

Brisbane to Brisbane (Airport)

Brisbane to Toowoomba

Other popular destinations from Mackay

Mackay to Cairns

Mackay to Airlie Beach

Mackay to Gladstone

Mackay to Townsville

Other ways of travelling between Brisbane and Mackay

Trains from brisbane to mackay, frequently asked questions.

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• Mackay to Brisbane

How to get from Mackay to Brisbane

Mackay to brisbane trip overview.

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Mackay to Brisbane

Taking a bus from mackay to brisbane.

Fastest bus: 16h 45m

Cheapest bus: $103

The fastest: 16h 45m

The cheapest: $103

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

The fastest: 13h 16m

The cheapest: $98

POSSIBLE AMENITIES :

The fastest: 1h 20m

The cheapest: $102

About the ride from Mackay to Brisbane

Mackay to brisbane route information.

The distance between Mackay and Brisbane is 484 miles, or approximately 774 kilometers.

There are 3 ways to get from Mackay to Brisbane, including train,flight,bus .

The earliest departure leaves at 20:50 and has a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes.

The fastest way to travel is by flight, which takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Depending on how you choose to travel, the following amenities are available: .

Mackay to Brisbane by train

• Starting Price: $97
• 2 departures a day, or 14 departures a week

The only travel class available is Economy Seat.

Each train ticket offers an individual seat with basic passenger necessities. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. For more detailed information and availability see all options.

Mackay to Brisbane by flight

• Starting Price: $102
• 11 departures a day, or 77 departures a week

The only travel class available is Economy.

Each flight ticket offers an individual seat with basic passenger necessities. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. For more detailed information and availability see all options.

Mackay to Brisbane by bus

• 30 departures a day, or 210 departures a week

There are 4 travel classes for this journey, including: Early Bird, Premium Class, Advantage and Flexible Class.

Each bus ticket offers an individual seat with basic passenger necessities. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. For more detailed information and availability see all options.

Companies Operating from Mackay to Brisbane

Average time

Average price

1h 30m - 1h 40m

$125 - $134

1h 20m - 1h 25m

16h 45m - 19h

$103 - $243

Greyhound Australia is Australia's leading coach company with over 180 stops with services in every mainland state and territory.

Popular stations and stops in Mackay and Brisbane

Departure stations in mackay.

Arrival stations in Brisbane

Brisbane Roma Street

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Tilt Train

Brisbane to Rockhampton

Take a relaxing journey on the Tilt Train, it’s an easy way to go visit family, enjoy a holiday or an escape to the city. 

The Tilt Train provides a convenient, sustainable and value for money way to travel. With regular services between Brisbane and Rockhampton, you can leave the car behind, sit back and let us do the driving. Watch your favourite sporting team, see a live show in Brisbane or connect locally to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The Tilt Train is also the perfect way to take the family on a holiday to some of Queensland’s iconic locations in the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg and Capricorn regions.

​Offering Economy and Business Seats, a servery for light snacks and refreshments and Free Wi-Fi to help you stay connected... there's no easier way to travel.

Train travel has so many benefits, but trains can be tricky to travel on. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable journey. Find out more about travelling safely with us on our Safety page - Act safe. Arrive safe .​

​* Conditions apply: Prices are per person one-way, subject to availability. Queensland Rail Travel reserves the right to make changes without notice .​​​

  Quick links

Mackay to Brisbane

Best options, other options, mackay to brisbane schedule, transportation from mackay to brisbane.

• Trains RUB 12,260
• Buses RUB 8,436
• Flights RUB 13,352
• Ferries are not available
• Taxis are not available
• Vans are not available

Facts about the transport from Mackay to Brisbane

Popular routes, from mackay.

• Mackay → Townsville
• Mackay → Brisbane Roma Street
• Mackay → Rockhampton
• Mackay → Airlie Beach
• Mackay → Gordonvale
• Brisbane Roma Street → Mackay
• Cairns → Mackay
• Airlie Beach → Mackay
• Bundaberg → Mackay
• Rockhampton → Mackay

From Brisbane

• Brisbane → Sydney
• Brisbane → Gold Coast City
• Brisbane → Cairns
• Brisbane → Melbourne
• Brisbane → Adelaide

To Brisbane

• Sydney → Brisbane
• Gold Coast City → Brisbane
• Melbourne → Brisbane
• Cairns → Brisbane
• Adelaide → Brisbane

Popular Routes in Australia

• Sydney → Melbourne
• Melbourne → Sydney
• Sydney → Canberra

How to get from Mackay to Brisbane

When you want to get from Mackay to Brisbane, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Flight. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Bus ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A flight ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about RUB 33,648 . If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a flight as a flight ticket costs as low as RUB 13,378 .

How far is Mackay from Brisbane?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Mackay to Brisbane. Your trip will be a total of 534 miles (858 km). The flying distance is 661 miles (1063 km).

How long does it take to get from Mackay to Brisbane?

The travel time from Mackay to Brisbane can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 2 to 18 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Mackay to Brisbane?

The cost of the trip from Mackay to Brisbane varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Jetstar Airways: travelling by flight expect to pay as low as RUB 13,378 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a flight - a one-way flight ticket can cost as much as RUB 33,648 .

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Mackay to Brisbane:

• Bus tickets - RUB 8,436 to RUB 18,814 ;
• Train tickets - RUB 12,260 to RUB 12,260 ;
• Plane tickets - RUB 13,352 to RUB 33,623 ;

How many trips per day are there between Mackay and Brisbane?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

• Flights from Mackay Queensland to Brisbane depart during the day - there are approximately 11 departures a day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Mackay to Brisbane? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

• 43% decided to go for a bus.
• 29% users took a plane.
• 28% users enjoyed a train ride.
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