Express · No. SUN 1
Sunlander train timings
Sunlander timetable
4 stops · scheduled times| # | Station | Arrives | Departs | Halt | Km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brisbane Central | — | 08:55 | 0 | |
| 2 | Rockhampton Railway Station | 18:02 | 18:17 | 15 min | 638 |
| 3 | Townsville Railway Station | 08:45 (+1d) | 08:55 (+1d) | 10 min | 1372 |
| 4 | Cairns Railway Station | 13:30 (+1d) | — | 1681 |
Published timetable, local time. “+1d” means the next day. Delays and platform changes are announced by Journey Beyond on the day.
Sunlander: Brisbane to Cairns
Sunlander (SUN 1) is an express train run by Journey Beyond between Brisbane Central and Cairns Railway Station. The full journey covers 1,681 km and takes 28h 35m, with 2 intermediate stops.
It leaves Brisbane Central at 08:55 and reaches Cairns Railway Station at 13:30 the next day. It runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On the way it stops at Rockhampton Railway Station and Townsville Railway Station.
Queensland Rail Sunlander is a classic long-distance service from Brisbane to Cairns, covering 1,681 km in approximately 32 hours. Running along the Queensland coast, it serves coastal towns, sugar mills, and the Reef gateway cities of Townsville and Cairns. The Sunlander has operated since 1953.
How to book Sunlander tickets
Tickets are sold by Journey Beyond on journeybeyondrail.com.au and at staffed stations. Advance fares are usually cheaper than buying on the day.
Book on journeybeyondrail.com.auSunlander: common questions
- What time does Sunlander leave Brisbane?
- Sunlander departs Brisbane Central at 08:55 and arrives at Cairns Railway Station at 13:30 the next day. Times are the published timetable in local time.
- How long does Sunlander take from Brisbane to Cairns?
- The scheduled journey time is 28h 35m for 1,681 km.
- Which stations does Sunlander stop at?
- Sunlander calls at Brisbane Central, Rockhampton Railway Station, Townsville Railway Station and Cairns Railway Station.
- Does Sunlander run every day?
- No. It runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
- Where can I book Sunlander tickets?
- On Journey Beyond's own site, journeybeyondrail.com.au. TrainsTracking does not sell tickets.