Aussie Trains has collected your most asked questions about The Ghan train and answered them in one handy guide. Learn how The Ghan train got its name, the route it travels, and the best time of year to make your journey. Aussie Trains also answers your questions about our packages, pricing, and sleeping cabins.
How Much is it to Travel on The Ghan Train?
The Ghan train package pricing by Aussie Trains is per person and dependent on whether you are travelling with a companion or alone. You can choose from gold class or platinum class cabins. There are many tour packages available. We recommend taking a look at The Ghan Expedition package first, for a terrific 4-day, 3-night railway journey that will take you through the most popular destinations on The Ghan train route. You can find a tour that extends your time in Adelaide’s wine country or explore top end delights in Darwin. Packages range from 4-days (3-nights) to 16-days (and 15-nights). Longer tours may include top end odysseys through the Kimberley, Litchfield National Park or Kakadu. We offer many packages that cater to your love of exploring Australia’s natural wonders, history, or local culture.
Do you Sleep on The Ghan?
The Ghan train journey takes at least 3 days, so your ticket includes sleeping accommodation on the train. The Ghan train offers single cabins, twin cabins and double cabins in gold class, or the more deluxe platinum class.
How Long is The Ghan Train Trip?
The Ghan train journey will take at least 3 days and stops at Adelaide, Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin. The Ghan train trip can be extended to 4 days, with stops at Coober Pedy and Uluru. There are many packages available to extend your stay in locations in the red centre, top end, and Adelaide, the longest of which is a 16-day adventure.
Why is The Ghan Train Named The Ghan?
The name the Ghan is a shortened form of the word Afghan, referring to the Afghan cameleers who brought thousands of camels to South Australia in the 1800s. The camels were instrumental for transporting goods, water, tools and equipment to remote towns before the train lines were built.
Is Food Included on The Ghan?
Food, wines and beverages are all-inclusive on The Ghan train. The Ghan train offers regionally inspired meals and wines for our train passengers during their journey. Some package inclusions offer visits to wineries and tastings.
What is the Best Month to Travel on The Ghan?
A good time to travel on The Ghan train is between May to August, when the temperatures in the desert during the day aren’t quite as hot. September to November, and February to April are also popular.
What is the Dress Code on The Ghan Train?
The dress code is smart casual. Consider the places you will be visiting and remember to bring items such as hats, warm clothes for cold nights, comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen for the hot sun.
Is There WI-FI on the Ghan Train?
There is some limited wi-fi available in the lounges and platinum club carriages, but it is likely to be either spotty or unavailable, as The Ghan train passes through remote locations. This is due to the lack of access to mobile network coverage in those areas.
All fares and journey information are correct at the time of publication but subject to change.