How do you choose between the breathtaking and the unforgettable? We put two iconic train journeys head to head to see how they compare: The Ghan train vs. The Indian Pacific train. Where does each journey go? How long do they take? And what can you do along the way? Would you choose the Indian Pacific journey from Sydney to Perth, or The Ghan journey from Adelaide to Darwin? Aussie Trains gives you the low-down on these spectacular train adventures in Australia.
How Long is the Journey on the Ghan Train / Indian Pacific Train?
Travelling on The Ghan train is a 3 day journey. We recommend The Ghan Experience route, which includes Uluru and Coober Pedy. The Ghan Experience is 4 days, 3 nights travelling a North-to-South/South-to-North route across the centre of Australia. The Indian Pacific train journey is a 4 day, 3 night journey crossing the Southern mainland of Australia from East-to-West/West-to-East.
Where do the Trains Stop on their Routes?
The Ghan Train route starts at Adelaide and ends in Darwin (northbound) or vice versa (southbound). It visits the following towns in-between: Katherine, Alice Springs and Adelaide, with stops at Marla (northbound) or Mangari (southbound). If you opt for The Ghan Experience, the route offers excursions to Uluru and Coober Pedy.
The Indian Pacific train journey starts from Sydney and ends in Perth (westbound), or vice versa (eastbound). It visits the following locations: Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook, The Blue Mountains (eastbound), Rawlinna and Kalgoorlie (eastbound). It offers longer experiences at Rawlinna and Cook on the westbound route.
The Best Inclusive Features on the Ghan Train / Indian Pacific Train
For a fair comparison, we compare the Ghan Expedition to the Indian Pacific train journey.
Off-Train Experiences
The Ghan Experience offers 4 off-train experiences at Katherine, Alice Springs, Mangari (or Marla) and Coober Pedy, with an optional upgrade to Uluru. In contrast, the eastbound Indian Pacific train offers 4 off-train experiences* at Kalgoorlie, Adelaide, Broken Hill and Blue Mountains. The stops on the westbound route are: Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna.
*Off-train experiences may include special meal stops, tours, small trips to nearby locations, or the opportunity for self-guided exploration.
Onboard
Both the Ghan Train and the Indian Pacific Train offer delicious regionally inspired wine, beer and cuisine onboard the train and they both travel through inspiring Australian landscapes. Both The Ghan Train / Indian Pacific Train offer overnight cabin options with either gold or platinum class service.
The Best Packages on the Ghan Train / Indian Pacific Train
Extend your stay at the places you wish to visit by purchasing one of our packages. Aussie Trains offers 12 packages featuring The Indian Pacific train that are truly spectacular. You can explore beautiful Rottnest Island, enjoy Sydney’s cultural scene, escape to Margaret River, or rediscover Western Australia. Choose from 13 packages for the Ghan train. Marvel at nature’s wonders at Kakadu or the Kimberleys, or embrace Australia’s red centre. Create your own tale of two capital cities or treat yourself to a small-ship coastal odyssey along Western Australia’s top end. You can read about our packages for the Indian Pacific train and the Ghan train on our website.
All fares and journey information are correct at the time of publication but subject to change.