In case you are late in planning to make a trip during this school hols or the easter weekend+ANZAC day weekend, this is a cheaper option than flying (airfare will be double than this).
Take overnight train and you can save a day :)
From capital to capital Economy First Class
Sydney (Central) - Melbourne (Southern Cross) $130.26 $183.29
Melbourne (Southern Cross) - Sydney (Central) $130.26 $183.29
Sydney (Central) - Brisbane $130.26 $174.07
Brisbane - Sydney (Central) $130.26 $174.07
ignoring time travel differences you do have to take into account the fact you leave and arrive from a cbd and there is a 0min pre-departure check-in time..
even you add in 2 hours travel time and 2 hours checkin time, you're still ahead by a good sleep.
And if taking cost into account, flight $9 + skybus $20 + airport train $15, you can still save enough for a night in hotel.
Yeah but there's no $9 flights in April? So if you are going to compare this to flights, wouldn't it be better to compare the costs for the same dates plus any luggage you may require?
Now of coarse depending on where you are travelling, if you can be flexible with your dates, stick with just carry on luggage then I'm sure it could be better to fly. But I'm also sure for many people this deal could be better from a cost perspective than flying if they restricted in the dates they can travel, may require to carry extra luggage, and depending on where they are travelling to and fro.
even you add in 2 hours travel time and 2 hours checkin time, you're still ahead by a good sleep.
And if taking cost into account, flight $9 + skybus $20 + airport train $15, you can still save enough for a night in hotel.
ignoring your cost comparison, because $9 flights arent that common..
yes, I would also catch a flight..
Unfortunately our slow rail doesn't really work for long distances depending on how you value your time, but if I had a massive amount of luggage to take, or was intending on some big shopping and having to bring it back then the train would likely be a cheaper option with excess luggage etc..
Where's these $9 flights in business class?
Just tried a few searches. It appears to be for overnight trains only… And excludes the sleeper car.
(IE you can get a seat only for an 8 to 24 hour train trip, at times when you'd normally want to be sleeping).
I didn't even know we had interstate trains between the eastern capital cities. +1 just for the knowledge share.
gen Y?
My friends thought it'd be fun to do a while back… it wasn't fun
Do they even have free wifi in the carriage ?
Train to melbourne? Can't think of anything worse. It'd be faster to invent time travel, go back in time, and take a stagecoach.
Edit - here is a list of "features"
Lap/sash seatbelts
Reclining seats with headrests
Large windows
Air conditioning
Radio/tape player
VCR and television
Two-way radio system
Ample luggage space
Fully stocked first aid kit
I'm still lolling!
Remind me to bring some of my old VHS movies for the trip :D
and walkman cassettes
Already bought my BNE-SYD flights departing next week for $92 return.
Sure this is still good for some though.
Some people can't /don't fly, so it would be a bargain for them.
Buses are still cheaper, eg. Firefly Express between Melbourne and Sydney overnight is only $60 each way.
i dont' understand. How come (budget) airline tickets are so much cheaper than traveling by road or rail?
Should it be the other way around?
As a member of the younger generation, I would prefer to travel by road/rail since I'm cash-poor but have a flexible schedule.
Take Syd-Mel for example; budget airlines offer discount flights to Syd-Melb for $50 virtually year-round, and promotions for >$30 every other week.
https://adioso.com/au/sydney-au-to-melbourne-au-returning-in…
Bus/Coach usuasly cost 2x/3x that amount.
The difference is more extreme for other destinations.
Why is travelling by bus and train so much more expensive?
faster turn around, more trips
At a minimum one plane could go back and forth 4 times
The real profit is in business class
$50 tickets are not an everyday thing
Specials are usually space fillers, why not make a few 100 extra per flight instead of nothing
If a company could get away with just business class offering, they would.
To ensure you have a good business class offering you also need lots of flights
$183 to catch a train to Melbourne, or $9 to catch a plane. (I know it not on the same day, but sheeeesh!)