Three people waiting for the Ghan to pull up

Getting here by train

Running between Adelaide and Darwin, the Ghan is one of the world’s great train journeys and the most romantic way to travel the NT.

Named after Afghan cameleers who traversed the route long before the train line was built, The Ghan travels an epic 2,797km (1,846 miles) between Adelaide and Darwin, stopping en route at Alice Springs and Katherine. Private sleeper cabins and elegant dining carriages are evocative of a bygone era in travel and the rail pace is perfect for watching the stunning changes in scenery as you travel through the heart of the country.

The Ghan’s scheduled services run twice a week in both directions from June until September and once a week at all other times. The journey takes three days and two nights: a perfect amount of time to sit back, relax and take in the view. For the adventurous, sight-seeing tours in Alice Springs and Katherine are offered en route. Ticket options range from seat-only to full packages including meals, sight-seeing tours and private cabins. Advance booking is highly recommended, particularly between June and September (discounts can apply to off-peak periods).

Darwin train station is located on Berrimah Road, 15km from the city centre. Shuttle buses are available to transport passengers between the train station and the Transit Centre in Mitchell St. Alice Springs train station is located on George Crescent, off the Stuart Highway. In Adelaide, the Ghan schedules link with the Overlander and Indian Pacific railways, arriving from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.