The Ghan is one of the world's great rail journeys — a sweeping 2,979 km crossing of the Australian continent between Adelaide and Darwin, traversing ochre deserts, ancient gorges, and tropical savannah. Operated by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, this legendary train has been making the journey since 1929, connecting the fertile south of Australia with the lush tropics of the Northern Territory. Whether you choose the classic two-night journey or the extended four-day Ghan Expedition, every kilometre brings landscapes and stories found nowhere else on earth.
At a Glance
| Region | Australia · Oceania |
| Countries | Australia |
| Journey length | 2–3 nights |
| Itineraries | The Ghan Expedition; The Ghan |
| Price | from AUD 2,590 per person (varies by cabin & season) |
| Upcoming departures | 233 dates, Jun 2026 – Nov 2027 · view dates → |
| Reservations | 1-800-724-5120 · travel@palacetours.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Ghan and where does it travel?+
The Ghan is an iconic luxury passenger train operated by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions that crosses the Australian continent between Adelaide and Darwin — a distance of 2,979 km. The route takes travellers through the fertile hills of South Australia, the copper-red sands of the Red Centre, and on into the lush tropical splendour of the Northern Territory. Named after the Afghan cameleers who pioneered this route through the outback, it has been running since 1929 and is one of the longest passenger trains in the world.
What journeys and itineraries are available, and how long do they take?+
There are two main journeys. The Ghan (classic) travels between Adelaide and Darwin — or the reverse — over three days and two nights, with guided excursions in Alice Springs and Katherine. The Ghan Expedition is the extended southbound option, running four days and three nights from Darwin to Adelaide and adding a full-day stop at Coober Pedy's extraordinary underground opal-mining township. The Expedition operates March to October.
How much does The Ghan cost?+
Fares start from AUD 2,590 per person for the classic journey in a Gold Twin cabin on an advance-purchase basis. The Ghan Expedition starts from AUD 3,790 per person (Gold Twin, shoulder season, advance). Platinum suite fares begin at AUD 6,290 per person for the classic journey and AUD 8,890 for the Expedition in shoulder season. Final pricing depends on cabin category, travel season (high vs. shoulder), booking flexibility, and party size — contact Palace Trains to confirm the best fare for your dates: toll-free 1-800-724-5120, international/WhatsApp +1-786-408-0610, or travel@palacetours.com.
What cabin and accommodation types are available on The Ghan?+
Platinum Service offers private double-bed suites with a spacious en suite bathroom, panoramic windows on both sides, exclusive Platinum Club access, chauffeur transfers, and a welcome bottle of Bollinger. Gold Superior cabins feature a three-quarter double bed, lounge area, TV, mini-bar, and private en suite. Gold Twin cabins convert from a three-seat lounge by day to upper and lower berths at night, with a private en suite. Gold Single cabins offer a lounge chair by day and a single berth at night, with shared shower and toilet facilities. All guests dine in the beautifully decorated Queen Adelaide Restaurant Cars.
What is included in the fare?+
All meals, Australian wines, beers, spirits, and beverages are included for every guest. Off-train guided excursions at each stop — such as the Katherine Gorge cruise and Alice Springs tours — are also included. Platinum Service guests receive additional inclusions: full room service, in-cabin music and commentary, turn-down service with chocolates, a welcome bottle of Bollinger, and chauffeur transfers to and from the hotel within 60 km. Inclusions can vary slightly by journey and cabin grade, so we recommend confirming exactly what is covered for your chosen departure.
When does The Ghan operate and when can I travel?+
The Ghan runs from March through November, with 233 departures available between June 2026 and November 2027. The Ghan Expedition (southbound, four days) operates March to October only. To see all available departure dates, visit the train's departure table on our website, or contact Palace Trains at 1-800-724-5120 or travel@palacetours.com to check availability for your preferred dates.
Who operates The Ghan and what makes it special?+
The Ghan is operated by Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions, Australia's premier luxury rail company. At 1.1 kilometres long, it is one of the longest passenger trains in the world, and its history stretches back to 1929. What sets it apart is the combination of an epic, continent-spanning route through some of the world's most remote landscapes, a strong sense of Australian identity and outback heritage, all-inclusive fine dining produced by on-board chefs, and immersive off-train excursions that bring the Red Centre and the Top End to life.
How do I book or check availability for The Ghan?+
Palace Trains handles all bookings and availability enquiries for The Ghan. You can reach our team toll-free at 1-800-724-5120, internationally or via WhatsApp at +1-786-408-0610, or by email at travel@palacetours.com. We can confirm availability, advise on the best cabin for your budget, and walk you through fare types and inclusions for your chosen departure.
What are the off-train excursions and highlights?+
Off-train excursions are a defining feature of The Ghan experience. In Katherine, guests can cruise through the ancient sandstone Nitmiluk Gorge or spend a day on a working outback cattle station. In Alice Springs, options include walking Simpson's Gap, a coach tour of the town, or visiting Alice Springs Desert Park — and an optional scenic flight over Uluru is available as an upgrade. On the Ghan Expedition, a full day in Coober Pedy includes exploring underground opal mines and a gourmet lunch below ground. All standard excursions are included in the fare.
What is the dining experience like on board?+
All guests dine in the elegantly appointed Queen Adelaide Restaurant Cars, where on-board chefs produce menus that blend Australian and international cuisine, accompanied by Australian wines, beers, spirits, and other beverages — all included in the fare. Platinum guests enjoy an exclusive Restaurant and Lounge Car, while Gold guests gather in the Outback Explorer Lounge with its panoramic windows. Platinum cabin guests can also order full room service.