The journey takes 48 hours to travel the 2,979 kilometres. The service's name is an abbreviated version of its previous nickname The Afghan Express, which comes from the Afghan camel trains that trekked the same route before the advent of the railway.

Boarding The Ghan in Adelaide or Darwin, experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. Connections are available on the Indian Pacific and The Overland for guests travelling to or from Sydney and Melbourne. Enjoy 2 nights aboard this great train in either direction. Marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes from fertile countryside surrounding Adelaide to the rusty hues of the Red Centre, onto the tropical splendour of the Top End.
Journey Overview

Route:  Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin
Duration:       2 nights in either direction
Distance:      2979 kilometres
Frequency:  Twice weekly in both directions

The Journey
The Ghan. It’s an odd name for a train but in Australian history it is a living legend. The legend has soared to new heights with the extension of The Ghan journey to Darwin. When The Ghan first departed Adelaide for Alice Springs, it was always intended that it would one day travel through to Darwin. More than 70 years on, in 2004, that dream has become reality.
------ The Ghan
Adelaide -> Alice Springs -> Darwin
The Journey through Australia's heart
FARES & TIMETABLES
Timetables valid for travel from the 1st April 2009 to March 31st 2010. Other sector timetables available upon request. Below is only some of the scheduled times and fares, for more information please click here
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on Australia’s Great South Rail or general enquiries please press the button below or call: (03) 9817 7388

WHISTLE STOP TOURS
There’s nothing quite like the magic and the romance of a relaxing train holiday. So when we pass through such amazing destinations, it’s only natural you might want to explore and discover a little more of the local attractions. Which is why our Whistle Stop Tours are such a great opportunity. They are specially designed to fit in with the train timetable so even if you only have a short time off the train, you’ll still have the opportunity to take in some of the area’s best sights. So why not take the time to look through the fantastic tours on offer and make the most of your chance to see some of the spectacular attractions of Australia’s Red Centre and Katherine Region.
Alice Springs Tour
This tour enables you to see up to five of Alice Springs’ best highlights in the time you have available. You’ll travel to and from town by luxury coach and hear a brief history on Alice Springs from your Coach Captain before enjoying guided tours....
Sacred Tour
Discover the history of The Central Arrernte culture and hear the Caterpillar (Yeperenye) story as told by your local Aboriginal guide. Travel along the famous Todd River, view the Old Afghan Cameleers’ campsites and learn about their link to The Ghan.

Katherine Cruise
Discover the beauty of Katherine Gorge from the comfort of your cruise boat. Sit back, relax and take in the views as you drift past the magnificent sandstone cliffs that have been thousands of years in the making.
Quad Bike Tours
While you won’t need a licence or any motorbike riding experience for this tour, you will need a sense of fun and adventure! These quad bikes are fully automatic and easy to ride, and they sure beat walking.
Alice by Helicopter
This is certainly an easy and spectacular way to see some of the best sites the Outback has to offer. Be sure to bring a camera for those amazing views including the rugged Simpson’s Gap, the steep, ochre-coloured Mt. Gillen Ridgeline, the crystal clear water holes and the Larapinta Trail.
THE GHAN
The Ghan is the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent...
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Alice Wanderer
This tour is a great way to discover Alice Springs at your leisure and choose the attractions you’d most like to see. Simply hop on and off the shuttle as it makes its way along the loop from one attraction to the next while the experienced guide tells you everything you need to know.
Per Person
One Way ($AUD)
Gold
Service
Red Service
Adelaide - Darwin / Katherine (or vice versa)
Adult
1973
1312
Child / Pensioner
1357
800
Sleeper
Cabin
Daynight
Seat
716
331
CSHC
1357
800
331
Back Packer / Student / YHA
1973
877
363
Rail Saver
NA
NA
363
Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin
Wed
Depart Adelaide
12.20pm

Thurs
Arr Alice Springs
1.45pm
Dpt Alice Springs
6.00pm
Sun
12.20pm
Mon
1.45pm
6.00pm
Fri
Arrive Katherine
9.00am
Depart Katherine
1.00pm
Arrive Darwin
5.30pm
Tue
9.00am
1.00pm
5.30pm
Darwin - Alice Springs - Adelaide
Sat
Depart Darwin
9.00am
12.40pm
Depart Katherine
6.00pm
Wed
10.00am
1.40pm
6.00pm
Sun
Dpt Alice Springs
3.15pm
Mon
Arrive Adelaide
1.10pm
Thurs
12.45pm
Fri
1.10pm
Arrive Katherine
Arr Alice Springs
11.15am
9.10am