It seemed like a good idea at the time. Road trip to Coffs Harbour from Sydney playing golf en route. Hand the keys to the car to our son so he can continue on and we catch the train home from Coffs Harbour.
What’s worse than spending eight hours with a screaming child? Spending eight hours with two screaming children.
NSW Trains CLK 232
Coffs Harbour to Gosford
Seat: 29 and 44 Carriage B (First Class)
Length 7 Hours and 50 minutes
In this post:
Plane Vs Train
On the day we were planning to leave Coffs Harbour, Qantas only had three flights available. With limited points redemption and no cheap flights we thought a train could be a fun option.
NSW Trains have a convenient 11am train allowing us a slower and more comfortable way to see coastal NSW at a fraction of the price. Included in the ticket price was the Sydney Metro train component with no Airport Access Fee!
How Much Is A Train From Coffs Harbour
To Sydney
My adult one way ticket was $101.02 while Julie got the seniors ticket for $68.91. By comparison the plane ticket from Qantas from CFS to SYD at around the same time was $252.
Trains are very economical to travel around NSW. Read about the NSW Discovery Pass which provides unlimited travel in NSW.
Coffs Harbour Train Station
Coffs Harbour train station was a pretty easy place to catch the train from. Located near the beach and a short walk to the waterfront area. The only downside is the drinks and food machine were broken and there was no coffee shop in sight. I guess that happens when you only get 6 trains passing through each day.
NSW Trains During COVID
NSW trains are leaving every second seat empty during the COVID pandemic. As you board the train a sign asks passengers to wear a mask. I estimate less than 20% of passengers had masks on and no staff were wearing them.
As we were travelling first class the half full train was very comfortable.
As a result of restricted seating it is now harder to get a first class train ticket. My favourite once a week train to Broken Hill is now booked out months in advance.
First Vs Second Class
There is not a huge difference both in price and amenity for first vs second class on NSW trains. First class carriages have less seats than economy.
Unlike flying, the price premium to travel first class is extremely low.
Furthermore seniors get a discount on their ticket and I suspect I was the only full paying passenger on board.
The seats were clean and comfortable with a recliner and a foot rest. More comfortable than most airlines premium economy and akin to a very old business class seat.
How To Book A NSW Train Ticket
Just go online and book via their site. Its as easy as booking a plane ticket. To get the seniors discount you will need to enter your seniors card details.
Just make sure you are travelling on a train otherwise you could end up on a less comfortable coach.
USB Charging.
There is no inseat charging in any class of carriage. The attendant apologised as the train was over 40 years old. He thought there may have been a powerpoint in one of the other carriages but would need to ask permission from our carriage attendant.
At Coffs Station there was a free device charging station so make sure you jump on to get fully charged.
Sleeper Compartments
At the back of the train are the sleeper compartments that are converted into cabins for daytime trips.. They provide a quieter and more private way of travelling. Each compartment can take three passengers. During Covid I would imagine you could easily get a compartment to yourself and your travelling partner.
The only downside is you only get to look out one side of the train and you may end up travelling backwards.
No WIFI On NSW Country Trains
There is no wifi available on board. We discovered the limitations of Vodafone in rural Australia with limited data at the stops en route. We booked the trip with the intention of a relaxing ride so did not miss it.
Book Exchange At Coffs Harbour
At Coffs Harbour railway station there was a book exchange with a small number of books and magazines available. The exchange seemed to suffer from more withdrawals than deposits.
Meal Service
Once we got on the train at Coffs the attendant started taking meal orders which he advised would be ready in an hour. I went for the green curry chicken while Julie took the vegetarian option. Sandwiches, Sausage Rolls and Pies are available on demand.
The food was as good as any meal that you would get on a budget economy airline. Two hot meals, bread rolls and Coke/Pepsi cost $25. The economy and first passengers had identical food options.
NSW Trains Scenery Is First Class
The great thing about train travel is you are very close to the action. Most of the way you are on a single track passing through bushland, farmland, mountain cuttings and river crossings. You get to see things you just can’t see when you are driving a car.
Summary
With everyone restricted to how and where they can travel, NSW offers some great opportunities to travel slowly and enjoy the experience. I am telling all my friends to jump on trains while they have the chance. Just bring a good book as backup.
