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Queensland Rail restores full weekday timetable from 16 November 2026
Queensland Rail will restore its complete weekday train timetable across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast on 16 November 2026, ending months of reduced services for commuters, tourists and business travellers in South East Queensland.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Full weekday train timetable restored across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
- Timing
- Effective from 16 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Commuters, tourists and business travellers using South East Queensland rail network
The details
- Announced by
- Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg
- Takes effect
- 16 November 2026
- Previous rule
- A reduced timetable introduced on 5 May 2026 limited services to 15‑ to 30‑minute peak intervals across the network.
- New rule
- From 16 November 2026 Queensland Rail will run its full weekday schedule, with peak‑hour trains every six to ten minutes and scheduled express services returning on major corridors.
Announcement and Background
On 2 November 2026 Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg announced that Queensland Rail will bring back its complete weekday timetable across South East Queensland. The decision follows a six‑month period of reduced services that began in May 2026 due to maintenance backlogs and protected industrial action.
Restored Timetable and Service Frequency
The restored schedule will see most principal lines operating at average peak frequencies of approximately six to ten minutes, a significant improvement over the previous 15‑ to 30‑minute gaps. Express trains will also resume, offering faster connections between Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. These changes aim to give commuters, visitors and business travellers greater certainty and flexibility.
- Peak‑hour intervals of six to ten minutes on major corridors
- Express services reinstated on long‑distance routes
- Full weekday service across all lines from Monday 16 November
Ongoing Maintenance and Track Closures
Although regular weekday services return on 16 November, Queensland Rail will continue scheduled infrastructure maintenance. Late‑night track closures are planned for 17 and 18 November on the Beenleigh, Cleveland and Gold Coast lines, with replacement railbuses operating after 9.30 pm. Passengers are advised to check evening connections carefully.
Updated timetable details are expected to appear on Translink’s Journey Planner by 4 November, allowing travellers to verify exact departure times and any service notes before their journeys.
- Late‑night closures 17–18 November on Beenleigh, Cleveland and Gold Coast lines
- Replacement railbuses will run after 9.30 pm during closures
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with bookings after 16 November should expect trains every six to ten minutes during peak periods
- Evening travellers on 17–18 November need to check for late‑night track closures on specific lines
- Visitors can now use reinstated express services for longer regional journeys
- Passengers should verify the revised departure times once the new schedule is published
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced; the existing 50‑cent flat fare for eligible public transport remains unchanged
- Contactless payment using eligible bank cards or smart devices continues to be accepted on all services
- No additional travel documents are required beyond standard identification for ticket purchase
- The fare policy does not change with the timetable restoration
What you need to do
- Check the revised timetable on Translink’s Journey Planner before traveling from 16 November
- Monitor Translink announcements for late‑night track closures on 17 and 18 November
- Adjust any connecting flight or accommodation transfers that rely on evening train services
- Ensure contactless payment methods are active for seamless ticketing
Who this affects
-
Domestic commuters in South East Queensland
They depend on weekday peak‑hour trains for work travel across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast
What to do Use the restored full timetable from 16 November for daily journeys
-
International tourists visiting Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Reliable rail links are essential for exploring attractions and moving between coastal destinations
What to do Plan trips using the new express and frequent services starting 16 November
-
Business travelers attending meetings in the region
Predictable transport between city centres and business districts supports timely appointments
What to do Align travel itineraries with the restored schedule and check for any evening closures
-
Evening flight passengers connecting via rail
Late‑night track closures on 17–18 November may affect connections to airports and hotels
What to do Verify evening train availability and consider alternative transport if needed
Frequently asked questions
When does Queensland Rail's full weekday timetable resume?
The full weekday timetable resumes on 16 November 2026, when Queensland Rail will reinstate its complete schedule across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. This marks the end of a reduced service period that began in May 2026 due to maintenance backlogs and industrial action.
What are the new peak‑hour train frequencies?
Peak‑hour trains will run at approximately six to ten minutes intervals on most major corridors after 16 November 2026, improving on the previous 15‑ to 30‑minute gaps under the reduced timetable. These frequencies apply to lines such as Beenleigh, Caboolture, Cleveland, Ferny Grove and the Gold Coast, providing faster connections for commuters and visitors.
Are there any service disruptions after the timetable is restored?
Yes, late‑night track closures are scheduled for 17 and 18 November on the Beenleigh, Cleveland and Gold Coast lines, with replacement railbuses operating after 9.30 pm, so passengers should check evening connections. Other maintenance works may continue on weekends, but regular weekday services will operate according to the new timetable from 16 November.
Does the public transport fare change with the restored service?
No, the flat fare of 50 Australian cents per journey for eligible public transport services remains unchanged, and contactless payment options continue to be accepted across all Queensland Rail City Train services. This fare applies to trains, buses, ferries and trams, though the Airtrain service to Brisbane Airport follows a separate pricing structure.
How can travellers see the updated schedule?
The updated full‑timetable information will be available through Translink’s Journey Planner, expected to be published by 4 November 2026, and can also be accessed via the Translink website or mobile app. Passengers should review the new departure times and any service notes before planning trips, especially for connections with flights or long‑distance buses.
