With one-way airfares between Sydney and Melbourne averaging nearly $500, and soaring as high as $900 in some cases, budget-conscious travelers are abandoning the skies for a different mode of transport: rail. The 11-hour train journey connecting Australia’s two largest cities has seen a surge in popularity, with many services selling out despite the addition of extra carriages.
Train Travel Booms as Air Fares Skyrocket
Data from Transport for NSW reveals that ridership on the Sydney-Melbourne rail corridor has exploded in recent months. From July to December, there were 203,000 passenger journeys, putting the service on track to break its annual record. Many travelers are turning to the train as an affordable alternative to flying.
The government-run XPT train service offers several advantages over air travel on this route:
- Flat pricing: One-way train tickets cost $117 during peak periods and $83 at other times, a fraction of the typical airfare.
- No baggage fees: Passengers can bring large suitcases at no extra cost.
- City center to city center: The train eliminates the need for expensive airport transfers.
Extra Carriages Added, But Services Still Selling Out
To meet the increased demand, Transport for NSW has been routinely adding a sixth carriage to the XPT trains, boosting capacity from 215 to 285 passengers per service. Even so, many upcoming trains are completely booked out. As of January 10th, there was not a single seat available on any service from Sydney to Melbourne until January 17th.
Flying Grows More Expensive After Airline Shakeup
The spike in airfares follows the collapse of budget carrier Bonza and the end of Rex’s flights between capital cities. This has left Qantas and Virgin Australia with a 98% stranglehold on the domestic aviation market, an effective duopoly that the ACCC warned is leading to higher prices. On the busy Sydney-Melbourne route, airfares have more than doubled compared to typical levels.
In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, it’s no wonder people are choosing to take the train if they have the time, for reliability at a fraction of the cost.
– Bridget McKenzie, opposition transport spokesperson
Airlines Blame Strong Demand, But Passengers Seek Alternatives
Qantas and Virgin Australia claim that the high prices reflect strong demand, especially around major events like the Australian Open tennis tournament. However, this provides little comfort to travelers facing airfares of up to $900. For many, the considerable savings offered by the train outweigh the longer travel time.
As living costs continue to bite and Australia’s aviation market remains dominated by two major players, the humble railway is emerging as an increasingly attractive option for intercity travel. While an 11-hour train trip may not suit everyone’s schedule, its surging popularity suggests that many passengers are willing to go the distance for an affordable fare.
