Whether you’re travelling by train or bus you’ll be limited to set routes and timetables, but honestly? Sometimes having a fixed schedule is what you need when you’re overstimulated and sick of making decisions! But there are some key differences that are worth understanding.

For starters, rail passes don’t allow for multi-directional travel on the train. That means once you’re heading north (or south, or west, or east), there’s no turning back! You won’t be able to hop back down the coast for a night or two to catch up with a mate or revisit one of your fave spots. Speaking of, the train line from Sydney to Cairns also has stops in fewer places – just over 50 – and you can’t select your seat when booking.

On the other hand, travelling with a Greyhound Whimit Pass gives you access to more than 60 places along the East Coast (and almost 200 around the country!). You can hop on and off wherever you like and travel on any route, in any direction, as far as you want. If you’re a window person, you can also jump online to manage your booking – select your seats, add extra bags, and change your itinerary as much as you like!

A lot of people underestimate just how BIG Australia is, with very long stretches of road between locations.

Trains operate under strict safety standards, with professional train drivers and crews who undergo rigorous training. Rail infrastructure is built with safety systems including signalling, crossing barriers, and emergency protocols. Trains may be perceived as safer due to fixed tracks and fewer traffic-related hazards, however trains require navigating stations, transfers, and sometimes shared sleeping spaces, which some passengers might find less secure or comfortable. Passenger safety on trains can also depend on the route, station facilities, and time of travel.

Greyhound coach captains are professional, experienced drivers who know Australia’s roads like the back of their hands. Safety is our core value, with our fleet and drivers subject to multiple national and state/territory regulations – so you can sit back and relax knowing you’re in safe hands. No need to navigate unfamiliar roads or be surprised by unexpected wildlife darting out in front of you! All Greyhounds are fitted with CCTV for the safety of all onboard. Plus, with our online Coach Tracker, you’ll always know exactly where you are (that’ll keep Mum happy).

Okay sure, we get it: trains offer sleeper carriages. BUT! These often come at an extra cost on top of your rail pass and are subject to availability. And yes, some have showers and a café car, which are both great for long journeys. However, what trains often DON’T have is free WiFi (let alone mobile reception/cell service), USB charge points (or any kind of power point), or seat selection (too bad if you want to sit with your buddies!).

Travelling on a Greyhound is a LOT fancier than your council bus back home... our comfy leather seats recline further and have more legroom than most planes! Plus you’ll get free WiFi and USB charge points on every seat, meaning you can stay binge your fave show to your heart’s content. We also have air conditioning to keep you cool, plus onboard toilets just in case (and there’s often shower facilities at rest breaks along the way). Add in some reading lights and you’re all set! Top it all off with panoramic windows to take in those gorgeous views… but don’t worry, there’s also curtains to block the harsh Aussie sun.

Both trains and buses are more environmentally friendly alternatives to flying or driving, but there’s no question about it – coaches are the most environmentally friendly form of long-distance travel.

Trains generally have a slightly higher total CO2 emissions per trip, estimated between 1.7 to 3.3 tonnes depending on passenger capacity and route. This is partly because trains use heavier infrastructure and often run on diesel-powered locomotives on many routes. Some rail services are electrified, which can reduce emissions significantly, but on the East Coast of Australia diesel power dominates.

Comparatively, travelling on a Greyhound produces between five- and 10-times fewer carbon emissions per passenger. Coaches have the lowest average emissions per seat kilometre of all transport modes on land, with their CO2 emissions estimated to be less than 1% of total tourism-related emissions! Modern Greyhound coaches use relatively fuel-efficient diesel engines designed for long-distance travel and, since coaches are smaller and lighter than trains, their fuel consumption per kilometre tends to be lower. Greyhounds also allow for multi-directional travel and flexible routes, potentially reducing the need for additional transfers or separate vehicles, which can lower overall travel emissions. Learn more here.