Trains
Trains in the Lower Hunter Region are a fast, comfortable and convenient way to travel between many suburban areas and the main centres. Intercity and regional train services are provided by CityRail.
There are two rail lines:
- Central Coast Line: Newcastle – Morisset – Gosford – Central (Sydney): Double-deck electric trains
- Hunter Line: Newcastle – Maitland – Dungog - Scone: Diesel railcars.
All trains operate on the rail line between Hamilton and Newcastle.
On the Central Coast Line, trains run every hour, with higher frequencies in weekday peak hours. At small stations at weekends, there are trains every two hours.
On the Hunter Line, trains run every half hour on weekdays (more frequently in peak hours) and hourly at night time and weekends. At small stations, there are trains every hour.
Information about CityRail services is available on the Transport Infoline, phone 131500, and on City Rail website.
Timetables
Timetable booklets for train services are available at all staffed stations. There are separate timetable booklets for the Central Coast Line and Hunter Line. Timetable booklets are also available for the Sydney suburban and other intercity lines in the CityRail network.
Regular routine maintenance and infrastructure upgrades take place on the CityRail network. When this work takes place, trains operate to amended timetables (often earlier than normal), or are replaced by buses (which depart earlier than the train times). Before travelling it is advisable to check the CityRail website or phone the Transport Infoline.
Stand well behind the yellow line
While waiting for the train at the railway station, always stand well behind the yellow line for your own safety.
Check the train stopping pattern
All stations have large posters showing the train departure times and stopping patterns. Unattended stations do not have train departure indicators. Check the train stopping pattern when alighting with the guard if necessary.
All stations have help points which you can use for voice contact if you need help in emergency situations.
Accessible stations
Accessible stations have portable access ramps. Station staff will assist at attended stations. At unattended stations, the guard will put the ramp in place.
Central Coast Line trains and Hunter Line trains are air-conditioned and have toilets on board. There are no toilets on Newcastle – Morisset trains.
At accessible stations, you can gain access to the platforms without having to climb stairs.
Bicycles
Bicycles are permitted on CityRail trains subject to sufficient capacity. They travel free at most times, but between 6.00am and 9.00am or between 3.30pm and 7.30pm on weekdays a child ticket must be purchased in addition to the passenger’s own ticket. Passengers with a bicycle should keep a firm hold of it and not block doorways or aisles.
Taxis meet most trains at Newcastle and Broadmeadow stations. It is advisable to book a taxi in advance if you need one at other stations.
Country trains
Country train services are provided by CountryLink.
Country trains operate on two routes through the Lower Hunter:
- North Coast route: Sydney – Grafton – Casino – Brisbane, calling at Fassifern, Broadmeadow, Maitland and Dungog
- North Western route: Sydney – Armidale – Moree, stopping at Fassifern, Broadmeadow and Maitland.
CountryLink trains provide regular daily travel to the Upper Hunter, North Western and North Coast regions. From Sydney, CountryLink trains run to Canberra and Melbourne, and to the southern and western regions of NSW.
Timetable booklets for CountryLink services are available from Broadmeadow and Newcastle stations. There are four books covering services throughout NSW: North Coast, North Western, Western and Southern regions.
A reservation is essential on all services.
Reservations and tickets
Reservations and tickets can be arranged by phoning the CountryLink Reservations Sales Centre on 13 22 32 between 6.30am and 10.00pm, but allow time for the ticket to be posted to you. You can also book and pay for your ticket on the CountryLink website www.countrylink.info. Your ticket will be sent by email and you print it yourself. Most credit cards are accepted.
Reservations and tickets can also be arranged at:
- CountryLink Travel Centre at Broadmeadow Station
- CityRail ticket office at Newcastle Station after 9.30am
- CityRail ticket offices at Dungog, Maitland, Beresfield, Cardiff, Fassifern and Morisset stations
- Travelscene, 1a Cooper St Cessnock
- Travelworld, Green Hills
- Travelworld, 28 William St Raymond Terrace
- Travelworld, Salamander Shopping Centre.
All CountryLink trains are air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and have toilets on board. Drinks and snack foods are available for purchase, as well as full meals when travelling at meal times.
Passengers can carry onto the train one item of hand luggage not weighing more than 5kg, and two items weighing not more than 20kg. Storage space in the carriages is limited.
At most major stations, passengers can also book two items of luggage not weighing more than 20kg at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the train.
Full details of luggage allowances can be obtained when you make your reservation.
CountryLink also provides coach services between Broadmeadow and Taree, connecting with trains at Broadmeadow. There are two routes:
- Newcastle – Broadmeadow – Tea Gardens – Bulahdelah – Forster – Taree: 2 trips each way on weekdays and 1 on weekend days
- Broadmeadow – Stroud – Gloucester – Wingham – Taree: 1 trip each way on weekdays.
All luggage, irrespective of size, must be stored beneath the coach in the luggage compartment.
Taxis meet most trains at Broadmeadow station. It is advisable to book a taxi in advance if you need one at other stations.
Lake Macquarie
‘The Train’ bus service between Toronto and Fassifern
The ‘Train’ between Toronto Station and Fassifern Station is operated by a coordinated bus along The Boulevarde, Cook Street, Railway Parade, South Parade and Fassifern Road. The buses are coordinated with the Newcastle and Sydney trains at Fassifern Station. The buses will wait a reasonable time at Fassifern to maintain connections when trains run late.
When travelling to Fassifern Station by bus, buy a bus ticket to Fassifern. At Fassifern, show the bus ticket to staff at the CityRail ticket window and the price will be deducted from your train fare.
When travelling to Toronto by train, buy a ticket to Toronto. Show this ticket to the driver when boarding the bus at Fassifern Station and no extra fare will be charged.
