📍How To Get To Ipswich, QLD. (2024.) Planes, Trains & Automobiles.
NEED HELP DECIDING HOW TO GET TO IPSWICH, QLD?
Ipswich is a gorgeous heritage city that was once in the running to be the state capital of Queensland. While it lost due to lack of river accessibility, as someone who has lived here most of my life, I can tell you that while it doesn’t have all the glitz and glamour that the reigning capital Brisbane or the glittering Gold Coast does, it is still a great place to visit for a country charm change of pace, whether that’s as a day trip, short weekend escape, or a road trip destination.
Whether you’re coming from near or far to see its many historical sites, military aviation attractions, natural lookouts and landmarks, or fly in hot air balloons or race in rally cars, there are several convenient options on how to get to Ipswich, catering to just about everyone.
Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!
Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com.
Flights: I recommend Aviasales.
Car Rental: I recommend economybookings.
Where Is Ipswich, QLD.
How To Get To Ipswich, QLD.
Regional Trains.
On a local note, if you live in South East Queensland anywhere near a railway station, you can get to Ipswich, as all trains inbound go to 4 stops in Brisbane, so it’s just a matter of changing trains. But if you’re already on the Rosewood line and want to go to Ipswich Central, you’re good to go. It’s the same for the Springfield line if you want to go to Springfield, the newer part of Ipswich.
But as someone who’s travelled the train network between the heritage city and the capital many times, unfortunately, I have to give a forewarning. The further you are from Brisbane, the more sketchier it is, especially at night, when the more unsavoury and potentially troublesome people are what’s left on the train. Normally, they carry on a bit and swear but generally keep to themselves.
But I was recently on a train where during broad daylight, this female who appeared to be on illegal drugs randomly singled out my mother and me the moment we got on board, was recording us and was projecting disgusting stuff about us to suit her completely unfounded delusions, and threatened to gather her people to bash us up. It was the most bizarre thing and I’ll forever be grateful to the people who stood up for us when this thug finally lost it and started screaming and wanting to hit them with her hairbrush. Then on the same outing, at around midnight, these teenage girls got into a physical altercation, with all their friends just watching and recording them, revelling in them fighting each other, which was also alarming.
I also never like going to the Ipswich Central train station at night, because I know many of these types of people tend to hang out there. I prefer getting off at one of the stations beforehand, where I always feel much safer.
Touring Buses.
Another great way to get to Ipswich if you are already in Australia is by going with regional bus services such as Greyhound Bus. This is a particularly fantastic option if you are travelling light and are doing intensive destination hopping, making plenty of stops along the way. You can even buy one of their incredible passes that makes touring a breeze, especially as they go directly to Brisbane, the Gold Coast & Ipswich!
Coming From Brisbane Or The Gold Coast.
The most straightforward way to get to Ipswich is through Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, and the state’s second-largest city, the Gold Coast, so that is what this article will focus on.
Brisbane is the closest to the heritage city and offers the most convenient travel, whereas the Gold Coast is further away and involves more time, effort and planning.
Best Ways To Reach Brisbane.
Brisbane Flights.
Brisbane’s has the most carriers flying direct to the capital from the country and the world.
The Domestic Airport has flights coming in from over 43 destinations nationwide, including major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Townsville and Cairns from carriers such as Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar.
The neighbouring Brisbane International Airport has planes arriving from 29 prolific cities across the world, including, Auckland, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Dubai, Ho Chi Minh City & Seoul from Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Air Canada, United, American Airlines, Emirates, and Korean Air aircraft.
Interstate & Luxury Trains.
Trains provide a great alternative to get to Brisbane. NSW XPT regional trains link the major cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the Queensland capital, and the XPLORER lines allow people from numerous major cities across the premier state to reach its capital, allowing wider access at a relatively affordable price.
For those who want their journey into Brisbane to be an epic experience, several gorgeous luxury trains go to Roma Street Station. There’s the Spirit Of Queensland, which departs Cairns, the Great Southern, that starts in Adelaide, the Spirit Of The Outback which goes from Longreach via Rockhampton, the Westlander connecting Charleville and vice versa. All these trains have stops in many of the major cities and towns along the way, so you needn’t be tied to one departure point.
Note: These trains do not come under public transport.
Travelling Between Brisbane & Ipswich.
All the public transport in South East Queensland (trains, buses, trams and ferries) on the local network uses the Go-Card payment system, which you’ll have to pre-buy and preload credit onto before boarding. Alternatively, you can just use your debit or credit card, physically or from your digital wallet on your smartphone.
How Far Is Ipswich From Brisbane?
The heritage city is 40km southwest of the Queensland capital.
Train.
There are two lines that go to two different parts of Ipswich. The Rosewood line is the main one and goes to Ipswich Central. Meanwhile, the Springfield line goes to the Springfield Central train station near the Orion Shopping Centre.
If you’re coming from the Airport, the Airtrain is a super convenient way to get into the CBD. Once there, you may have to change trains at Brisbane Central, Roma Street, Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills stations, but if you’re already at one of those, just catch either of the Rosewood or Springfield trains to get to Ipswich.
How Far Is It From Brisbane Central To Ipswich Central By Train?
Car/ Vehicle.
Hire Car.
If you prefer driving and being in the comfort of your own space, you can always hire a car and keep it for the duration of your stay. There are plenty of rental companies that are either at the airport or scattered around the suburbs.
Taxi/ Uber/ Didi.
But if you’d rather taxis and ride share services, Taxis, Uber’s and Didi’s are all available, but it’s better to take a train to Ipswich and get one to take you from A to B when you get there.
Best Ways To Reach The Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Flights.
The Gold Coast has international and domestic flights under one roof. Domestically, fly in from Sydney, Melbourne (Avalon), Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide on airline companies such as Virgin, Qantas, Jetstar & Rex, while internationally, go direct from places like Auckland, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur with airlines like Air New Zealand and Air Asia.
Trains.
There are no interstate or luxury trains that go to the Gold Coast that I am aware of.
Travelling Between The Gold Coast & Ipswich.
All the public transport in South East Queensland (trains, buses, trams and ferries) on the local network uses the Go-Card payment system, which you’ll have to pre-buy and preload credit onto before boarding. Alternatively, you can just use your debit or credit card, physically or from your digital wallet on your smartphone.
How Far Is Ipswich From The Gold Coast?
Light Rail/Tram & Train.
Getting from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, then onwards to Ipswich is a breeze.
Several of the Gold Coast’s biggest suburbs have the G:Link, the coastal city’s light rail/tram service that runs from Broadbeach South, past Surfers Paradise, the main hub, ending at the Helensvale train station. From there, it’s a straight line to Brisbane.
But if you’re coming from the Gold Coast Airport, there is no light rail or train service, although I think they are working on it. In the meantime, it has two bus services that transport people to and from the terminal. The Route 777 bus goes to Broadbeach South tram station departing every 15 minutes, while the 760 goes to the Varsity Lakes train station, the southernmost stop on the Gold Coast line, and leaves every half an hour.
At Roma Street, in Brisbane, swap trains for the Rosewood line if your destination is Ipswich Central, or the Springfield line if it’s Springfield Central, the newer part of the city.
Note: I wouldn’t recommend going to Ipswich Central Station too late at night as there are often questionable people around and I don’t feel comfortable. being there. The few before it feel safer.
Car/ Vehicle.
Hire Car.
For those who would rather drive, renting a car and keeping it for your stay is also another option. There are plenty of rental companies that are either at the airport or scattered around the suburbs that offer great deals for most vehicle preferences and typical-sized groups.
Taxi/ Uber/ Didi.
For those who don’t drive, or would rather not, but still want a customing driving service, Taxis, Uber’s and Didi’s are all available. However, it’s most cost-effective to only do that once you get to Ipswich to save costs.
How To Get Around Ipswich.
Once you get to Ipswich or Springfield, it doesn’t have the widest range of options, but here are the best to get around.
Car Hire.
Hiring a car is definitely the way to go when visiting Ipswich. It’s easy and convenient and there’s no waiting around. Just start the engine and go. Plus, many of Ipswich’s best attractions are within service of the bus routes (see more below). With a car, you can go to places like White Rock, Colleges Crossing, RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, Willowbank Raceway and Flinders Peak.
Taxi/Uber/Didi.
If you’re just in the city for a short time, a Taxi, Uber or Didi is great for getting you from A to B without needing to walk, but it can add up quickly. For longer stays, darting around or going long distances, I recommend only getting one to take you to your hire car pick-up location, or back to the train station. Just make sure to download the corresponding app before you go and have a usable network. The newer trains have this.
Buses.
The city does have buses, but there are more for locals and everyday life, such as going to the shops and medical centres, etc, not for tourists visiting the attractions. That said, some services do stop at them, going near places such as Ipswich City Square, Riverlink Shopping Centre, Rail Workshops Museum, Queens Park and the Ipswich Art Gallery in the CBD, and the Orion Shopping Centre, where you can then walk to Robelle Domain and the Orion Lagoon at Springfield.
Conclusion: Best Way To Get To Ipswich, QLD.
With numerous options for international and domestic carriers servicing the Brisbane and Gold Coast airports, and several regional and luxury trains and buses stopping at the capital with local trains and trams connecting the cities the rest of the way, commercial travel and public transport are the best and most convenient way to get to Ipswich for most people.
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