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Booking Tickets​

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When can I book tickets for The Picnic Train?
Tours are released periodically and appear on this website and are also announced via our social media platforms. You can also subscribe to our mailing list on the homepage of this website.

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How do I book tickets for The Picnic Train?
All tickets need to be purchased online via our ticketing page on this website.

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Do I need to pre-book tickets?
Yes. Whilst tickets may be purchased on the day, there will be no guarantee of availability. 

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How does the pricing system work?
Ticket prices vary according to the length of journey and the type of seating selected. Please consider carefully the descriptions of each ticket type to avoid disappointment on the day.

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Can I book for a large group in our own carriage?
Yes! We have discounts for group travel. If you have a large group you may like to consider hiring an entire carriage, or even the whole train! Call us and we'll be happy to work with you to make your group or event a success.

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Do I need to print out my tickets?
You may either show an email confirmation on your phone or paper copy of your tickets to your Passenger Attendant when boarding.

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Can I purchase a one-way fare?
All our train trips are sold as return fares unless otherwise stated.

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Can I book at the Central Station booking office?
No. The Picnic Train is not connected to Sydney Trains or NSW TrainLink in any way.​

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SEATS

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What is the difference between a booth and compartment?

A booth is two bench seats on either side of a table. Each bench seats two people.

A compartment is two long benches facing each other within its own room that can be closed off by sliding doors. Each bench seats four people.

 

There are 5 people in my group. Can we all fit in a booth?

No. The seating capacity for booths is strictly limited to four. Similarly, compartments are strictly limited to eight people.

Note that babies and small toddlers sitting on a lap do not require a booked seat.

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I've bought a ticket for a Lounge Car. Do I get a table?

Our lounge cars provide comfortable occasional seating with a limited number of movable tables that may be supplied on request.

 

Can members of my group board at different stations?

Yes. Please ensure that the people boarding at each station all have their own copy of the tickets. The members of the group who board first should also advise their Passenger Attendant that more people will be joining at a later station.

 

I have bought a good-for-2 ticket for the First Class High Tea. Will we have the table to ourselves?

No. The high tea dining car practices community seating, so you will share your table with up to two others. The same applies to single First Class High Tea tickets.

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I have bought two booths. Will the booths be next to each other?

We do our best to accommodate seating requests, but we cannot guarantee that multiple booths or tables from the same booking will be seated near each other. Talk to your Passenger Attendant when boarding and they will do their best to ensure your group is seated near each other.

 

Are carriages air-conditioned?

Only our dining and lounge cars are equipped with split-system heating and cooling. All other carriages have windows that open and are not air-conditioned.

 

Is the Premium Experience Package available?

The Premium Experience Package is only offered on select trips and will be advertised on a tour’s page if available.

 

On The Day

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What time does the train depart? What platform should I go to?

Indicative departure and arrival times are listed on the tour pages on this website. Final times are confirmed closer to the date. You will receive an update email with this finalised information, including platform numbers, in the week before your journey.

 

What if I am late?

The train will not wait for latecomers. Once onboard, our staff will advise you of the departure time of the train. It is your responsibility to ensure you are on the train at least 5 minutes before departure.

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What if the train runs late?

Generally our trains run on time - but things can happen. Weather, incidents on the network, infrastructure issues and other late running services can all affect our timings. This is beyond our control. Should anything change on the day our staff will keep you informed. 

 

Can I get off at the station when we reach our destination?

This depends on the journey. On most trips, you will be able to disembark and explore as you wish. This will be noted in the tour description, and you should carefully note departure time of the train for the return journey.

Shuttles are generally sold as a round-trip journey only where you do not disembark. The train will reach its destination then return to its point of origin.

 

Can I leave my belongings on the train when we reach our destination?

Yes. You will have the same seats on the return journey, and the train is locked and inaccessible to the public while stopped.

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Accessibility 

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Is the Picnic Train wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, our heritage carriages are not built to offer wheelchair access. We ask that customers who are travelling in a wheelchair or mobility equipment to contact us to discuss options available. Mobility equipment is not permitted to be stored in corridors or vestibules.

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Can I bring a companion dog with me?

Companion dogs are not accepted on our services, with the exception of Guide Dogs.

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Discounts

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Do you offer discounts for senior/concession card holders?

Unfortunately, we do not currently offer concession discounts.

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catering 

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Does my ticket include food?

This depends on the ticket type. Only tickets for our First Class High Tea, Premium Experience Package, or other dining experiences are catered.

Note that on some tours we offer uncatered group-of-four seating in our dining cars. Please carefully consider the description of your selected ticket type to avoid disappointment on the day.

 

Will there be a buffet service onboard the train?

We have a limited selection of snacks, hot food, and drinks available in our buffet car. We accept cash or cards. In the spirit of the Picnic Train, we also encourage passengers to bring their own food and beverages (including alcohol) to enjoy aboard the train. 

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Facilities 

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Are there toilet facilities onboard the train?

Most of our carriages are equipped with toilet and washroom facilities. However, these facilities are closed while in metropolitan areas. We recommend you use the station toilets wherever possible.

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Is there storage areas for prams?

There is very limited space for storing prams in the carriages. Please assist our staff by having prams folded and ready to board before the train arrives at the station. Prams are not permitted to obstruct aisles or corridors and must be placed within your compartment or on the luggage racks. We request you do not bring large prams aboard the train.

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Can I recharge my phone?

Our heritage carriages are not fitted with 240v or USB outlets. We suggest you bring portable battery packs should you need to recharge your phone or other devices whilst aboard the train.