Coaches roll in to run Grafton-Sydney XPT service
NSW TrainLink is set to begin running premium coach services between Sydney and Grafton in place of the regular XPT services from 28 April 2025.
As part of the work being done to revamp the state’s long running regional workhorses – the XPTs – the new daily Grafton coach services will run for 12-months in place of the 5.15am Grafton to Sydney and the 11.44am Sydney to Grafton services.
The new timetable starts from 28 April and the introduction of brand-new vehicles will be phased in over coming weeks.
North coast-based Forest Coach Lines has been contracted to provide the services using two NSW TrainLink branded coaches which will be air conditioned and have toilet facilities.
Two premium wheelchair accessible coach services options will be available with express run or selected stops service in place of the regular XPTs between Sydney and Grafton.
To keep travel time as close to the train trip as possible, the coaches will not stop at all regular XPT stations.
Commuters on the north coast will still have four daily rail options with the Sydney to Brisbane and Sydney to Casino services, as well as existing regular NSW TrainLink coach services. Local timetabled buses will also connect travellers to services.
The temporary change will make rolling stock available to ramp up a vital maintenance and refurbishment program to bring new life, reliability, and comfort to the XPT fleet which has been in service for 43 years.
NSW TrainLink Acting Chief Executive Yvonne Hinch said the Sydney-Grafton temporary premium coach service alongside the XPT Life Extension Project is aimed at improving the overall travel experience for passengers.
“The work we are doing on the XPTs, from overhauling the mechanical systems to refreshing interiors and essential amenities, will mean passengers, can look forward to a cleaner, more comfortable, and dependable journey.”
“These passengers include those who use our services between Grafton and Sydney services, who will experience a temporary change in mode of transport, with the intention to return train services on that route at the end of that period.
“By carefully implementing this temporary service change, we aim to keep journey times reasonable while maximising connections with other public transport modes, including with other NSW TrainLink services,” she said.
The new premium Grafton coach service times are:
• Express services:
- 151 Sydney to Grafton: Departs at 11.35am and arrives at 9.55pm
- 152 Grafton to Sydney: Departs at 5.25am and arrives at 3.45pm
• Selected stops services:
- 153 Sydney to Grafton: Departs at 11.30am and arrives at 10.35pm
- 154 Grafton to Sydney: Departs at 4.15am and arrives at 3.20pm.
Passengers can now go online to plan their journeys on the new premium Grafton coach services via Trip Planner at www.transportnsw.info/trip and a range of transport apps.
For more details about the new Grafton premium coach service visit https://transportnsw.info/news/2025/temporary-service-changes-for-some-xpt-trains-between-sydney-grafton.