The man in the big red suit is back in Brisbane on the Santa Express this December. Santa is set to soak up the sun this summer when he heads to South East Queensland and swaps his sleigh for a train to spread Christmas cheer across the Queensland Rail network from 11 – 15 December 2023.
Queensland Rail has confirmed the decade-long Christmas tradition returns from the 11–15 December 2023 as part of Santa’s festive commitments.
Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland Scott Riedel explains:
“We’ve been running the Santa Express for more than a decade now and we know it’s a much-anticipated tradition for many of our customers,” he said.
“The Santa Express will operate on a different line each day stopping at a number of stations.
“To stay on the nice list, make sure you tap on and off with a valid go card, or use a credit/debit card or device at our smart ticketing enabled lines, as normal fares apply.
“Those who aren’t able to experience the merriment and festivities on board should visit their local station when Santa is scheduled to disembark – here they can give him their Christmas wish list in person.”
Remember – Kids ride on public transport for FREE on weekends! Read all about it here.
The Santa Express is a great opportunity for families looking for a fun day out during the school holidays, with children, parents, grandparents and friends welcome to come and enjoy some Christmas cheer.
Santa can be found at local stations at the following times.
Santa Express timetable for 2023
Monday 11 December
Central and inner city stations, Spirit of Queensland, Ferny Grove and Caboolture lines
- Central between 8.15am and 8.35am
- Mitchelton between 9.00am and 9.15am
- Ferny Grove between 9.30am and 9.50am
- Fortitude Valley between 10.30am and 10.50am
- South Bank between 11.10am and 11.25am
- Central between 11.40am and 12.00pm
- Roma Street between 1.15pm and 1.30pm
- Spirit of Queensland between 1.45pm and 2.30pm
- Caboolture between 2.30pm and 2.50pm
Tuesday 12 December
Central station, Shorncliffe and Redcliffe lines
- Central between 7.45am and 8.20am
- Mango Hill East between 9.10am and 9.20am
- Bowen Hills between 12.40pm and 12.50pm
- Sandgate between 1.20pm and 1.35pm
- Northgate between 2.10pm and 2.25pm
- Central between 2.40pm and 3.00pm
Wednesday 13 December
Central station, Ipswich, Springfield and Redcliffe lines
- Central between 7.45am and 8.10am
- Springfield Central between 8.55am and 9.05am
- Darra between 9.20am and 9.40am
- Ipswich between 10.25am and 10.35am
- Dinmore between 10.50am and 11.15am
- Indooroopilly 11.50am to 12.05pm
- Lawnton between 2.10pm and 2.30pm
Thursday 14 December
Central station, Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines
- Central between 7.45am and 8.25am
- Altandi between 8.55am and 9.10am
- Loganlea between 9.45am and 10.05am
- Helensvale between 10.35am and 10.50am
- Beenleigh between 11.10am and 11.45am
- Sunnybank between 1.20pm and 1.45pm
- Park Road between 2.20pm and 2.40pm
Friday 15 December
Central and inner city stations and Cleveland line
- Central between 7.45am and 8.20am
- Roma Street between 8.25am and 8.45am
- South Brisbane between 8.55am and 9.10am
- Cleveland between 11.20am and 11.35am
- Manly between 1.00pm and 1.25pm
- Morningside between 1.50pm and 2.05pm
- Central between 2.40pm and 3.00pm
For more information on Santa’s movements from 11 – 15 December 2023, customers can keep an eye on Queensland Rail’s Twitter, Facebook and website.
You might even jag a photo with the big man!! Just make sure you don’t have a Santa fail like these poor families did!
