Is there a direct bus?

No, there is no direct bus service from Mooloolaba to Ipswich.

How much is the train?

The fare is approximately $25 depending on the time of day and concessions.

Is Ipswich worth visiting?

Yes, it is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and museums.

How long is the drive?

It usually takes 1 hour 45 minutes without traffic.

Can I use a credit card?

Yes, you can use contactless payment on all Translink services.

Mooloolaba

Ipswich

Train Driving

Mooloolaba to Ipswich

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Mooloolaba to Ipswich involves navigating south through the Brisbane metropolitan area. The most common route is driving via the Bruce Highway (M1) and the Ipswich Motorway, covering about 130 kilometers. Public transport requires a bus from Mooloolaba to a train station like Nambour or Landsborough, followed by a train to Brisbane and a transfer to the Ipswich line. This journey typically takes between 2.5 and 3 hours by public transport. Ipswich is a historic city known for its heritage architecture and proximity to the Bremer River.

Total Distance: 130 km driving, 115 km straight-line.

Fastest Way

Driving outside of peak hours is the fastest way to reach Ipswich.

Cheapest Way

Public transport using a Go Card is the most cost-effective method.

Compare Mooloolaba to Ipswich Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	1 hour 45 mins
Avg Price	$20 - $30	$25 - $40 in fuel
Operator	Translink	Personal Vehicle
Route	Bus to Nambour Station, then Sunshine Coast Line to Roma Street, then Ipswich Line.	Bruce Highway (M1) to Gateway Motorway and Ipswich Motorway (M7).
Tip	Use a Go Card for the cheapest fare across all public transport modes.	Avoid peak hour traffic in Brisbane between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Travel Tips

Go Card
Purchase a Go Card at any train station or convenience store for seamless travel.
Traffic
Check the QLD Traffic website before departing to avoid roadworks on the Ipswich Motorway.
Parking
Ipswich CBD offers several multi-story parking options that are affordable for day trips.
Connectivity
Mobile reception is excellent throughout the entire journey between the two cities.
Planning
Use the Translink journey planner app to coordinate your bus and train connections.

Safety Tips

Motorway Safety
Keep a safe following distance on the Ipswich Motorway, especially during heavy rain.
Public Transport
Stay alert at train stations and keep your belongings close at all times.
Heat
Ipswich can be significantly hotter than the coast; carry plenty of water.
Emergency
Know the location of the nearest hospital in Ipswich, which is the Ipswich Hospital.