Interstate car transport by rail

Rail can form part of an interstate vehicle transport service, particularly on journeys to or from Western Australia. Moving Cars arranges transport through carriers, and the method available depends on your route, vehicle and the service being quoted.

A vehicle transport quote is not automatically a rail-only booking. If the transport method matters to you, ask us to confirm it for the offered service before booking.

Request a vehicle transport quote, or contact our team with your quote reference and requirements.

How rail fits into the journey

A carrier’s service may combine road and rail, with different stages between the collection point and destination. The vehicle may be transferred through depots along the way. The method and handover arrangements need to be checked for your particular booking.

Do not assume that every WA movement uses rail, that rail is available on every interstate route, or that you can choose a train departure independently of the carrier’s service. If you need a particular method, explain this when requesting the quote so we can check the options.

What to check before booking

Compare the full service offered, including:

• Transport method: whether rail forms part of the journey and any requirements specific to that service.
• Handover points: the actual collection and delivery addresses or depots, access requirements and opening hours.
• Timing: when the transit estimate starts, whether collection or depot waiting is separate, and what is included in the expected delivery window.
• Vehicle suitability: dimensions, modifications, low clearance, condition and whether the car is operational.
• Inclusions and cover: the quoted price, possible additional charges and the terms that apply to the booked service.

Rail is not automatically cheaper or faster than road transport. Compare the available quotes for your actual journey rather than choosing on that assumption.

Collection, transit and delivery timing

A transport estimate is different from a confirmed collection appointment or a guaranteed arrival date. Capacity, connections, weather and network disruption can affect the journey. Tell us about a required arrival date before accepting a quote so it can be checked against the offered service.

Ask how the carrier counts transit days and whether any waiting or final delivery arrangements fall outside that estimate. Keep some flexibility in your plans and confirm vehicle availability before travelling to collect it. See our transit-time guide for the distinction between booking, collection and transit.

Prepare for the booked service

Follow the carrier’s instructions for the vehicle and transport method. Our vehicle preparation checklist covers the details to check before handover, including condition photos, keys, fuel and EV charge.

Every available quote offers a Goods in Car option. If you want belongings to travel in the vehicle, select and book that option. Acceptance, allowance and packing rules depend on the carrier and service; rail transport does not automatically include belongings. Read our goods-in-car guidance before packing.

For journeys entering WA or Tasmania, check the quarantine guidance as well as the instructions for your booking.

Common questions

Can I request road transport instead of rail?

Tell us your preference before booking. We can check the available services for your route and vehicle; a particular method is not confirmed until it is agreed for your quote.

Will collection and delivery be at railway stations?

Use the handover locations confirmed for the booking. Do not travel to a railway terminal or depot without the carrier’s instructions and confirmation that the vehicle is ready.

Can I track the vehicle?

Some carriers offer online tracking and others do not. Ask which updates are available for the service being quoted and use your booking reference when requesting an update.

Start a vehicle quote to check the available options for your journey.