How long is an Australian road train?
Most Australian road trains are between 36.5 metres and 53.5 metres long, depending on their configuration and where they operate; on some designated outback routes in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, approved combinations can reach roughly 60 metres. The exact length is set by road authority rules, the number of trailers, and the type of couplings used.
Contents
What qualifies as a road train in Australia
In Australian road law, a road train is a prime mover hauling more than one trailer using drawbar (A-coupling) links—distinct from a B‑double, which uses fifth‑wheel (B‑coupling) links and is not classed as a road train. Road trains are common on long, remote corridors where moving bulk freight efficiently is critical, and they carry prominent “ROAD TRAIN” signage front and rear.
Typical lengths by configuration
The following list outlines the most common legal maximum lengths for road trains on public roads. Limits vary by jurisdiction and route, but these figures reflect nationwide practice under the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) framework and state/territory notices, with Western Australia and the Northern Territory allowing some longer combinations on specified networks.
- Type 1 road train (usually a “double” with two trailers): up to 36.5 m (about 120 ft).
- Type 2 road train (often a “triple” with three trailers): up to 53.5 m (about 176 ft).
- Quad road trains (four trailers) on designated WA/NT routes: up to around 60 m (about 197 ft), subject to specific permits and route approvals.
- For comparison, a B‑double (not a road train) is typically limited to about 25–26 m (82–85 ft) and is widely used on major highways.
In practical terms, if you encounter a road train on a national highway in most states, expect 36.5–53.5 m. In remote parts of WA and NT, approved routes can host combinations approaching 60 m.
Regional rules and the longest examples
Across most of Australia, NHVR notices cap road trains at 36.5 m (Type 1) and 53.5 m (Type 2). Western Australia and the Northern Territory operate independent heavy-vehicle permitting systems and Restricted Access Vehicle networks that accommodate longer sets on specified roads, including some quad road trains near 60 m. On private mining or pastoral roads—not general public highways—operators may use even longer combinations, but those do not reflect standard public-road limits.
Why the numbers vary
Overall length depends on the number of trailers, the use of converter dollies, trailer lengths, and coupling types (A‑ vs B‑couplings), as well as local infrastructure constraints like bridge spans, lane widths, and turning radii. Performance-Based Standards (PBS) can also allow certain bespoke combinations where the route and vehicle performance are proven to be safe.
What other road users should expect
If you’re sharing the road with a road train, a few practical points help with planning, especially for overtaking and giving space at intersections or in crosswinds.
- Plan for length: most public-road road trains are 36–54 m; allow substantial clear distance to overtake, and only do so where legal and safe.
- In WA/NT outback corridors, be prepared for roughly 60 m combinations on marked routes.
- Watch the “ROAD TRAIN” plates and multiple indicator lamps: long combinations may swing wide and take longer to clear intersections.
Giving extra room and patience is key; the length and mass of these vehicles make sudden maneuvers difficult, and they accelerate and brake more slowly than smaller trucks.
Summary
Australian road trains generally measure 36.5 m (double) to 53.5 m (triple) on public roads nationwide, with some designated Western Australian and Northern Territory routes allowing approved quad combinations around 60 m. Anything longer is typically confined to private haul roads, not regular highways.
How much does a road train driver earn in Australia?
$120,000 per year
The average salary for Road Train Driver jobs in Australia is $120,000 per year.
What is the longest road train in Australia?
The Guinness World Record for the longest road train was set in Australia on February 18, 2006, by truck driver John Atkinson. He towed a Mack Titan prime mover with 113 trailers for a total length of 1,474.3 meters (4,836 ft 11 in) near Clifton, Queensland.
Here’s a breakdown of the record:
- Driver: John Atkinson
- Vehicle: Mack Titan prime mover
- Trailers: 113 trailers
- Length: 1,474.3 meters (4,836 ft 11 in)
- Location: Clifton, Queensland, Australia
- Date: February 18, 2006
How long is the average train in Australia?
The Ghan
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Rolling stock | Commonwealth Railways stainless steel carriage stock |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 81⁄2 in) |
| Average length | 774 m (2,539 ft) |
| Route map Darwin Katherine Alice Springs Northern Territory South Australia Marla Coober Pedy Adelaide This diagram: view talk edit |
What is the maximum length of a road train in meters?
for a road train—53.5 metres. for a car carrier —25 metres.
