Sydney Airport to City: Cheapest Way

Uber? Train? Your car? Here's what you need to know for finding the cheapest way from Sydney Airport to the city: 

• The fastest journey is via the airport train - especially if you need to travel during peak hours 
  • 13 minutes to Central Station, no transfers required
• The cheapest way to get from Sydney Airport to the city is on the bus - but it’s not for the faint-hearted or those unfamiliar with the route structure
  • Fares start at $3.60, 2 transfers required 
• The most comfortable journey will be in a car– but if you don't drive your own to the airport before your trip, Uber's, taxis & rentals will be rather expensive
  • Car rental rates start at $23 - $48 per day, depending on vehicle make & model 
  • Uber's / Ola's fares start at $30 - $50 for one way trips between Sydney Airport & Sydney CBD

The Cheapest Ways to get from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD:

By Bus 

The cheapest way to get from Sydney Airport to the city is by bus. However, there isn't a direct bus from Sydney Airport to the city centre. Instead, travellers will have to take Route 420 or 420N (night service) from Sydney Airport to Burwood. From Burwood, travellers can transfer to a train at Mascot or Wolli Creek stations, and head towards Sydney Central. 

Taking the bus will cost you around $3.60. Bus stops at Sydney Airport are located outside the Arrivals hall of the International Terminal, near the P7 Car Park, and outside the Domestic Terminal (T2, T3), near the Virgin Australia and Qantas Domestic check-ins.

By Train

Trains from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD operate every 10 minutes, offering a reliable and cost-effective transportation option for travellers. The airport train station is located at the northern end of the terminals, accessible via escalators or lifts for those who need them. Travellers should follow the signage leading you to the station after exiting the arrivals area.

A one-way ticket on the train costs around $16.70, but if you have an Opal Card, you can enjoy discounted fares. For those planning to use multiple forms of public transport during their stay, getting an Opal Card is a smart choice, as it allows for seamless travel across Sydney's public transport network.

From the international arrivals' hall, you will find the international station past Arrivals Hall A. From the domestic arrivals' hall, the train station is located on the arrivals level of T2 and T3. Purchase your ticket with an Opal card at the station, or by tapping your Amex, Visa, or Mastercard.

^{The rates listed above are inclusive of the rail tax attributed to all train rides.}

By Car (Your Own) 

Travelling between Sydney Airport and Sydney CBD doesn't have to be complicated. If you're a local looking to park your car at the airport without paying exorbitant parking rates, consider using an off-site parking facility, like Air Travel Parking or Sydney Airport Express, which offer low rates and on-demand, complimentary shuttle services to the airport terminals.

These car parks typically charge between $136.00 and $155.00 for a week of parking, offering a budget-friendly alternative to public transportation. While driving to and paying for parking is not the cheapest way to get from Sydney Airport to the city, it is convenient and affordable.

By Taxi

Taking a taxi from Sydney Airport to Sydney city is one of the most popular transportation modes, although it can be quite expensive, especially during peak hours or when all flights arrive around the same time. Expect to spend upwards of $45.00 to get to Sydney CBD via taxi. Taking a taxi to the city is not the cheapest option as a solo traveller, but split amongst 2 - 3 other people, taking a taxi is very affordable. 

Taxi ranks are signposted outside each terminal and assistance is available for any traveller thanks to Sydney Airport's kerbside supervisors, who can organise a taxi to accommodate baby seats, wheelchair accessibility, and maxi taxis for large groups. 

Travellers should keep in mind that a $5.45 airport toll is payable by all passengers (per car) taking a taxi from any of Sydney Airport’s taxi ranks.

By Uber, Didi, or Ola

Rideshare apps have become increasingly popular in the last two years. Many travellers arriving and departing at Sydney Airport are using Uber. Rates for a 1-way ticket are approximately $31.00 - $50.00, depending on whether you order your ride during peak or off-peak hours, and whether you order an Uber X, Comfort, or XL.

Ola rates from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD are going to be around $30.00 - $40.00, however, Ola rates are known to exceed this range, especially during peak hours as surcharges are implemented. Didi is known to charge rates similar to Uber of around $30.00 - $50.00 per ride to Sydney city. 

Travellers from abroad should keep in mind, especially if they don't already have an Australian SIM, that hailing an Uber or Didi without a proper SIM could pose trouble. Sydney Airport does offer free wifi to connect to, but in the case that you can't opt for an Uber or other rideshare app, taking a taxi or train to Sydney City may be your best bet. 

Shuttle Transfers

There are a few shuttle transfer companies that are routinely used for routes between Sydney Airport and Sydney CBD. Using a door-to-door shuttle service will be one of the cheaper ways to get to Sydney CBD from Sydney Airport, though it is not the cheapest. Two well-known shuttle companies are Con-X-ion and Redy2GO. Con-X-ion charges $29.00 per person, while Redy2Go is closer to a flat rate of $22.00 per person. Both shuttle companies offer transportation with door-to-door stops.

Service desks for private and shared shuttle transfers from Sydney Airport are conveniently located in the Arrivals Hall of Terminals 2 and 3 for domestic travelers. International travelers can also find shuttle transfer desks in the arrivals area. After clearing customs, simply follow the signs for ground transportation. For the best rates and a smooth experience, it’s recommended to book in advance through the shuttle platform or directly with the provider to ensure your driver is ready upon arrival.

By Rental Car

Choosing a rental car at Sydney Airport to use as your mode of transportation is certainly not the cheapest way to get to Sydney CBD from Sydney Airport, but it is well worth the convenience it provides if you plan to travel with your family or even as an individual continuously while you are in Sydney or to its surrounding cities.

The following car rental agencies are available at Sydney Airport: Avis, Budget, Europcar, SIXT, Redspot, and more. The vehicle pick-up locations for each of these agencies will differ. 

While renting a car from Sydney Airport, there are a few things to remember: If you're a foreign arriving in Australia, to rent a car, you will need to be 21 years or older and have a Drivers License in the English language. If your driver's license is not in English, you will need to acquire an International Driving Permit. Finally, if you want the best rental car rates, book your vehicle online before landing at Sydney Airport, as you will save significantly on rates. As mentioned, some car rental agencies will need to transport you to the vehicle depot to get your vehicle. If this is an issue for you, be sure to clarify it with the rental provider while at the service desk.

Pick-Up for Arrivals coming from T1 International 

• Head to the Arrivals Hall at the T1 International Terminal. There will be rental car information desks where you can plan your booking and be directed to where the vehicles are stationed. For Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrift, Dollar, and Europcar, this will be on the ground level of the multi-storey car park at P7. For SIXT customers, you will head to their branded car park, 200 metres from the international terminal. For all other car rental agencies like Redspot, Enterprise, Alamo and National, the rental representatives will guide customers to Coleman Street via shuttle bus, where the rental vehicles will be waiting. 

Pick-Up for Arrivals from T2 & T3 Domestic 

• Head to the Arrivals Hall at the Domestic Terminals, approach the car rental agency desks, and they will direct you onwards to where you will be transported to the car park. For Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, & Europcar customers, you will be directed to the park on Ross Smith Avenue. For SIXT customers, you will be directed to the Park on King car park, located off King Street. For customers renting with Redspot, Enterprise, Alamo, or National, you will take a free shuttle to 7 Coleman Street where the vehicles are kept. 

Which Transportation Should You Choose for Transportation Between Sydney Airport and Sydney CBD?

For those who want the absolute cheapest way to get to Sydney Airport, take the bus, but be prepared for some transfers. If you want a much more convenient transportation option, but for a rate closer to $16.00 -$17.00,  (still really affordable compared to other transportation options), choose the train.  

^{While we have made every attempt to report the parking rates charged at Sydney Airport accurately, as well as the prices of various modes of transport to and from the airport, costs do fluctuate over time and are subject to change without notice, but were accurate at the time of publication in November 2024. Always consult the Official Sydney Transportation Page for updated information.}