Sydney Airport (SYD) is located 8km south of Sydney city centre. There are 8 main transportation methods from Sydney Airport to the city, by car, taxi or ride-share, train, shuttle, rental car, bus, bike, or limousine. At Flyparks, we have compared all these options, to find the cheapest way from Sydney Airport to the city.
Uber? Train? Your own car? Here's what you need to know for trips from Sydney Airport to the city:
It takes around 20 minutes to reach the CBD from Sydney Airport in light traffic. If you’re driving your vehicle, the fuel consumption cost will range from 57c for a small hatchback, to 84c in a 4WD. Sydney Airport parking rates are largely dependent on where you choose to park, the length of your stay, the type of parking facility - whether it's open air or undercover, and its distance from the airport. Terminal parking rates (Sydney P1-P2 Car Park, P3 Car Park Sydney, and P7 Car Park Sydney) start at $51.00 for 24 hours, and the independent car parks start at $25.00.
The best rates available are from independent car parks offering on-demand, complimentary shuttle services to the airport terminals, such as Air Travel Parking and Sydney Airport Express. To read prior user reviews on the car parks, click on the blue link and scroll down to the 'review' section. To book immediately, you can click on the green 'Book Now' button below. For more transportation methods and costs, scroll a bit further!
Air Travel Parking is celebrated for providing a secure and hassle-free parking experience near Sydney Airport, located just 6 minutes away. Whether you're flying from the Sydney Domestic or International terminal, the shuttle service will take you directly to your departure point.
With 24/7 CCTV monitoring, on-site security guards, and a well-lit facility, Air Travel Parking ensures your vehicle remains safe and protected while you're away. Simply drop your car off, hop on the shuttle, and be dropped off at either the domestic or the international terminal in just 6 minutes. Read Air Travel Parking reviews before booking to ensure it is the right car park for you.
Airport Express Sydney is a leading car park near Sydney Airport, offering a combination of affordability, top-notch security, and convenient service. Located just 400 meters from the airport, it features 24/7 CCTV surveillance and valet-style parking. The on-demand shuttle service ensures quick drop-offs at both domestic and international terminals, so travellers never have to wait or walk far.
In just a 5 - 9 minute shuttle ride (depending on your terminal), you will be ready to check-in. Choose Airport Express Sydney if you want convenience and affordability for the right price.
A taxi ride from Sydney Airport to the centre of Sydney takes around 20 minutes on average, but can be longer during peak periods in the morning (7.00am - 9.00am) and evening (17:00 - 19.00). The cost ranges between $45.00 and $55.00 for a one-way trip, not including tolls. You can find taxis at designated and signposted ranks in front of all terminals.
Rideshare apps such as Uber, Ola, or Lyft are more budget-friendly alternatives to taking a taxi but can prove difficult for international travellers without working SIM cards. Sydney Airport provides free Wi-Fi, however, you’re likely to lose your connection once you step outside the Arrivals Hall. Fares to Sydney vary depending on the selected vehicle option, travel time, total distance, and tolls, but you can expect to pay around $43.00 for UberX to the center of the city.
There’s a convenient rail link between the airport and Central Station, which is located at the southern end of the CBD. It takes approximately 13 minutes, and costs a fraction of taxi or rideshare charges. A one-way ticket is currently priced at $16.70 per person.
The trains run every 10 minutes from the northern end of the terminal, and you can obtain an Opal Card at the station, Relay, or WH Smith, or tap your credit card. From Central Station, you can take a connecting train, bus, or taxi onwards to your final destination. It’s worth noting that there are no luggage racks on the train.
Several inner city and Sydney Airport hotels offer free shuttle bus transfers from the airport and back. Either your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall, or you can inquire about shuttle transfers at the desks on the same level.
If you’re looking for Sydney Airport shuttle bus services and limousine transfers, there are several companies which offer these services on-site, and others which can be booked online. Prices start from $18.00 for a one-way trip to the centre of Sydney.
There are several car hires at Sydney Airport with desks located at the Arrivals Hall at T1 International and the T2/T3 Domestic Terminals. You can also search and compare the best deals from rental car providers such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, and Enterprise online. Prices start at approximately $23.00 per day, for a small economy car, not including the cost of a full tank of petrol.
Sydney Buses operates a timetabled service, Route 400, between Bondi Junction and Eastgardens via Sydney Airport and Route 420 between Eastgardens to Burwood, via Sydney Airport. These services stop at both the T1 International and the T3 Domestic Terminals, and you will find clearly marked bus stops located on Arrivals level, outside each of these terminals. You will need an Opal Card to use these services, and tickets cost $3.61 per person, one-way. This is the best option for anyone looking for the cheapest way from Sydney Airport to city.
There are undercover bicycle racks located on Level 1 of the T1 International Terminal, and adjacent to the Express Pick-up Zone in the T2/T3 Domestic precinct.
You can pre-arrange limousine services to and from all terminals. If you have not pre-booked, you can find the Royale Limousines reservation counter located inside the Arrivals area of T1 International. Prices start at $98.11 for rides of 2-3 hours.
It’s against the law for drivers, or their agents, to approach you or to solicit a fare from you.
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 August 2024. Always consult the Official Sydney Transportation Page for updated information.
