How to get from Sydney Airport to the City

If you’re taking the kids to Sydney, you’re probably wondering how to get from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD.  Well, the good news is it’s not that hard getting from Sydney Airport to the CBD, and there are a few different options too, depending on your budget.

So if you need assistance determining the best way for getting from Sydney Airport to city centre, you’re in luck!  This guide will cover all the different options of transport from Sydney Airport to the City, including how to get: 

• A taxi or Uber from Sydney Airport to CBD;
• A shuttle from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD, and
• Public Transport from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD.

After reading each option, you can choose the best way to travel from Sydney Airport to CBD that best suits your budget and family needs.  

The guide will also cover options for transportation in reverse, so you know how to travel from Sydney Central to Sydney Airport.

So let’s get into it and find you the best way to get from Sydney Airport to CBD.

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Best Way for getting from Sydney Airport to CBD: Uber

Before we get into all the different transportation options for how to get to Sydney CBD from Airport, if you’re just after my suggestion for the best way to get from Syndey Airport to CBD – then take an Uber.  

I recommend an Uber as transport from Sydney Airport to Sydney city because it is one of the most direct ways ( door to door) and most affordable (by the time you add train tickets for all the family).

I cover exactly how to get Uber transportation from Sydney Airport to Downtown Sydney below

All Options for Travelling from Sydney Airport to the City

The distance from Sydney Airport to the city centre is just 10 to 15 km, depending on the location of your hotel.  By car, the journey from Sydney Airport to Downtown can take as little as 20 minutes in light traffic or as long as 45 minutes in peak hour.

In terms of how to get from Sydney Airport to CBD – there really is no one best way as it will often depend on a range of factors.  Deciding which option of transportation for getting from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD is right for you will depend on your budget, how many people are in your group, how much luggage you have and the time of day you wish to travel.

To help you decide the best way to travel from Sydney Airport to Sydney City, below we’ve provided in detail all the different transport options.

Uber from Sydney Airport to CBD

For families of 4 or fewer, in most cases, your best option will be rideshare, such as Uber.  You can expect to pay around $35 to $60 with Uber depending on the location of your hotel, time of day and traffic.

There is the option of an Uber XL – which can take six passengers – but these aren’t always readily available.  For families of 4 or more people, I recommend a shuttle service, so you can lock in your transport.

Also, if you have children that require car seats, I’d recommend pre arranging a shuttle, as they can provide car seats for you.

For those taking an Uber, you will need to meet your driver at the Uber Pick Up Point, which is just outside the terminal next to the taxi pick up area.  For all other rideshare services, you will need to meet your driver at the Priority Pick-Up Point, which is just a short walk from the International or Domestic Terminals.  Just look for the signs as you exit from the baggage claim area (see image above).

The benefit of using rideshare is you’ll be taken straight to your hotel, and there is no messing about with getting luggage and kids on and off public transport.

Taxi from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD

If you’re not comfortable using rideshare, you can also take a taxi from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD.  

Of course, the main disadvantage with a taxi is the taxi fare from Sydney Airport to CBD is much more than rideshare.  Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to as much as $90 depending on the location of your hotel, time of day and traffic.

The advantage of getting a Sydney Airport to CBD taxi is they’ll pick you up right in front of the terminal and you don’t need to arrange one in advance as there is a taxi rank at each terminal.  However, at times the lines can be long.

It’s also possible to arrange a taxi from Sydney airport to CBD for large groups and even taxis with car seats for the kids.  There usually is a kerbside supervisor at each taxi rank, so see them when you arrive and explain what you need assistance with.

Private Car or Van from Sydney Airport to CBD

If you prefer to have a transfer from Sydney Airport to CBD pre booked and a driver waiting for you upon arrival, then you can pre book a private car or van.  

A pre booked private car or van is a great option for families needing to arrange car seats for their children, for larger families of more than four people or families with lots of luggage.

Generally, private cars or vans include waiting time, so there is no need to be concerned if your plane is running late.

Click here for more information about private cars and vans.

Shuttle from Sydney Airport to Syndey CBD

Another option is to take a shared shuttle from Sydney Airport to your hotel. However, this will generally be more expensive than an Uber or a taxi.

You can prebook a shared shuttle with ConXion at the rate of $29 per person or with Sydney Super Shuttle at the rate of $10 per person.  Both shuttles will take you directly to your Sydney hotel.

If you have prebooked one of these shuttles, after you pick up your baggage, follow the signs to the Redy2go desk, which is in the arrival halls of both terminal 1 and terminal 2.

Train from Sydney Airport to CBD

If you don’t mind getting public transport from Sydney Airport to CBD, then taking the train can be super convenient.  A Sydney train from Airport is often the preferred option during peak hour traffic, and you’re short on time.

The AirportLink train from Sydney Airport to CBD is reasonably fast, taking just 20 to 30 minutes, depending on what station is closest to your accommodation.  Trains come very frequently at every 15 minutes or so and between 4.30 am and 1 am.

In the city centre, the Airport train stops at Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James, Museum and Central Station.  So if your hotel isn’t within walking distance to one of these stations, you may have to arrange an Uber to your hotel.

The Airport train is certainly not cheap.  During peak hours, the cost is $19.53 per adult and $15.97 per child, and during off peak it’s $18.39 per adult and $15.41 per child.  So as you can see, for a family, an Uber is likely to be more affordable and more convenient.

If you decide to take the train from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD, you can pay with your credit card by tapping on and off (you’ll need a separate card per person) or with an Opal Card, which is Sydney’s public transport card.  Opal Cards are available for purchase at the Airport train stations.

For those wishing to take the train from Airport to Sydney CBD, it is well signposted; just look for the signs after you pick up your bags from the baggage claim area.

To plan your trip by train, use the NSW Trip Planner.

Bus from Sydney Airport to CBD

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get from Sydney Airport to CBD, you’ll want to take the bus from Sydney Airport to CBD.

Buses run fairly regularly from outside the arrivals level of both the international and domestic terminals.  Generally, you will need to get off the bus at Central Station and take a train or another bus to a stop closer to your hotel.

While the bus into town is cheap at just $2.65 per adult and $1.32 per child, it does take almost an hour to get from Sydney Airport to Sydney Central.  Mind you; the saving may be worth the long trip for those wanting the cheapest way from Sydney Airport to CBD.

If you decide to take the Sydney Airport to CBD bus, you can pay with your credit card by tapping on and off (you’ll need a separate card per person) or with an Opal Card, which is Sydney’s public transport card.  Opal Cards are available at Newslink or WH Smith bookshops at either the International or domestic terminals.

To plan your trip by bus, use the NSW Trip Planner.

Rent a Car

If you plan on renting a car while in Sydney, then another option would be to pick up your rental car at the Airport and drive to the hotel.  

There are several car rental companies at the Airport.  If you’re arriving at the domestic terminal, car rental companies are at terminals 2 and 3 – follow the signs from the arrival level.  For those arriving at the International Airport, head to terminal 1, where you’ll find the car rental desks.

However, consider if you need a car the entire time you are in Sydney.  Parking can be expensive, and it is relatively easy to walk around most of the city centre attractions or take public transport to attractions further afield.

If you want a car to travel to places outside the city centre, it may pay just to hire a vehicle these days, rather than the entire time.  This will most definitely be the cheaper option.

How to go to Sydney Airport?

Regarding how to go to Sydney Airport from the city centre, it is much the same as the options above but in reverse.  So you can either take public transport such as a train (the fastest way) or bus (the cheapest way) or pre book a shuttle.

Just like travelling from the Airport to the City, our recommendation for travelling from the city to Sydney Airport is to take an Uber.  Overall it is fast and offers the best value for money.

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Hopefully you’ve found this guide on how to go from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD helpful.  We have other guides to help plan your trip to Sydney, including things to do in Sydney, where to stay in Sydney with kids  and how best to get around Sydney.