Sydney is known to be the perfect mix between nature life, stunning beaches, wonderful restaurants and the bustling city. It is also known as the capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, and is often labelled as one of the most beautiful in the world due to its idyllic balance of architecture, iconic landmarks, beautiful harbour, botanic gardens and impressive skyline.
So when travelling from the airport to the city centre, you have 2 different Sydney airport transfer options; you can either take a taxi or a train. Taking a Sydney airport taxi to the city centre is the most convenient option, providing a door-to-door service in the comfort of a private air-conditioned vehicle. Your other more cost efficient and faster option is to take the train to the city’s central station from Sydney International Airport.
3 options to go from Sydney Airport to city center
Kerbside managers supervise the airport taxi queues; they can help you with any questions you have, or help you with your luggage and even talk to the driver on your behalf if needed.
When taking the train, your only way to buy a ticket is through an Opal card, nonetheless, it is free and can be used on other means of transportation around the city (the bus and the lightrail).
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How to get from Sydney airport to the city centre by taxi
Sydney International Airport is the biggest in Australia and one of the most visited in the world. So if you are looking for the easiest and most efficient way to get to your accommodation in the city centre after your long flight, taking a Sydney airport transfer is the best option for you. Taxis offer a comfortable, air-conditioned, 24/7 door-to-door service, taking only 20 minutes to reach the centre under normal traffic conditions. Moreover, taxis in Australia are easy to recognise as they are bright yellow and have large TAXI rooftop signs.
Taxi fare from Sydney airport to the city centre
Taxis from Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport don’t offer flat rate fees to the city centre, instead, they use a taximeter based on the distance and time travelled. This means that your final price will depend on your exact location within the city, however, it should cost around €28.30 ($45 AUD). Please note that extra fees may apply during peak hours, on public holidays (within the city and suburb metro area) and for night trips between 22:00 – 05:59 – where the journey to the centre will then cost around €34.70 ($55 AUD). An additional $2.50 AUD will be added to any trips on Friday and Saturday nights. However, if you wish to travel on a fixed price and avoid paying extra fees you can pre-book your private airport transfer service.
Where do I get it from?
You can easily find the official airport taxi ranks outside every terminal at Sydney airport.
Convenience
As SYD airport is the busiest in Australia, it can get very overwhelming. The convenience of taking a Sydney airport taxi into the city centre is undeniable, especially when you wish to travel in the comfort of your own air-conditioned vehicle. Moreover, taxis come in different sizes and are well monitored, leaving you and your loved ones in good hands.
Timetables
Terminal Map - Taxis
Useful Tips
Please note that you will have to pay an extra $3.50 AUD toll fee for all taxis leaving the airport.
Make sure that the taximeter is reset and running before you begin your journey.
How to get from Sydney airport to the city centre by train
If you are travelling on a budget, your best Sydney airport transfer option would be to take the train. Sydney airport trains are very efficient, taking only 13 minutes to reach the city centre station. From here, you will be able to walk to popular locations around the city centre.
How much is a train ticket from Sydney airport to the city centre?
Taking the airport train is definitely the cheapest option and a great transfer method for those travelling on a tight budget, as a one-way ticket costs €11.70 ($18.50 AUD). You can purchase tickets on a free tap-and-go card at the station, which can be used for a single journey or can be recharged.
Cost
€10.50
Trip Duration
13 Min.
There is a waiting time of up to 10 minutes for the train.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The airport train runs daily and every 5 to 10 minutes between 05:00 – 00:00.
Where do I get it from?
The airport train stations are located at both the International and Domestic terminals at Sydney airport. Once you arrive at the Circular Quay in the centre of Sydney, you will be able to walk to many popular locations around the city centre.
Convenience
The airport train is a great option for those travelling on a budget and wish to get the downtown as fast as possible. Although more expensive than other public transport methods, it is still the cheaper option from Sydney International Airport.
Timetables
Sydney Network Map
Timetable - Airport to the City by Train
Airport Link Route
Fare Calculator
Useful Tips
When getting an Opal card, an automatic 30% will be taken off your off-peak hour fares.
The train peak hours are as follows: Sydney train network area: 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18.30 on weekdays.
Opal Cards are rechargeable and can be bought and topped up at the train stations, WH Smith or at Relay retailers.
Sydney Airport private transfers
Powered by Welcome Pickups. Book a trained, English-speaking driver to pick you up for a fixed price with no hidden fees.
How long is the train journey from Sydney International Airport to the city centre?
The train runs every 5 to 10 minutes from the different airport terminals and takes 13 minutes to reach the city’s central station.
How much is a train ticket from Sydney airport to the city centre?
You will need to purchase your train ticket with a free Opal card and a regular one-way train trip from SYD airport to the city centre costs €11.70 ($18.50 AUD).
How much is a taxi from Sydney International Airport to the city centre?
Sydney taxis use a taximeter to calculate their fares, so based on the distance and time travelled. This means that your final price will depend on your exact location within the city, however, it should cost around €28.30 ($45 AUD). Please note that extra fees may apply. If you wish to travel at a fixed price, you can always pre-book your airport transfer.
Sydney International Airport is the biggest in Australia and one of the most visited in the world. So if you are looking for the easiest and most efficient way to get to your accommodation in the city centre after your long flight, taking a Sydney airport transfer is the best option for you. Taxis offer a comfortable, air-conditioned, 24/7 door-to-door service, taking only 20 minutes to reach the centre under normal traffic conditions. Moreover, taxis in Australia are easy to recognise as they are bright yellow and have large TAXI rooftop signs.
Taxi fare from Sydney airport to the city centre
Taxis from Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport don’t offer flat rate fees to the city centre, instead, they use a taximeter based on the distance and time travelled. This means that your final price will depend on your exact location within the city, however, it should cost around €28.30 ($45 AUD). Please note that extra fees may apply during peak hours, on public holidays (within the city and suburb metro area) and for night trips between 22:00 – 05:59 – where the journey to the centre will then cost around €34.70 ($55 AUD). An additional $2.50 AUD will be added to any trips on Friday and Saturday nights. However, if you wish to travel on a fixed price and avoid paying extra fees you can pre-book your private airport transfer service.
Where do I get it from?
You can easily find the official airport taxi ranks outside every terminal at Sydney airport.
Convenience
As SYD airport is the busiest in Australia, it can get very overwhelming. The convenience of taking a Sydney airport taxi into the city centre is undeniable, especially when you wish to travel in the comfort of your own air-conditioned vehicle. Moreover, taxis come in different sizes and are well monitored, leaving you and your loved ones in good hands.
Timetables
Terminal Map - Taxis
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreIf you are travelling on a budget, your best Sydney airport transfer option would be to take the train. Sydney airport trains are very efficient, taking only 13 minutes to reach the city centre station. From here, you will be able to walk to popular locations around the city centre.
How much is a train ticket from Sydney airport to the city centre?
Taking the airport train is definitely the cheapest option and a great transfer method for those travelling on a tight budget, as a one-way ticket costs €11.70 ($18.50 AUD). You can purchase tickets on a free tap-and-go card at the station, which can be used for a single journey or can be recharged.
The airport train runs daily and every 5 to 10 minutes between 05:00 – 00:00.
Where do I get it from?
The airport train stations are located at both the International and Domestic terminals at Sydney airport. Once you arrive at the Circular Quay in the centre of Sydney, you will be able to walk to many popular locations around the city centre.
Convenience
The airport train is a great option for those travelling on a budget and wish to get the downtown as fast as possible. Although more expensive than other public transport methods, it is still the cheaper option from Sydney International Airport.
Timetables
Sydney Network Map
Timetable - Airport to the City by Train
Airport Link Route
Fare Calculator
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€65Starting from 21.7 EUR / passenger
MPV up to 6 passengers
€89Starting from 14.8 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 6 passengers
€89Starting from 14.8 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train journey from Sydney International Airport to the city centre?
The train runs every 5 to 10 minutes from the different airport terminals and takes 13 minutes to reach the city’s central station.
How much is a train ticket from Sydney airport to the city centre?
You will need to purchase your train ticket with a free Opal card and a regular one-way train trip from SYD airport to the city centre costs €11.70 ($18.50 AUD).
How much is a taxi from Sydney International Airport to the city centre?
Sydney taxis use a taximeter to calculate their fares, so based on the distance and time travelled. This means that your final price will depend on your exact location within the city, however, it should cost around €28.30 ($45 AUD). Please note that extra fees may apply. If you wish to travel at a fixed price, you can always pre-book your airport transfer.
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