Sydney Airport Transfer Hacks

Diana Vidovic

Last updated 15 May 2020

Sydney, Sydney, Sydney. Oh why have you made it soooo expensive to get to and fro? - this should be a song.

As a local Sydneysider, I find it more embarrassing than anything else when my overseas mates ask me, what's the cheapest way to get to the city from the airport? In most other cities, you'd say "public transport". But for some reason, our governments like privatising essentials, so that ain't an option unless you want to pay upwards of $19 AUD for a very short ride due to this funny thing called a "gate pass" (simply the ability to access the airport).

So what are the alternatives?

1. Cheapest option

The ABSOLUTE cheapest way is probably to walk to Mascot station from the airport (about 22 minutes, according to Gmaps) and catch the train to the CBD (~$4 AUD). It will take you about 30 minutes on the train. But if you've got a bunch of luggage, it's probably not the most convenient - as you'll end up trailing your luggage on the road and weaving between cars.

Alternatively, you could Uber to Mascot station - but as the trip is less than 2km, you might end up overpaying on a short-haul fare.

Find out more from this article by Lifehacker.

2. Cheaper than ride share/cab - as cheap as train

Shared airport transfers on Klook to/from the airport via Redy2Go only cost $18 AUD one-way but will take you straight to your hotel door. An uber or cab into the city can cost anywhere between $40 AUD to $80 AUD depending on demand/traffic, so this is a good way to hedge against getting stuck with a high fare.

You simply need to call Redy2Go to provide your pick-up/drop-off location in Sydney CBD to confirm the timings. Unsure of whether your accommodation is in the CBD? As long as it is one or near one of the following, they'll drop or pick you up!

The Grace Hotel, Sydney - York St
Rydges World Square - Pitt St
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel - O'Connell St
ParkRoyal Darling Harbour - Day St
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney - George St
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney - Jamison St
Park Hyatt Sydney - Hickson Rd, The Rocks
Novotel Sydney - Murray St
Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour - Little Pier St

Before you book:

Reserve on Klook 24-hours before your flight arrives in your destination - you will get the voucher instantly
Be sure to call Redy2Go on +61 2 9534 0820 to confirm your pick-up time one day before you arrive / depart
Service hours airport --> city: 6:00am-11:59pm (last pick up at airport)
Service hours city --> airport: 5:00am-10:00pm (last pick up at city)
The service desk at the airport (signed "Redy2Go" just outside customs) will be closed after 11:30pm (international terminal) and 11:00pm (domestic terminal)
If your arrival/departure times fall outside those hours, just call the number above!

Book a shared airport transfer from $18!

3. Ride share hacks

It's a race to the bottom amongst Sydney's rideshare companies. No doubt the biggest is Uber still, but Ola have been ultra competitive and DiDi is entering the market. Then you've got Shebah, GoCatch and Bolt.

Depending on the day/season, there are often deals running. Unfortunately there is no easier way to find out but to download a few and check the rates. But you can check out this article to keep on top of the cheapest offering for the month!

4. As cheap as cab

On the other hand, if you're travelling in a group or for business to need to make private calls on the route, you can book a private transfer via Klook from $81 for 1-3 people. There are different drop-off / pick-up locations, with the service going as far as Bondi or Manly.

The chauffeur will monitor your flights for delays, greet you at the terminal and you can cancel for free up to 24-hours beforehand!

Book a private airport transfer!