[thegurio]

Hi all, we are about to go to sydney next week and i would like ot know how hard it is to get from the city to the airport and approx cost too.

We have a 4 year old who is quite good but she is still a 4 year old! I have to work in Katoomba for 2 days (thurs/fri) and then we were going to spend a few days in the city. What we are going to do is hire a car for use in Katoomba but then i had the brain wave that when we got to the city that we ditch the car to save paying valet parking and 2 days hire that we arent going to get much use out of.

So i guess i want to know, how hard is it to get between the 2 and how much?

[Mal]

Train, taxi, public bus are the three main options I can think of.

Probably about $40-$50 for a cab, around $35 on the train for 2 adults/1 child. Public bus would probably be around $12.

These are all estimates though based on previous visits. A local Sydneysider would be able to give better figures.

[opusman]

A taxi shouldn't be anything like $40-$50 unless you get really really really bad traffic. More like $20-$30 (I've done it for $12 once, albeit about 8 years ago).

The train isn't worth it for more than 2 people, particularly if you have luggage.

[serfty]

Originally Posted by opusman

... (I've done it for $12 once, albeit about 8 years ago). ...

Just take a cab and insist they use O'Rioden st. This will annoy them mightily as it save at least $15 on the fare.

It may take an additional 5 minutes in peak times or save 10 in quiet times.

Remember - insist!

[thegurio]

Originally Posted by opusman

A taxi shouldn't be anything like $40-$50 unless you get really really really bad traffic. More like $20-$30 (I've done it for $12 once, albeit about 8 years ago).

The train isn't worth it for more than 2 people, particularly if you have luggage.

We're meeting some in SYD who are coming back with us on the plane - there will be another 4 people in total making 7. Maybe it might be an idea to get one of those people mover taxi? Maxi-Taxi's i think they call them

[opusman]

Originally Posted by serfty

Just take a cab and insist they use O'Rioden st. This will annoy them mightily as it save at least $15 on the fare.

It may take an additional 5 minutes in peak times or save 10 in quiet times.

Remember - insist!

Yes my $12 experience was via the back streets of Redfern East and O'Riordan St - and I didn't even have to ask! They don't make cabbies like that any more

[opusman]

Originally Posted by thegurio

We're meeting some in SYD who are coming back with us on the plane - there will be another 4 people in total making 7. Maybe it might be an idea to get one of those people mover taxi? Maxi-Taxi's i think they call them

Definitely worth it if you can get one, unfortunately Sydney taxis have a habit of not showing up for bookings - but they are around so you might be lucky to get one on the street. TBH even two taxis would probably be marginally cheaper than the train for 7 people.

[HardieBoys]

City to the Airport can cost up to $45, depending on time of day, and your start destination in the city.

If there are 7 passengers, you'll need to book a Maxi-taxi. I think Taxis Combined have them: Taxis Combined Services have some information on these taxis on their website. If you are going to proceed with a maxi, you'll need to book it well in advance, as there aren't too many of them.

There is, of course, the rail link between Central and the domestic terminal, but if there are more than 3 people, it's cheaper to catch a cab. So even if you need two taxis, they'd still be cheaper, and a lot more convenient.

[kkutasi]

i agree with everyone else who has posted here... as as Sydneysider, a cab is definitely the way to go to get to the airport from town.

try for the maxi taxi, but even if you can't get it, just grab two cabs... forget the train; its a rip off and crap too.

[Andyc]

Bus can be both cheap and quick. I've never gone as far as the airport, but the 400 route is a very reguar bus service connecting Bondi Junction with the airport. My suggestion would be to take a train to Bondi Junction and join from there or catch a bus from the city to either Kingsford or Randwick Junction where you can easily change to the 400.

Saying that, cab is still my preferred option. Use Silver Service (Silver Service Taxis) for the nicest cabs in Sydney. I've even seen a couple of Silver Service people movers so you may be able to avoid two taxis. No matter which company you use, if the taxi doesn't arrive within 10mins you should call up and re-book.

Lastly, don't even think about the train!