Transit Options from Sydney Airport to Central Station
Located in the heart of the city, Sydney Central Station is the largest railway hub in Australia and the second most occupied train station in the country. It is a historical station, as it has been operating since 1855. Naturally, it has changed a lot throughout the years. Nowadays, it serves almost all the suburban lines along with numerous intercity trains, featuring a wide array of services and amenities. The Central Station of Sydney is well connected to Kingsford Smith Airport. Indeed, airport taxis and private airport transfers provide comfortable journeys from Sydney Airport to Central Station, and airport car rentals mainly address passengers wishing to travel beyond the city limits as well. On the other hand, the Airport Link Train offers fast rides to the main station of Sydney, while travelers looking for a cheap transit option typically catch a bus to Mascot Station and opt for a rail journey from that point to their final destination.
| Options | Price (AU$) | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 30-40 | 19,30-25,80 | 18-24,20 | 20 min |
| Train | 20,68 | 13,50 | 12,60 | 13 min |
| Bus & Train | 4 | 2,60 | 2,40 | 23 min |
Our Tip: Please note that no bus line heads from Sydney Airport to Central Station. Still, passengers can book a private shuttle bus ride from Sydney Airport to the Central Station.
Sydney Airport to Central Station by Taxi
Sydney airport taxis offer a direct and relaxed ride from Kingsford Smith Airport to Central Station. You’ll find always available cabs at the airport’s taxi ranks, right outside all the terminal buildings. That being said, the terminals close at night (the international T1 from 11:00 pm to 03:00 am and the domestic T2 and T3 from 11:00 pm to 04:00 am). Expectantly, taxis aren’t present at the airport during those times. Please note that passengers are only allowed to pick up their taxis from the taxi ranks outside the terminals. Moreover, despite the taxis’ readiness, waiting lines for a cab are common occurrences during the airport’s busy hours. Nevertheless, supervisors are to be found at all the airport’s taxi ranks. They are constantly on tap to assist passengers and decongest the taxi stands.
Although Sydney airport taxis aren’t uniformly colored, they all have distinctive Taxi lights on their roofs and the logo of the cab company on their doors. Moreover, they are obligated to display their tariffs inside. As for their rates, taxis from Sydney Airport to Central Station are metered. Therefore, the cost of the ride depends on the traversed distance and the traffic conditions. Furthermore, the time of the day also affects the final cost. Thus, during the night, taxi journeys are costlier as well as during peak hours (from 06:30 am to 10:00 am, from 03:00 pm to 07:00, and from 10:00 pm to 06:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays). Finally, rides from Sydney Airport come with an AU$5,45/$3,50/€3,28 extra fee. Overall, the cab from Sydney International Airport to the Central Station costs around AU$30-40/$19,30-25,80/€18-24,20 under normal traffic conditions and takes about 20 minutes to get to the drop-off location. However, if roads are congested, you might need up to 40 minutes to reach your destination and pay a higher rate. Tipping, on the other hand, isn’t obligatory. You can pay for your cab fare in cash or via bank cards. Nevertheless, electronic payments bring an extra transaction fee. Does your driver ask you to prepay the journey? You should do so, as it is a common practice in Sydney.
Our Tip: Ride-sharing providers are also present at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
Sydney Airport to Central Station by Train
One of the most sought-after transit options for rides from Sydney Airport to Central Station is the Sydney airport train. As a matter of fact, the Airport Link Train is the only mode of mass transit, traveling directly from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to the main city’s station. Still, it is a rather expensive alternative, as an extra fee is added to the train fare for journeys from SYD Airport, considerably raising the final cost almost to the same levels as taxi rides, at least for travelers in a group. What’s more, trains often get crowded. Verily, during the morning, commuters travel to their work in Sydney, and trains operate at full capacity. As a result, rides can be tedious, especially for travelers with heavy luggage.
SYD Airport features two train stations. The international one is to be found on the north side of the Arrivals hall A, while the Domestic Sydney Airport Train Station lies right below the two domestic terminals. You’ll find lifts and escalators leading to the rail station right after the baggage claim areas of both terminals. Thus, trains from Sydney Airport to Central Station call at both stations, running from 04:22 am (04:42 am on weekends) to midnight. They operate at a 5-minute frequency during rush hours and every 10-15 minutes at other times, and take about 11 minutes to reach the Central Station from T2 and T3 and 13 minutes from the international T1.
Opal Single Tickets, Opal Cards, and contactless payments are the options to pay for your rail fare. Overall, single tickets are slightly costlier and don’t offer benefits. Conversely, the reloadable Opal Cards provide:
- 2% cheaper rail fees (and 2% discounted Station Access Fee)
- 30% less expensive fares during off-peak hours (Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 03:00 pm and from 07:00 pm to 06:30 am, Fridays and weekends)
- Travel caps
- Free transits from one mode to another within one hour from the last tap-off (you pay just a small extra fare according to the traversed distance to your destination)
Opal Cards can be used for journeys with buses, trains, light trains, and ferries. However, they must be loaded with a minimum of AU$35/$22,80/€21,30. Cards and single tickets can be purchased from the stations’ ticket offices and automatic vendors, while some retail stores inside the SYD terminals also sell them. Finally, contactless payments offer the same benefits as Opal Cards. Nevertheless, they come with an additional transaction fee.
Regardless of your selected payment method, you must always tap on and off your card, ticket, or device at the beginning and the end of your journey.
Despite being very affordable, airport train rides from Sydney Airport to Central Station end up being expensive due to the added Gate Access Fee that applies to all rail journeys from the airport. It is regarded as a significant expense since it is costly and isn’t included in daily or weekly travel caps. In any case, the train fares from Sydney International Airport to the Central Station are:
| Type of Ticket | Passenger's Age | Time of Day | Train Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opal Cards - Contactless | Adult | Peak Hours | AU$20,68/$13,50/€12,60 (Gate Access Fee: AU$16,68/$10,90/€10,20 + Train Fee: AU$4/$2,60/€2,40) |
| Opal Cards - Contactless | Adult | Off-Peak Hours | AU$19,48/$12,70/€11,90 (Gate Access Fee: AU$16,68/$10,90/€10,20 + Train Fare: AU$2,80/$1,80/€1,70) |
| Opal Cards* | Children (4-16)** | Peak Hours | AU$16,92/$11,20/€10,30 (Gate Access Fee: AU$14,92/$9,70/€9 + Rail Fee: AU$2/$1,30/€1,20) |
| Opal Cards* | Children (4-16)** | Off-Peak Hours | AU$16,32/$10,80/€10 (Gate Access Fee: AU$14,92/$9,70/€9 + Rail Fee: AU$1,40/$0,90/€0,80) |
| Opal Single Ticket | Adult - Children | Peak and Off-Peak Hours | AU$21,80/$14,20/€13,30 (Gate Access Fee: AU$17/$11,10/€10,40 + Rail Fee: AU$4,80/$3,10/€2,90 |
*Travelers paying contactless are charged the adult fee, regardless of their age.
**Children younger than 4 travel for free.
Sydney Airport to Central Station by Bus & Train
The Airport Link Train may offer direct services from Sydney Airport to Central Station, but it’s pricey as the costly Gate Access Fee is added to all rail journeys from the airport. Therefore, passengers who want to save money on travel expenses can catch the train from the nearby Mascot Station, avoiding paying the extra airport fee.
Hence, if you are looking for a cheap way to reach the main railway station of Sydney, you can walk from the domestic terminals to the Mascot Station. It is a 25-minute walk, and the route is mostly flat and easy. That being said, Mascot Station lies far from the international terminal T1 (4km/2.5 miles).
Alternatively, although there isn’t a bus line traveling from Sydney Airport to Central Station, two buses link the airport to Mascot Station. Hence, you can catch Bus 420, departing from all the airport’s terminals every 5 minutes during rush hours and every 15 during non-peak hours. It has available routes around the clock. Additionally, Bus 350 travels from the domestic terminals (T2 and T3) to Mascot Station from 05:05 am to 00:45 am every 10-20 minutes, with more frequent routes during peak hours. Once you hop off the bus at Mascot Station, you’ll catch the Airport Link Train to Central Station. However, you won’t pay the Station Access Fee, as you won’t depart from the airport train stations. Your ride from Sydney Airport to Central Station will last about 18 minutes (if departing from the domestic terminals) and 23 minutes (from the international terminal). It will cost you AU$4/$2,60/€2,40, provided you pay with an Opal Card or contactless and take the train within 60 minutes of tapping off the bus.
The only direct bus from Kingsford Smith Airport to the station operates late at night. Verily, the Night Bus N20 departs hourly from T1, heading to the city center from 00:25 am to 04:25 am.
Car Rental from Sydney Airport to Central Station
Are you looking for the most independent way to reach Central Station from Sydney Airport? SYD Airport houses various car hire companies inside its terminals. Therefore, passengers can access a wide selection of vehicles and often find tempting deals and discounts to rent a car from the airport. In any case, you should always keep in mind that the sooner you book your airport car rental, the more available vehicles you’ll find and the lower their prices will be.
Your ride from Sydney Airport to Central Station with your Sydney car rental should last about 20 minutes. Are you traveling during rush hours, when the traffic levels are high? Unfortunately, your journey will be longer, lasting even up to 40 minutes. As for parking, the station doesn’t have a parking facility. Thus, you’ll have to either park your vehicle on the street or settle on one of the nearby car parks. Street parking is considered difficult in that part of the city. Moreover, it is paid, with high parking rates. On the other hand, several parking lots are to be found close to the station. It is advisable to book your parking space in advance to ensure availability and benefit from lower fares.
Private Airport Transfers from Sydney Airport to Central Station
If you value luxury during your travels, why not elevate your ride from Sydney Airport to Central Station as well? By booking a private airport transfer, you’ll ensure a relaxed and comfortable journey to your destination, having access to premium services and amenities. Naturally, private airport transfers are more expensive than ordinary taxi rides. Still, the extra cost isn’t significant and is outweighed by the provided benefits. Verily, private airport transfers guarantee utterly customized journeys, giving their customers the possibility to tailor the ride to their exact needs.
FAQs
How far is Sydney Airport from the Train Station?
The distance from Sydney Airport to Central Station is just 8km/5 miles. Thus, rides from Kingsford Smith Airport to the main Sydney station last around 20 minutes, at least when the traffic levels are low.
How to get from Sydney Airport to Central Station?
Taxis and private airport transfers link Sydney Airport to Central Station. Moreover, many travelers rent a car to reach their destination, while those opting for the cheapest transit option catch a bus from the airport to Mascot Station and, once arriving there, hop on the train to Central Station. Finally, the Airport Link Train links directly Sydney Kingsford Airport to the main railway station. Still, it is pricey.
How do I get to Central Station from Sydney Airport by train?
The Airport Link Train travels from Sydney Airport to Central Station. It stops at both airport railway stations, lying at the international T1 and the domestic terminals, respectively, and takes about 11-13 minutes to reach the destination. It has available routes daily, from 04:22 am (04:42 am on weekends) to midnight. Its frequency varies from 5 minutes to 15 minutes.
How much does it cost to get from Sydney Airport to Central Station?
Although taxis are considered an expensive alternative, they end up rather affordable for the short ride from Sydney Airport to Central Station, especially for those traveling in a group. Thus, their fare is about AU$30-40/$19,30-25,80/€18-24,20. On the other hand, the direct Airport Link Train costs AU$20,68/$13,50/€12,60, and the ride with the bus to Mascot Station and the train from there to the Central Station is priced at just AU$4/$2,60/€2,40.