How to Get from Sydney Airport to Parramatta

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Transit Options from Sydney Airport to Parramatta

The city of Parramatta bears a long history, being one of the first and oldest European settlements in Australia. Although it is located in the surrounding area of Sydney, it has developed to be a distinct and separate city. If one word could describe Parramatta, then this word would be diversity. From the spoken languages around the district to the renowned dining scene and the entertainment options, Parramatta welcomes all types of travelers. So, are you planning to visit the city yourself? If you arrive at Kingsford Smith Airport, you won’t face difficulties finding a way to reach your destination. Airport taxis and private airport transfers are the most comfortable options, while airport car rentals ensure independent journeys. Finally, if you are looking for a cheaper transit option, you can opt for a more affordable yet indirect train ride from Sydney Airport to Parramatta.

Our Tip: Public buses don’t link the airport to Parramatta, at least not directly. Indeed, more than one change of lines is required to get to the nearby city. On the other hand, private shuttle companies operate at Sydney International Airport and are a fairly favored option among passengers.

Sydney Airport to Parramatta by Taxi

Catching one of the reliable Sydney airport taxis is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Sydney Airport to Parramatta. Your airport taxi will drop you off right at your accommodation’s doorstep after a pleasant and smooth ride. That being said, you must always pick up your cab from the official taxi ranks that lie outside the SYD terminals. Indeed, you aren’t allowed to hail a taxi from the street. Moreover, taxis lining up at the taxi ranks are official. Hence, you don’t risk getting scammed by individual, unlicensed drivers. No matter the time or the day landing at Sydney International Airport, you’ll find available taxis at the cab stands. Even if you face a long waiting line upon reaching your terminal’s rank, the on-site supervisors are present to keep things moving.

Your taxi journey from Sydney Airport to Parramatta should last about 35 minutes if the roads aren’t congested. Conversely, during peak hours, the duration of the 27.7km/17.2-mile ride is longer. In fact, you might need one hour to reach Parramatta. Sydney taxis are metered. Thus, their cost is calculated via their taximeter. Although the government sets the maximum rates, cab companies are allowed to charge according to lower fares. Moreover, several surcharges are added to the final price. Hence, night rides are costlier, while journeys during peak traffic hours (from 10:00 pm to 06:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights and from 06:30 am to 10:00 am and from 03:00 pm to 07:00 pm from Monday to Sunday), Sydney taxis are more expensive. What’s more, rides from Sydney Airport come with an AU$5,45/$3,50/€3,28 extra fee. On the other hand, tipping is optional. Overall, you should expect to pay around AU$100-120/$64,50-77,40/€60,40-72,50 for your cab from Sydney Airport to Parramatta. All payment methods are equally accepted. Therefore, you can pay in cash or via a bank card. Nevertheless, non-cash payments are slightly pricier as they come with a transaction fee.

Our Tip: Ride-sharing services are also an option for the journey from Sydney International Airport to Parramatta.

Sydney Airport to Parramatta by Train

Sydney airport train is a much more affordable option for the ride from Kingsford Smith Airport to Parramatta. Still, all train rides from the airport are burdened with a costly Gate Access Fee, making journeys pricier than expected. Furthermore, trains often get crowded, especially during the airport’s busy times or during the early mornings when commuters head to work.  Finally, even though the train from Sydney Airport to Parramatta is considerably cheaper than a taxi ride, it isn’t a hassle-free option, as it requires a change of lines.

The Airport Link Train connects all terminals to the city of Sydney. Thus, it departs from the International Sydney Airport Train Station (on the north side of the Arrivals hall A of T1) and the Domestic Railway Station, right under the two domestic terminals (T2 and T3). It has available routes from 04:22 am (04:42 am on weekends) to midnight, running every 5 minutes during rush hours and every 10-15 minutes during off-peak hours. The Airport Link Train (T8) will get you to the Central Station in Sydney in about 11 minutes from T2 and T3 and 13 minutes from the international T1. 

From the Central Station, you’ll have to change platforms and catch Trains T1 or T2 heading to Parramatta Station. They operate approximately from 04:30 am to 01:00. The Blue Mountains Line also heads to Parramatta Station, but it has less frequent routes. Overall, T1 is your best choice, as it takes just 25 minutes to get to Parramatta. T2 reaches the same station in about 45 minutes as it makes a lot of intermediate stops. Thus, the total duration of the ride with the Airport Link and T1 Train from Sydney Airport to Parramatta is about 40 minutes (not including waiting time).

You’ll have several options to pay for your rail fares. In general terms, Opal Single Tickets are slightly more expensive, whereas Opal Cards and contactless payments offer various benefits. The reloadable Opal Cards, as well as Opal Card Tickets, are sold at the stations’ ticket counters and vendors. Opal Cards can also be purchased from some retail stores inside the SYD airport terminals. Please note that Opal Cards must be topped up with at least AU$35/$22,80/€21,30. Still, they are a value-for-money option as they are valid for journeys with ferries, trains, light trains, and buses, and offer 2% discounted fares (the discount also applies to the Airport Gate Access Fee) and a 30$ discount on journeys on Fridays and Saturdays and from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 03:00 pm and from 07:00 pm to 06:30 am. Moreover, they come with travel caps and allow free-of-charge transits from one mode to another within 60 minutes of the last tap-off. Hence, you don’t have to buy an extra ticket. You just pay the extra fare to your onward destination. Contactless payments come with the same benefits but also incur a transaction fee.

Please remember to tap on and off your ticket, card, or electronic device!

The total fare of your train from Sydney Airport to Parramatta will be somewhat costly as it includes the Airport Gate Access Fee, added to all rail journeys from Sydney International Airport. In detail, the rail fares to Parramatta are:

Our Tip 1: Please bear in mind that if you opt for contactless payment, you’ll be charged with the adult fare, while children up to 4 years of age travel for free.

Our Tip 2: Do you want to pay a lower rail fare? You can catch the Bus Lines 420 (from all terminals) or 350 (from the domestic ones) and reach the nearby Mascot Station. Passengers landing at T2 or T3 can also walk to Mascot Station, located 2km/1.2 mile from the domestic terminals. In that way, you’ll pay the previously mentioned rail fares, excluding the Airport Gate Pass fee.

Car Rental from Sydney Airport to Parramatta

An airport car rental is the ideal way to travel from Sydney Airport to Parramatta, at least for travelers valuing independent journeys and wishing to explore many of Sydney’s sites and attractions at their own pace. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport houses numerous car hire companies, providing top-rated services and reasonable prices. That being said, it is highly advisable to reserve your car rental as early as possible. Verily, early reservations come with two main advantages; to begin with, travelers can make their pick between various available types of vehicles. What’s more, they usually find lower fares and several deals and discounts.

The journey from Sydney Airport to Parramatta typically lasts around 35 minutes. Still, if traffic levels are high, you should expect a longer ride. Thus, it can take up to one hour to reach your destination. Once you arrive at Parramatta, you’ll have to park your Sydney car rental. Does your accommodation provide parking services? If that isn’t the case, you’ll find numerous paid street parking spaces around the city, along with several multi-level parking lots. If you want to be sure about the availability and potentially benefit from lower prices, you should book your parking spot in advance.

Private Airport Transfers from Sydney Airport to Parramatta

Why should you worry about catching a taxi from SYD Airport or opt for an indirect and tedious rail journey from Sydney Airport to Parramatta when you can book a private airport transfer and ensure an elevated and premium traveling experience to your destination? Several private airport transfer companies operate at the airport, offering their customers welcome services, smooth and premium rides with well-maintained vehicles and professional drivers, and many side amenities that allow passengers to customize journeys fully. Overall, private airport transfers are slightly more expensive than taxis. Still, they remain cost-effective when taking into account the quality and variety of their services.

FAQs

How far is Parramatta from the airport?

Parramatta is located relatively close to Sydney International Airport. Indeed, it lies 27.7km/17.2 miles from SYD Airport. Hence, a car ride from Sydney Airport to Parramatta typically lasts around 35 minutes.

How do I get to Parramatta from the airport?

You can pick up a taxi from SYD Airport, book a private airport transfer, or even rent a car to get to Parramatta. Alternatively, the train from Sydney Airport to Parramatta is a cheaper option. Still, passengers have to change lines. Thus, it doesn’t offer direct connections from the airport to the city of Parramatta.

Can you catch a train from Sydney Airport to Parramatta?

You can opt for a train journey from Sydney Airport to Parramatta. Still, you’ll have to change lines. In other words, the journey isn’t direct. Hence, you’ll catch the Airport Link Train to the Central Station and hop on the Train Line T1 traveling from Central Station to Parramatta.

How much is a taxi from Sydney Airport to Parramatta?

SYD airport taxis are metered. Thus, their fares depend on the time of the day, the traffic conditions, etc. In general terms, you should expect to pay around AU$100-120/$64,50-77,40/€60,40-72,50 for your taxi ride from Sydney Airport to Parramatta and reach your destination in about 35 minutes.