Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Sydney Transportation

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Sydney Transportation

I'm reading travel books and getting more confused on the best transportation to get from the airport into Sydney, then around Sydney sightseeing. Will be there 3 days. There is the Sydney Pass, The weekly Travel Pass, The Seesydneypass with transport, the Red Sydney Explorer Bus, The City Rail, The Underground something. Is there someone who can give me a clearer picture? Thanks for the help (:>) Confused

I'm in Sydney right now and after being here 6 days one of the best things (I think) to do is the City Rail/bus since traffic in the city (during the week) is nightmarish.....the transportation (bus, ferry, rail) is fantastic. I did the 5 day pass and was here 6 nights/7 days....well worth it. If your luggage is real heavy, opt for a bus service that will take you direct to your hotel (there's a lot of them and cost about Australia $8.

Hi, Confused! I agree, there are a lot of confusing options, but if you think we're complicated, have a look at what's happened to the good old Eurailpass in the last few years! I think your best bet for a transport bus (since you are only with us for three days) would be the DayRover Pass, which is available at any railway station, and covers you for all trains, all ferries, and all government buses (not the special airport express service, however). With this pass you can get on and off as often as you like, there's no queuing, and it's only $13.40 a day. Since one of the best things to do in Sydney is to take ferry rides, you will find that the DayRover is very cost-effective -- I think the Manly Ferry is normally about $6 each way. Now, transport from the airport to the city. Fastest is the train, then taxi, then airport express bus, and finally government bus plus subway. Describing these, starting from the most expensive: 1. Taxi. Expect to pay around $25, and since the roads around the airport are often congested, this is not necessarily a quicker way to do things than the cheaper express bus. 2. Train. There's a subway station right under the International Terminal, and frequent trains will have you in the city in ten minutes. If you use this method, you should find out from your hotel which subway stop is closest. Drawbacks: there is a heavy premium for people getting on or off at the airport stops, so a ticket for the ten-minute ride will cost you $10. If there's three of you, a taxi is probably cheaper. Also, the train is not a specially-commissioned airport train, but a normal commuter train coming in from points south, so in peak hours you may find it full of commuters; and there's nowhere to stow large bags. 3. The green-and-gold airport express bus. This costs $7 for a one-way ticket, $12 (I think) for a return, which is probably smart in your case, as in three days you're unlikely to lose your stub. These buses are quick, easy to spot as you exit the terminal (they leave just on your right), and there is plenty of space to stow bags. They set down at King's Cross, Central Station, and various other points right down to Circular Quay. Since there are special bus lanes on Sydney roads, they are not much slower than the taxi. 4. Ordinary public bus plus subway. This is the cheapest way of travelling from the airport -- around $5 -- but it involves a change mid-route, which can be a nuisnace with heavy bags. Right near where the green-and-gold express bus leaves, the blue-and-white bus goes to Bondi Junction. Go all the way -- it terminates next to the subway -- and then go the last couple of stops by train. This journey might take you close to an hour, with changes, but at least you get to see something of the real Sydney while you relax. And if you are arriving early morning, you can recoup at least some of the cost by buying the DayRover Pass at Bondi Junction station and using it for the rest of the day. Hope this removes some of the confusion.

we found it very easy to take the vans that were available right outside the terminal. walked up to the booth and paid 13 bucks round trip..SINCE you know you are going back to the airport at some point. this way you don't have to pay again. all you do is call the day before with your flight and time info. no problem and it is hotel/terminal pickup/drop off FOR getting around Sydney...we didn't always need ferries and/or trains SO we just paid as needed. it was very easy to figure out. however the lines at the ferry can be pain sometimes...but just give yourself enough time and you are ok. mostly we took a subway train from our hotel area near the Sydney Hilton to Circular Quay and then hopped a ferry and make sure your ticket is RT for both! then you don't have to stand in line again we took the monorail 2x when we stayed at the 4pts Sheraton near Darling Harbor but it isn't CHEAP! days we had tours they picked us up at the hotel/dropped off at the hotel or whereever we wanted. Rocks, Circular Quay etc...then we only needed to get back to the hotel. It was very easy/comforatable and we felt relatively safe at night walking back from the The Rocks to Darling Harbor.

Thanks to everyone for the help [:) I'm much less confused, and more confident about getting around Sydney. I have travelled overseas with girlfriends just winging it as we go. But this is the first time with my husband and lets just say, winging it isn't his forte. You are great, thanks for the help!