Can anyone give me an idea of approximately how much a taxi will cost from Sydney airport to the Marriott? I'd like to be prepared with the correct amt. in local currency. Thanks for your help.

Approx $20 Australian, 35 min ride if traffic is good.<BR><BR>Nancy

Hmmm, I personally don't think it would be possible for a 35 minute taxi ride to cost only $20. I live in the city &amp; have caught taxis between here &amp; the airport many times - it usually costs around $A25 &amp; takes around 20 minutes...particularly if they take the Eastern Distributor route which is heaps quicker but has a toll cost to consider. If you get stuck in heavy traffic (ie, if you arrive during peak hour) expect it to cost at least $A30 but certainly less than $A40.

It cost me $A28 going from the airport to the hotel (The Four Seasons near the Rocks) and then $A25 going back to the airport. There wasn't any traffic in either direction.

Hi, Lois!<BR>If you arrive during peak hours, be prepared for the charge to go over the $AUD30 mark. If you think that's a bit steep (as I do), remember that for $7 (or $12 return) you can take the green-and-gold express bus which departs from just outside the Overseas Terminal. It is almost as fast as the taxi, as it can use &quot;Bus Only&quot; lanes during periods of heavy traffic, and it has several set-downs in Sydney near the major hotels. Plenty of room for baggage, too!

Thanks for all the input regarding my question. We are due to arrive around 7:30 a.m, so by the time we pick up our checked luggage, it will be rush hour for sure. I have no problem with taking the bus, but I'm concerned that it would be difficult with large pieces of luggage, and with our trip being one month, there's no way to avoid having at least one large piece of luggage, plus two carry ons. Under these circumstances, would the bus be difficult? Also, how close would it take me to my hotel? The Marriott is not by the harbor. If this route involves changing transportation, I suspect, after a lenghthy flight, that we'd much prefer collapsing in a cab.

Hi again, Lois!<BR>I don't think the green-and-gold bus goes very near the Marriott at all -- at least four or five blocks -- but I am not absolutely sure. The people to ask about transport might be the Marriott; at the prices they charge, don't they have a complimentary pick-up service from the airport? Although I have never used such a thing, I have certainly seen these around the airport, with many of the &quot;major&quot; hotel names on them. Why not email them?

Lois,<BR>I have stayed at the Marriott many times, but for transport to/from the airport have had to use a communal Hotel Pick-Up bus - which picks up from a number of hotels round town.<BR>I have only used it going from the hotel to the airport - and for that I was booked on it. So I presume the same thing applies to use it from the Airport.<BR>As Alan suggests the hotel would soon advise you of details of this and any other means of transport they recommend.

Lois--<BR>When you get past customs, look for a Traveller's assistance counter in the main terminal. I bought a round trip on a shuttle (called Silks?)through them for about A$15 and it dropped me off right at my hotel. It's not like a private car service as others will be sharing the ride but your luggage issues will be taken care of!<BR><BR>Good luck! Australia's wonderful. I can't wait to go back.<BR><BR>Debbie

Hi,<BR>Forgot to add one more thing: There are plenty of ATMs in the airport to get Australian currency, so no need to get ripped off at a Thomas Cook (would be more aptly named Thom.Crook) or pay surcharges through your bank back home.<BR><BR>Debbie

Thanks for all the help! I am looking into a couple different options suggested. The hotel does not provide transportation, and said I could get car/limo service for about $60. After reading the advice here, that seems a bit high. I plan to have some local currency on me when I arrive, so that won't be a problem.

You can use credit cards in taxis in Australia - amex, mastercard - so you won't need local currency! Also you normally get a good exchange rate at atms so don't worry about traveller's checks.

Good to know that taxis take credit cards. Didn't know that. I had assumed that pretty much anything touristy would, but it's nice to know I can charge the cab fares. I am assuming all other means of travel [ferry, bus, train] also accepts credit cards? <BR>With just two weeks to go before we depart, I'm beginning to get a bit anxious about things. This is the first time we've traveled this far, and for this long [one month]. Don't want to make the mistake of packing too much, but want to be prepared for whatever the weather deals us while there. It helps to have at least the travel connections planned out.

The ferry takes credit cards, but not the bus or train, unles you're buying a weekly pass for the latter. Bus drivers will make change but try to keep it to $5 or under!

What a great hotel, the Marriot is a lovely hotel with a great view over the park. We were there Oct 2001 and we thoughtit was a good value for money place to stay, the taxi fare was abouit $16 in a mini bus air conditioned and shared with 3 or 4 other parties, seems pretty good value to me.<BR>Good luck and enjoy your stay<BR><BR>Rich<BR>Cardiff <BR>Wales<BR> UK