Taxi from Syndey Airport to Cruise Port - How Much

[Longwood50]

I am wondering for those who have cruised in Sydney before the approximate cost of a taxi from the Airport to the Cruise Port.  I see online those offering shuttles/taxis for upwards of $185 AUD and one as low as $85 Aud.  The sheet I got from princess says taxi service to the port is about $40 AUD.  Should I book ahead or just grab a taxi at the Airport? 

[Aus Traveller]

4 minutes ago, Longwood50 said:

I am wondering for those who have cruised in Sydney before the approximate cost of a taxi from the Airport to the Cruise Port.  I see online those offering shuttles/taxis for upwards of $185 AUD and one as low as $85 Aud.  The sheet I got from princess says taxi service to the port is about $40 AUD.  Should I book ahead or just grab a taxi at the Airport? 

AUD$40? Tell 'me they're dreamin'. (That is a line from a famous Aussie movie). I don't know what decade they are living in. We haven't sailed from Sydney post-pandemic. Pre-pandemic we did it often. The taxi fare was usually AUD$56-AUD$60. Just grab a taxi at the airport. We have never encountered a queue.

[Rassa]

We paid $60 AUD last month for a taxi from the airport to the port (not pre-booked).   From the port to the airport, the best price was a Princess bus transfer for $20 AUD each.  Both modes of transfer were good.

[Cbtours]

8 minutes ago, Rassa said:

We paid $60 AUD last month for a taxi from the airport to the port (not pre-booked).   From the port to the airport, the best price was a Princess bus transfer for $20 AUD each.  Both modes of transfer were good.

We used princess transfers when we boarded 11 Oct $24 each. No problem at all and no worries about a meter running. Plus the “host” guy was hilarious and certainly got the cruise mood started right at the airport. He was the same one hosting three years ago. Obviously brilliant at his job.

[MMDown Under]

I'd be wary of taxis in Sydney, esp those at the top of the list when you google taxi. Most people recommend Ubers or shuttles with quoted prices.  I always use same shuttle  Just phone up and, if he is not near airport, he will get another shuttle to pick me up, door to door from airport to Potts Point and visa versa, at agreed price.  

[buchhalm]

Ok. Taxi. From the airport to Circular Quay (Overseas passenger terminal) a fare of around AUD 60 (+/- a few $l) is realistic. No idea how much if your embarkation is at White Bay.

 

The taxi rank at the airport is very efficient, and at busy times they have a dispatcher there to allocate you a car.

Bear in mind that most Australian taxis have a quite limited boot space. (They often have large gas tanks there)With more than 2 large suitcases it can get tight. For 2 pax it is still ok. Some luggage can go on the back seat with one of you. 

Taxis take credit cards.

No tips are required, but a few $ will delight the driver, especially if he helped with loading your bags).

 

Edited October 29, 2022 by buchhalm

[Chiliburn]

1 hour ago, Longwood50 said:

I am wondering for those who have cruised in Sydney before the approximate cost of a taxi from the Airport to the Cruise Port.  I see online those offering shuttles/taxis for upwards of $185 AUD and one as low as $85 Aud.  The sheet I got from princess says taxi service to the port is about $40 AUD.  Should I book ahead or just grab a taxi at the Airport? 

Which cruise port? There’s 2.

If it’s circular quay?

And If you are adventurous just take the train.

If I were to do that trip I wouldn’t hesitate with the train,it’s the best and easiest.

 

Edited October 29, 2022 by Chiliburn

[MMDown Under]

Just now, Chiliburn said:

If you are adventurous just take the train.

If I were to do that trip I wouldn’t hesitate with the train,it’s the best and easiest.

 

I just took train from Parramatta to Domestic Airport (change at Central).  Efficient system where they put a ramp across, then phone ahead to have another ramp waiting at next station.  I have a medium size suitcase, so I can carry it, so ended up with an extra shopping trolley, plus a small backpack and shoulder purse.  Travel by train is quick and efficient system, eg from airport, change at Central to Circular Quay if ship is at OPT only.  

There is a gate charge at the airport, so fare is expensive for adult travel (x 1)  cost depends if peak or non peak  You can use an OPAL card or credit card tap on and tap off.  Gate pass adult $16, child $14.10 These amounts are then added to cost of ticket.  eg adult off peak $15.74 plus rail $2.65 equals $19.53..information via airport link.com.au if I haven't lost you! 

[buchhalm]

True, the train from the airport to Circular Quay (for OPT) is also an option. 

The cost is just shy of AUD 20.00 per person. That is because of a 🤬 station access fee we have to pay at the airport. The train ride itself is less than $5.

It is a bit of a schlepp to the station at the airport, regardless That It is within the building. 

There are lifts on both ends to get to/From the platform.

Note that there are NO dedicated airport trains. They are all regular commuter trains. There is NO dedicated luggage space,  so you need to keep your stuff with you. 

[buchhalm]

I often fear that all our well-intended replies and  info to a cruiser's question are only confusing them. 😉

[Chiliburn]

8 minutes ago, buchhalm said:

I often fear that all our well-intended replies and  info to a cruiser's question are only confusing them. 😉

True but a lot of Americans don’t think about public transport.

Sydney airport to circular quay is a direct line 6-7 stations ,20 minutes and a stress free trip.

[MMDown Under]

20 minutes ago, MMDown Under said:

I just took train from Parramatta to Domestic Airport (change at Central).  Efficient system where they put a ramp across, then phone ahead to have another ramp waiting at next station.  I have a medium size suitcase, so I can carry it, so ended up with an extra shopping trolley, plus a small backpack and shoulder purse.  Travel by train is quick and efficient system, eg from airport, change at Central to Circular Quay if ship is at OPT only.  

There is a gate charge at the airport, so fare is expensive for adult travel (x 1)  cost depends if peak or non peak  You can use an OPAL card or credit card tap on and tap off.  Gate pass adult $16, child $14.10 These amounts are then added to cost of ticket.  eg adult off peak $15.74 plus rail $2.65 equals $19.53..information via airport link.com.au if I haven't lost you! 

My port weighed 18.7k, whilst my shopping trolley weighed 87k  Just mentioned this so you can see what a senior woman, on her own, can manage (yesterday so current information),    

Just like travelling by public transport in London and NY really.  

[Aus Traveller]

1 hour ago, MMDown Under said:

I'd be wary of taxis in Sydney, esp those at the top of the list when you google taxi. Most people recommend Ubers or shuttles with quoted prices.  I always use same shuttle  Just phone up and, if he is not near airport, he will get another shuttle to pick me up, door to door from airport to Potts Point and visa versa, at agreed price.  

We have been caught with pre-paid shuttles. On two occasions we had to wait a long time. Once it was more than an hour and on the other occasion it was more than two hours. We phoned the company and each time we were told they were "on their way". A taxi or the cruise line's shuttle are better.

[MMDown Under]

Just now, Aus Traveller said:

We have been caught with pre-paid shuttles. On two occasions we had to wait a long time. Once it was more than an hour and on the other occasion it was more than two hours. We phoned the company and each time we were told they were "on their way". A taxi or the cruise line's shuttle are better.

I don't prepay shuttles,

[Aus Traveller]

1 minute ago, MMDown Under said:

I don't prepay shuttles,

With the company we booked with, it was required.

 

I wouldn't bother with the train and I wouldn't suggest that overseas people do either. A taxi for two people is only a little bit more expensive, but it is so much easier.

[MMDown Under]

8 minutes ago, Aus Traveller said:

With the company we booked with, it was required.

 

I wouldn't bother with the train and I wouldn't suggest that overseas people do either. A taxi for two people is only a little bit more expensive, but it is so much easier.

Agree, but for me there is a lack of trust.  We caught a taxi from taxi rank at Parramatta Station to our unit in North Parramatta and we were charged double the correct price.  

[Aus Traveller]

1 minute ago, MMDown Under said:

Agree, but for me there is a lack of trust.  We caught a taxi from taxi rank at Parramatta Station to our unit in North Parramatta and we were charged double the correct price.  

Was their meter 'faulty'? (I don't want to suggest it had been doctored.)

[MMDown Under]

Just now, MMDown Under said:

Agree, but for me there is a lack of trust.  We caught a taxi from taxi rank at Parramatta Station to our unit in North Parramatta and we were charged double the correct price.  

In London,  I take the train or the bus, depending where I'm going.  In NY, I used to take the train, but recently have shared a taxi with someone on the taxi rank, or shared shuttle from hotel in Manhattan.

[Aus Traveller]

2 hours ago, Cbtours said:

We used princess transfers when we boarded 11 Oct $24 each. No problem at all and no worries about a meter running. Plus the “host” guy was hilarious and certainly got the cruise mood started right at the airport. He was the same one hosting three years ago. Obviously brilliant at his job.

Irene, did you pre-book the Princess shuttle? If so, where were you able to book it?

[Cbtours]

4 minutes ago, Aus Traveller said:

Irene, did you pre-book the Princess shuttle? If so, where were you able to book it?

We booked it through our princess planner. So we booked return. I did try to find it on cruise personaliser but decided to just go through PvP.

[Aus Traveller]

Just now, Cbtours said:

We booked it through our princess planner. So we booked return. I did try to find it on cruise personaliser but decided to just go through PvP.

I can't find it on the Personalizer. I booked the cruise through a TA but I don't like to bother him with minor things like a shuttle ticket, although I might have to.

 

Sorry to hear that Frank has COVID. It's great that you are keeping well and can still get out to get supplies.

[Cbtours]

3 minutes ago, Aus Traveller said:

I can't find it on the Personalizer. I booked the cruise through a TA but I don't like to bother him with minor things like a shuttle ticket, although I might have to.

 

Sorry to hear that Frank has COVID. It's great that you are keeping well and can still get out to get supplies.

It showed up in my summary immediately and when we Got on board our shuttle ticket was waiting fir us.

Edited October 29, 2022 by Cbtours

[Aus Traveller]

1 minute ago, Cbtours said:

It showed up in my summary immediately and when Got on board my ticket home journey shuttle. 

I only need the one shuttle ticket - Sydney airport to OPT. Someone suggested I front up to the Princess rep in the terminal and organise a ticket but I don't know if they sell them on the spot. I don't want to be stuck paying for a taxi just for one person when a shuttle ticket is a lot cheaper.

[Cbtours]

3 minutes ago, Aus Traveller said:

I only need the one shuttle ticket - Sydney airport to OPT. Someone suggested I front up to the Princess rep in the terminal and organise a ticket but I don't know if they sell them on the spot. I don't want to be stuck paying for a taxi just for one person when a shuttle ticket is a lot cheaper.

We were met at luggage carousel by a rep who escorted us over to the waiting area where there were prob 30-40 people waiting. Within a couple of mins we were boarding. They had everyone’s names on their spreadsheet so not sure they would do a ticket on the spot. I’d def just ask your TA do it’s sorted 

[Aus Traveller]

1 minute ago, Cbtours said:

We were met at luggage carousel by a rep who escorted us over to the waiting area where there were prob 30-40 people waiting. Within a couple of mins we were boarding. They had everyone’s names on their spreadsheet so not sure they would do a ticket on the spot. I’d def just ask your TA do it’s sorted 

I agree. I doubt that the Princess rep could take money and issue a ticket on the spot. I will email my TA.

 

Previously when two of us where cruising, we always got a taxi. It wasn't that much more expensive, but on the WC I am going alone.