Shuttle service from Sydney Airport to Darling Harbour

[bobk57]

Any recommendations for a shuttle service from Sydney Airport to Holiday Inn Darling Harbour, for 6 adults, plus luggage?

 

Mahalo for any suggestions.

[Aus Traveller]

We haven't had a good experience with pre-booked shuttles. After pre-paying we have always ended up waiting a long time for the vehicle to arrive. Someone else might be able to suggest a good shuttle service.

 

If they don't, I suggest you get what we call a maxi-taxi (a taxi van). You don't have to pre-book. After you collect you luggage go out to the taxi queue and ask the supervisor for a maxi taxi.

[lyndarra]

I agree. Pre-booked shuttles are very hit and miss. Take a maxi - cab from airport rank as above.

[cheznandy]

Agree if you have a group take a taxi van/cab from the taxi rank.

 

We took a taxi last Thursday, public holiday in Australia, Domestic terminal to Sofitel Darling Harbour $41AUD.

Disembarkation we walked from OPT to Circular Quay station, took the lift, hopped on a train to domestic terminal, used lifts and escalators, all easy with luggage. $18AUD p/p.

[lucymorgan]

I agree too.  Taxis are easy to catch from the airport and it is easier to just queue briefly than prebook.    They have strict rules and helpful supervisors so you will be fine.   Here is some info https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/info-sheet/by-taxi-and-rideshare  edit:  Also, the supervisor will generally not expect a tip either.  

Edited February 1, 2023 by lucymorgan

[Aus Traveller]

10 hours ago, lucymorgan said:

I agree too.  Taxis are easy to catch from the airport and it is easier to just queue briefly than prebook.    They have strict rules and helpful supervisors so you will be fine.   Here is some info https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/info-sheet/by-taxi-and-rideshare  edit:  Also, the supervisor will generally not expect a tip either.  

Agreed. No tip. It didn't even occur to me to say that because I wouldn't think of giving the supervisor a tip. 🙂 A small tip for the taxi driver is OK. We just round the fare up.

[beatleman]

Staying at the same place early March, will take the train from airport to Central then L1 Light Rail to Paddys Market (2 stops ). Easy Peasy as Uncle Les would say.

[arxcards]

35 minutes ago, beatleman said:

Staying at the same place early March, will take the train from airport to Central then L1 Light Rail to Paddys Market (2 stops ). Easy Peasy as Uncle Les would say.

Yes, easy peasy. 

For the OP, 6 adults without concession is around $110.

IF they can fit into a single maxi taxi, they should be well in front

[arxcards]

The shuttles tow a luggage trailer, maxi taxis do not. Maxi Taxi for 4 adults plus suitcases, no worries.

 

For 6 passengers, it is going to depend on how much luggage you are all carrying to whether you and your luggage will fit into a single maxi taxi. 

Edited February 1, 2023 by arxcards

[Aus Traveller]

8 minutes ago, arxcards said:

Yes, easy peasy. 

For the OP, 6 adults without concession is around $110.

IF they can fit into a single maxi taxi, they should be well in front

Two maxi taxis (or one maxi and one normal taxi) would probably cost around $110 and it would be door to door - no dragging luggage and trying to find their way around a strange city's rail system.

[sayaguru]

Agree with maxi taxi or 2 taxis. If you get the train it will be $17pp as you pay a premium to and from the airport. Better in the taxi when a group 

[possum52]

5 hours ago, sayaguru said:

Agree with maxi taxi or 2 taxis. If you get the train it will be $17pp as you pay a premium to and from the airport. Better in the taxi when a group 

The cheapest option for the train is now $18.39 off peak, or $19.53 peak (Opal or contactless) or if you buy a single ticket it is $20.60.

[buchhalm]

Whilst the quoted prices for the train from the airport to town are correct, lets not scare the tourists.

AUD 16.00 of these prices are  "station access fee" that ONLY applies when getting on or off a train at the Domestic or International Airport stations.

This is because the stations are (were?) privately owned and operated. 🤐 government!

[arxcards]

4 hours ago, buchhalm said:

Whilst the quoted prices for the train from the airport to town are correct, lets not scare the tourists.

AUD 16.00 of these prices are  "station access fee" that ONLY applies when getting on or off a train at the Domestic or International Airport stations.

This is because the stations are (were?) privately owned and operated. 🤐 government!

Without that arrangement, Sydney's airport line would likely be at the same stage as Melbourne. Yes, the gate charges are frustrating.