How to get from Sydney Airport (SYD) ✈️ to the City Center
Sydney Airport (SYD), also known as Kingsford Smith Airport, is the largest international airport in Australia and is located about 9 km southwest of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Sydney by AirportLink (Train), Shared Shuttle (Minibus), Taxi, Private Transfer, Uber or Ola.
This guide compares all available airport transfers at Sydney Airport (SYD) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
Transfer comparison
Overview of all transfer options from Sydney Airport to the City Center (Central Station, Circular Quay, CBD, Opera)
Transport | Travel time | Cost | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
AirportLink | 15 Min. | AU$ 20.60 | Details | |
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Shared Shuttle | 30‑60 Min. | AU$ 20 | Details |
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Taxi | 20 Min. | AU$ 40‑70 | Details |
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Private Transfer |
20 Min. | AU$ 80 | Details |
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Uber | 20 Min. | AU$ 40‑60 | Details |
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Ola | 20 Min. | AU$ 40‑60 | Details |
Notices:
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Private Transfer) is the more faster and comfortable option.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.
Sydney Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Sydney:

Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
15 minutesCost:
AU$ 20.60 ppDescription:
AirportLink (train) line ‘T8’ from Sydney Airport (Stations in Terminal 1, 2 & 3) to “Sydney Central Station”, “Circular Quay” (Ferries, Opera) and “Town Hall Station” directly in the city center
Book a minibus ride ↗
Travel time:
30-60 minutesCost:
AU$ 20Description:
Shared Shuttle (Minibus) from Sydney Airport (pick-up location according to provider) to central Sydney or to your accommodation in the city center (via several hotels)
Official local taxis
Travel time:
20 minutesCost:
AU$ 40-70Description:
Taxi from Sydney Airport (all terminals) to central Sydney, Sydney Central Station, Central Business District (CBD) or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
20 minutesCost:
AU$ 80Description:
Comfortable private transfer (AirportTransfer.com) from Sydney Airport (Nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to Sydney, Central Business District (CBD) or directly to your accommodation
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
20 minutesCost:
AU$ 40-60Description:
Uber from Sydney Airport (pick-up location according to Uber app) to central Sydney, Sydney Central Station, Central Business District (CBD) or directly to your accommodation
Order an Ola ride ↗
Travel time:
20 minutesCost:
AU$ 40-60Description:
Ola from Sydney Airport (pick-up location according to Ola app) to central Sydney, Sydney Central Station, Central Business District (CBD) or directly to your accommodationRoute from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to central Sydney (Central Station, CBD, Opera)
Things to know about Sydney:
1. The Sydney Fish Market is the 3rd largest fish market in the world
2. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is nicknamed “The Coathanger” because of its arch-based look
3. English, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Greek and Vietnamese are the main languages spoken in Sydney