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[NSW, Hack] Avoid Sydney Airport Train Stations Access Fee ($15.13/$13.54) by Bus Transfer at Mascot @ Transport NSW

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[NSW, Hack] Avoid Sydney Airport Train Stations Access Fee ($15.13/$13.54) by Bus Transfer at Mascot @ Transport NSW
Go to Deal
Ghogger on 30/01/2022 - 21:05 transportnsw.info (1875 clicks)
Last edited 31/01/2022 - 10:19 by 1 other user

Not sure if this hack constitutes a deal, but I’m on the way home from the airport, so wanted to share with my fellow Ozbargainers now that flying is opening up.

Taking the train to/from the international or domestic terminal of Sydney airport incurs a rather large ($15.13, $13.54 concession) ‘station access fee’.

The easiest way around this is to instead take the train to Mascot station, and take bus number 420 (lol) for a few stops and you will shortly be in the airport. This takes an extra ~10min or so, but for a family of four you’re looking at a $60 saving.

Any questions feel free to ask in the comments.

Travel Airport New South Wales Public Transport Sydney Sydney Airport

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Comments

    • Big Lenny on 31/01/2022 - 09:31
      -3

      OP was just fishing for upvotes

      • Ghogger on 31/01/2022 - 10:02
        +2

        Why? What benefit would I get from upvotes? I’m just trying to share a cheaper way to get to the airport

  • brosk1s on 31/01/2022 - 09:30
    +1

    Getting to Sydney Airport by Train without Paying the Airport Access Fee … By Taking The Bus!

    So not getting to Sydney Airport by train after all

  • modgod on 31/01/2022 - 09:35
    +1

    You guys are lucky, we don’t even have a train to the airport in Perth lol

    • kerfuffle on 31/01/2022 - 09:55

      Aren't they currently finishing building one?

      • modgod on 31/01/2022 - 13:48

        yep should see the shit show going on down there

    • Craze on 02/02/2022 - 13:52

      Neither does Melbourne.

  • gmdarts on 31/01/2022 - 09:55

    Better to find some way to Rockdale station thge either the 420 or410 to the airport is not it though

  • neyo on 31/01/2022 - 09:56
    +8

    Is it a hack to use a cheaper mode of transport (or even walk) at the cost of convenience? Would have thought that is a given…

    HACK don't use toll roads it will take a bit longer but you will save $
    HACK don't get a car, just use public transport and save thousands

  • Geoff-bargain on 31/01/2022 - 10:07

    Moved interstate now rarely have to deal with Sydney airport thank f.

  • End3vour on 31/01/2022 - 10:15

    It's always worth looking into parking. Paid around $80/90 (with discount code) for five days of domestic P2 parking just last week. You need to walk 5-10 minutes but the convenience (when travelling with child and plenty of luggage) and price is unbeatable IMO.

  • kevsta on 31/01/2022 - 11:04

    For a family of 4, each with a full sized luggage cases. Will the bus driver even let you on or do you get odd stares ? In the past I have to take 2 cabs to and from the airport.

    • beatthatflight on 31/01/2022 - 12:35

      Done it with two backpacks on me and two carry-bags in my hand. Balancing is the only issue ;)

  • adamjb007 on 31/01/2022 - 11:30

    i've done the walk from domestic to mascot station about 5 times, takes about 16 minutes but saves $15. if I got paid a dollar an hour tax free to just walk around I'd quit my job now

  • browser on 31/01/2022 - 11:37
    +1

    Most commenters have not voted, goes to show that majority of the 400+ votes do not read. Proof you can buy votes with a catchy headline. :D

    • Hangryuman on 31/01/2022 - 11:51
      -1

      'Most commenters have not voted, goes to show that majority of the 400+ votes do not read'

      huh - I've never clicked on the top vote tab before as I never even noticed it as something to do - prease exprain ?

  • browser on 31/01/2022 - 11:39
    +2

    This hack is literally saying save toll by not using the motorway, WTH?

  • Hangryuman on 31/01/2022 - 11:46
    +1

    if you're on the Illawarra Line getting the bus 420 from Rockdale Station is an option

    17 mins to international terminal Sydney Airport - https://goo.gl/maps/Wvcv2wq6HPQecTCBA - 1 min slower than train
    20 mins to domestic terminal Sydney Airport - https://goo.gl/maps/ZtKeo7BUHzEu9rfL8 - 2 mins slower than train

    but people training from further away may get some discount all-inclusive fare which may make the train worthwhile

  • beatthatflight on 31/01/2022 - 12:35
    +1

    Similar for international. Walk from Wolli Creek (20 min)!

    • adamjb007 on 31/01/2022 - 12:47

      wow! I never thought to do that, thanks!

    • browser on 31/01/2022 - 13:02
      +2

      Yeah, I have seen people do that.

      More challenging, due to higher chance of larger luggage.

      Some people plan ample time for international flights, they end up arriving the airport with many hours to spare, so might as well use the time to save some money.

      It's a reasonable walk: after crossing Princes Highway, cut through Cahill Park (along the water) to Marsh Street bridge and using the footpath to cross Cooks River. Once on the other side follow the bike path to loop under the bridge, it goes all the way to P7 parking.

      From Wolli Creek station to the bike path is 1.2km, the bike path is about 500m, so all up under 2km and mostly flat.

      • beatthatflight on 01/02/2022 - 18:07

        Used to live in near Wolli Creek and work at the airport. 20 min walk, done it many times, even with two backpacks on. And there's even a pub just before Wolli Creek if you get parched ;)

  • Crownanchor on 31/01/2022 - 12:35
    +1

    Have been doing this for years, and walk from Mascot Station to the airport. Sometimes can walk from Newtown to the Airport.

    Other things to note is the Domestic to International rate by train is only about $2.50 and then walk to Pacific Highway Wolli Creek or wherever.

    • Crownanchor on 31/01/2022 - 13:49

      *Princes Highway

    • whyisave on 31/01/2022 - 22:18

      Domestic to International Airport is AU$ 2.50 by train ?
      That's good to know !

      • Crownanchor on 31/01/2022 - 22:23
        +1

        approximately a few years ago.
        But have just checked and have been shocked. its now $2.56 plus a $2.43 station access fee, for a total of $4.99, and its only a 2 minute train ride.

        • whyisave on 01/02/2022 - 02:29

          :thumbsup: for checking

  • spasto on 31/01/2022 - 12:42

    Nice suggestion but not a deal (esp. if you have to lug a pram as well as luggages).

  • baldur on 31/01/2022 - 13:40
    -1

    Aiming for these little and ridiculous savings just makes the life harder and more miserable in the grand scheme of things. I really wonder which one is better in the long run? Getting a well paid job and making some sacrifice to acquire it hence not worrying about these savings or chasing these little savings, discounts all your life?

    • Vote for Pedro on 31/01/2022 - 18:22
      +2

      Joe, Joe Hockey, is that you? Still smoking that cigar with Mathias I see.

    • beatthatflight on 01/02/2022 - 18:08
      +1

      I used to do it regularly after work. I saw it as 20 min exercise, AND essentially getting paid to exercise. Glass half full ;)

  • cooperdog on 31/01/2022 - 13:40

    Remember doing this as a backpacker in 1999!

    • Crownanchor on 31/01/2022 - 13:41

      How much did you save? There was no trains in 1999.

      • cooperdog on 31/01/2022 - 13:44

        I think it was the bus from the CBD. So maybe back then it was against the dedicated airport bus.

        • Crownanchor on 31/01/2022 - 13:48

          The 309 and 310 to/from Mascot Post Office/Mascot Shops? Thats another one i used to do. Not sure if anyone has mentioned this one yet.

  • GOCAT9 on 31/01/2022 - 13:50

    I read that you can get to the international terminal from the domestic terminal (and v.v) for FREE by using the T-bus. Has anybody done this?

  • packeteer on 31/01/2022 - 13:52

    tried this recently on returning to Sydney, but I got the wrong bus and wasted an hour and almost $10. not recommended

    • GOCAT9 on 31/01/2022 - 14:52

      Sorry to hear that. But maybe the solution is just to get on the correct bus, rather than avoiding it. My understanding is that “T-BUS” is written on the front and sides of the bus, so difficult to get on the wrong bus!

  • boomramada on 31/01/2022 - 14:21

    This is not a bargain or deal, can add into el cheapo guide travel section in Ozb Wiki.

  • meowsers on 31/01/2022 - 14:57

    We used to just buy a new Opal card and it would go negative when you tapped out at the airport and you would just throw it away.

    Not sure if this is still possible?

    These days I'm told if you have 2 opal cards with you, use the first one to tap on (get in the station) and then microwave the second one at home to fry the RFID chip, they will just let you through at the other end (airport) as it's not worth the hassle.

    • Crownanchor on 31/01/2022 - 15:42
      +1

      Its no longer possible to go into negative balance as it was cracked down a few years ago, too many people were doing this with the freely issued opal cards.

      • beatthatflight on 01/02/2022 - 18:10

        It's blocked leaving the airport, and you have to top up to get out. However, entering the system at say Central, the card only knows you have enough to get anyway in the city, so if you have ~$4 it's fine. Then get to airport, tap out and dump card. Definitely still works. (Source: used to work at airport and also at TfNSW on the Opal team).

        • Crownanchor on 01/02/2022 - 19:00

          Yes, that is correct, forgot about how it was implemented. Now its no longer worth using the negative balance thing on most stations. But suitable for the Airport stations. Being on the TFNSW and Opal card team, its good to see your work in allowing the Airport Stations still work. Thanks for caring for the Oz Bargain Community.

          • beatthatflight on 01/02/2022 - 20:45

            @Crownanchor: to clarify: was on Opal team. Still know testers there though. :) A few other loopholes still exist but it's not worth fixing.

  • Widget on 31/01/2022 - 17:54
    +1

    I use to catch train to Domestic, then I started walking from Mascot airport. Much cheaper and not far to walk. Never caught the train again.

  • Vote for Pedro on 31/01/2022 - 18:25
    +3

    Or we could just put pressures on Governments to stop privatising shit

    • whyisave on 31/01/2022 - 22:19

      What does the "put pressure" activity look like ?

      • Vote for Pedro on 01/02/2022 - 10:23

        There’s a range of tools. Boycotts, campaigns, contacting your mp, joining protests against privatisation, starting small conversations with your friends/colleagues about the issue.

        Basically anything the community gets behind.

  • ilikedeals on 31/01/2022 - 18:39
    +1

    Thanks for the reminder!
    SYD airport train is a bloody rip off!
    I caught the train a week ago, and was $48-$50 for two people

    Thinking of the times where TigerAir has $9 or $19 flights, you could fly interstate for cheaper than a domestic train ride

    • Crownanchor on 31/01/2022 - 18:57

      Do you also remember how government was pushing down air fares and talking about getting to very low prices and the airliners saying not to expect air fares less than a cab ride? Amazing the airline industry actually did it.

    • shadowangel on 06/02/2022 - 17:09

      Right, my last flight was a $1 ($2 return) Jetstar flight from Sydney > Darwin followed by a free hotel from the flight booking. $50 was more then my lunch and beers.

      • Crownanchor on 06/02/2022 - 20:41

        You must be a hacker

  • Ozzy bar on 31/01/2022 - 20:29

    You can get off at Rockdale station and catch the 400 bus.

    • screensaver on 01/02/2022 - 01:55

      I get on the 400 at campsie, flat station, no steps, with lift

  • mehow on 31/01/2022 - 20:52

    I ride my bicycle from the inner west. They have secure bike racks in the car park. Quickiest way to get there.
    If its raining then bus from Burwood Route 420.

    Solo traveler with just a backpack

  • danvrev9 on 31/01/2022 - 21:16

    I used to live reasonably close to the airport, so it used to be cheaper for my wife and I to get an Uber from our place there instead of catching the train. Fast, and economical! Boo yah.

    • beatthatflight on 01/02/2022 - 18:11

      Yes, from memory about $13 from Wolli Creek, so if there's 2+ of you it's totally worth it.

  • lplau on 31/01/2022 - 21:41
    +1

    This reminds me of when my backpacking cousins decided to come to Melbourne and didn't want to pay for cabs to Melbourne Eastern Suburbs (would have costed $100 for 2 people), then didn't want to pay for Skybus (would have costed $50-60 for both).
    Taxi would have taken 40min, skybus around 1hour.

    So they thought it was a great way to take the 901 Bus ….. it was cheap, like $10 per head, but took like 2.5hrs hahaha, they got off the bus and their legs were shaky from sitting that long. They also vowed never to do it again, and went skybus instead when leaving Melbourne.

    I guess its all relative and how much you value your time. Convenience vs Worrying you may miss your flight. Then you end up buffering even more time (which is money) so you don't miss your flight.

    • whyisave on 31/01/2022 - 22:21

      I took the SkyBus a few weeks ago.
      $20 for 1-way, and it was a 20-minute bus ride too.

      Expensive.

      I wish I took up the Klook deal, last month,
      when there was some voucher, redeemable for the SkyBus

    • samehada on 08/02/2022 - 06:05

      That is because they did it wrong. This 901 bus will take you through a very big loop to Box Hill and Dandenong to Frankston. But this route is crazy, it will take like 3h to get to Dandenong.

      The best way is to use the train. Tell them next time get off at Broadmeadows station and take the train. It takes me 1.5h to get to Springvale station from the airport that way. It will be just a 2h ticket so only cost $5 per head.

      Skybus is expensive, for departure just use the train to Essendon station and Uber to the airport. You can also avoid all of the traffic jam in the CBD, minimal transfer with your luggage.

      • Stingo on 08/02/2022 - 17:09

        I can see some merit in not getting off the bus at Broadmeadows I certainly didn't feel safe the last time I passed through that station. I've no idea what the other stations on the route might be like.

        FWIW, I think that huge loop may be all Zone 2 so there will be a cost saving if the bus takes you all the way home.

  • vkr on 31/01/2022 - 23:37

    But the bus fare from Mascot to either domestic/international airports is $9.39, or do you not pay the full amount if transferring from train to bus to continue your same trip?

    • xoom on 31/01/2022 - 23:48

      The fare for bus number 350 from coward street mascot to international terminal is $2.24

      The train from mascot station to international terminal is $9.39

      Source:

      https://transportnsw.info/trip#/trip?from=streetID:150000004…

      • Stingo on 08/02/2022 - 17:51

        The fare for bus number 350 from coward street mascot to international terminal is $2.24

        The train from mascot station to international terminal is $9.39

        Only in the off-peak when transport fares on buses and rail are reduced by 30%. However, except as an illustration and for those who live at Mascot its misleading to compare a rail fare from Mascot with the bus fare. The SAF is lower for rail journeys between Mascot and the Airport. Changing modes at Mascot results in a transfer penalty of $1.20 in the peak vs $0.24 in the off-peak.

        Note, that splitting the train journey into 2 journeys by spending either 61 minutes at Mascot or tapping off with one Opal card and tapping in with another would also result in a (smaller) fare reduction without the need to use a bus between the airport and the nearest convenient train station.

        As a further cost, but not time saving, if possible, using buses all the way between the airport and the other endpoint results in a maximum adult fare of $4.86 in the peak or $3.40 in the off-peak. However, luggage in a crowded bus is not much fun for anybody.

  • traaxx on 01/02/2022 - 08:18
    +3

    Just connect your Opal Card to Argentina and then it only costs $1.65!

    • xoom on 01/02/2022 - 09:00
      +1

      I though opal turkey was cheaper after argentina added the tax.

      • traaxx on 01/02/2022 - 09:13
        +1

        maybe but i think India might be cheaper again but you might not arrive at Sydney airport!

  • richmond12 on 01/02/2022 - 11:03

    Coming from Melb, Syd is so lucky to have such fast train from the city to the airport.

    • sydney_kings on 02/02/2022 - 14:19

      So will Melbourne, just happens to be about 30 years later ;)

  • djones145 on 01/02/2022 - 12:52
    +1

    dont forget

    • travel in non peak times to get extra discount
    • travel 10 times before to get discount travel afterwards
    • use wish gift cards to add money at woolies on ur opal
    • use everyday rewards cards for points when buying opal
    • use a credit card with points when getting the wish card
    • use the fuel voucher to fill up when you are driving ur car to the station or to buy the gift card or fill up opal
    • read ozbargain while at work
    • xoom on 01/02/2022 - 12:54
      +1

      travel in non peak times to get extra discount

      A little hard to do when your flight happens to be during peak times.

      • djones145 on 01/02/2022 - 12:58
        +1

        think outside the box mate
        travel to there earlier
        - head to maccas for food, or
        - get a credit card with free lounge pass
        - sleep in the terminal

        • xoom on 01/02/2022 - 13:01

          Point taken. I will head down to the airport extra early. Have a long hot shower at the airport. To save on the water and power bills at home.

          • djones145 on 01/02/2022 - 13:03

            @xoom: BOOM!

            and charge your phones
            cook dinner
            watch TV

            the opportunities are endless

        • nightelves on 02/02/2022 - 13:44

          The $36 lounge key food credit is so worth it in this instant.

    • Savas on 01/02/2022 - 20:50

      It’s 8 times before you get travel reward.

  • alpln on 01/02/2022 - 17:52

    It's not a hack, it is a legit way of using public transport that lots of people have been using for years. When paying the fee of accessing the station you pay for the saved time, convenience and simplicity.

    If it is a hack, then here's another one: walking, riding a bicycle or being dropped off by somebody with a car.

  • clx on 02/02/2022 - 15:38

    Buses aren't as reliable generally. If you miss the flight then all that effort in saving a few bucks would have been for nothing.

    • Stingo on 02/02/2022 - 16:48
      +1

      Buses aren't as reliable generally.

      True, so you need to allow more time or have a Plan B in case they are running late or cancelled. Of course, when issues hit trains they get impacted far worse since the system does not have as much redundancy, and if you are stuck inside a train you don't have the option of switching to another mode. So maybe that's an argument for not taking the train at all. Whatever the mode, you need to have some contingency planning unless you have a flexible enough airline ticket and frequent flight frequency.

  • lazydesi on 03/02/2022 - 12:38

    what about shifting the luggage from train to bus? how convenient it will be?

    max 30kg per person.

  • sydboy007 on 03/02/2022 - 14:08

    if you ever wonder why the Sydney Airport train is so expensive, and why the Melbourne airport trip will be do, it all comes down to the way the leases were sold and there was no provision to provide free access for public transport options.

    Sydney Airport Trust received hundreds of millions for the land lease to build the 2 stations. Melbourne Airport will likely see similar lease costs aplied to any stations built.

    • lazydesi on 03/02/2022 - 14:38

      is that what PPP construction meant to be?

      • Stingo on 03/02/2022 - 16:22

        Privatisation of the profits and socialisation of the losses. It was once supposed the private sector would take the risks, of for example, patronage and traffic flow, but that turned out to be too risky with the failures due to wrong forecasts in for example, the original operators of the Airlink station and the Lane Cove tunnel. Now the government assumes the risks. With the CSELR and current private bus contracts the government assumes the patronage risks and owns the buses. Unfortunately, the government and its expensive consultants and lawyers lack the brains to oversight and write the contracts for these projects. For example, cracking of trams because the vehicles are unsuitable for the tight curves.

  • DealWatcher27 on 01/04/2022 - 13:21

    I am traveling to Sydney next week. So the best way from airport to city is to take bus (420) to Mascot station and take train from there? Can someone confirm?

    • xoom on 01/04/2022 - 13:22

      Yes. Thats how i have done it in the past.

      • DealWatcher27 on 01/04/2022 - 13:25

        Thank you! Where can I get an Opal card at airport?

        • xoom on 01/04/2022 - 13:27
          +1

          You can get them at ticket booth at the train station.

          Or at

          HUB Convenience
          Shop 1T, 198 Arrivals Level, T2, Sydney Domestic Terminal, Mascot, 2020

          Relay - Terminal 2
          Terminal 2, Shop 2T, 144 and 145, Domestic Terminal, Mascot, 2020

          • DealWatcher27 on 01/04/2022 - 13:30

            @xoom: I am reading in other post, Opal is no longer required. Just tap and pay with credit card, is that right?

            • xoom on 01/04/2022 - 13:32

              @DealWatcher27: Yes. You can do that also. Just make sure not to tap with your whole wallet in case you have multiple bank cards in it.

              • DealWatcher27 on 01/04/2022 - 13:33

                @xoom: awesome! you have been helpful

                • Stingo on 01/04/2022 - 17:59

                  @DealWatcher27: Everyone will need their own card. Anyone who is eligible for a concession should try to obtain the appropriate Opal card. For children and fare evaders, Child Opal cards can be bought over the counter.

                  • DealWatcher27 on 02/04/2022 - 19:51

                    @Stingo: Can you clarify, what do you mean by "Everyone will need their own card"? If we decide to tap with credit card, do we still need Opal card? Or simply mean each of us need our own credit card?

                    • xoom on 02/04/2022 - 19:57
                      +1

                      @DealWatcher27: No. What stingo meant was if you need concession. You will need an opal card.

                      You will also need opal cards if there is more than one travelling. You cannot use one bank card to pay for all of you travelling.

                      Or alternatively one person use their bank card to tap on and tap off. Be sure to do that or they will bill you the full distance to the last stop (terminal) in the direction of travel.

    • Stingo on 01/04/2022 - 17:56

      So the best way from airport to city

      Define best.

      Depends on how you value your time/convenience. Depending on where you are going in the city it might be over a $1 cheaper to take multiple buses in the Opal peak period but it will be slower and more inconvenient. You can also save $1.20 by walking to Mascot station from the domestic terminal in the peak period, but only $0.24 in the off-peak.

      Take a look at the TfNSW Trip Planner to compare the different scenarios. Use the "Refine" link for the train-less scenario. Unfortunately, it does not have a minimise cost setting but you can tell it to exclude any mode as an option. You can find the public details on Opal fare calculation here.

      Already mentioned previously I think, is that there is a way of minimising the station access fee by tapping out/tapping in at Mascot. You'll need additional cards for that unless you want to spend 61 minutes at Mascot before tapping in again.

      If you are travelling with people with a bit of coordination and delay someone can bring all the luggage to Mascot station via the train and return to the airport. Opal allows you to reverse a tap-on by tapping out at the same location within 30 minutes.

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