Public Transport to our airports - what's cheapest?

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We do this all the time except from Syd International when we often have alot of luggage...we NEVER take a taxi either Uber or Didi whichever is cheaper, most often the latter.
Speaking of which would cost JUST a little bit more than the train with the access fee. NOT the taxi just the uber. taxis would charge you whatever amount they think is reasonable. Given this information choosing the right transport option is a no brainer (even for a single traveller) 🤣 🤣
 
It's effectively been half for a long time with the "Free Return" deal, that just finished.
But yes the other 90% of the state wishes Giggles would give them 50c petrol as they have no public transport.
 
Last edited:
It's effectively been half for a long time with the "Free Return" deal, that just finished.
But yes the other 90% of the state wishes Giggles would give them 50c petrol as they have no public transport.

Use it or lose it
Premier going the extra S Miles

The Queensland Government flat rate fares
From Monday 5 August, customers will pay a flat rate of just 50 cents to travel on public transport services including the train, tram, bus or ferry – for any distance and in any direction. This new initiative, which will run for six months, is aimed at reducing congestion on busy roads, easing cost of living pressures and encouraging customers to ditch the car in favour of public transport.

What it means for Airtrain services to and from Brisbane City
We are proud to support the Queensland Government’s initiative to help make transport more accessible and affordable. In partnership with the Queensland Government, Airtrain services to and from Brisbane City station will be half-price, just $10.95!
Brisbane City stations include Eagle Junction, Wooloowin, Albion, Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane.
 
In Sydney's regular Opal fare increase occurs 1 July 2024 on average up 3.6%

Exceptions
- Weekly fare cap will stay at $50 for Adults and $25 for Child/Youth and Concession card holders. Seniors and Pensioners will continue to be charged no more than $2.50 per day,
- Friday + Weekend caps still apply - $9.35 for all Adults and $4.65 for Child/Youth and Concession card holders
- Transfer discount (unfortunately) still remains at $2.00

Airport Station Access Fee increases to $17.34 for Adults and $15.50 for Child/Youth, Concessions and Senior fares.

--

Other news on Sydney transport - the second stage of the Metro 1 (Chatswood - Sydenham) will open in early August

Probably not that relevant to airport users as you'd need to change at Central, unless staying near
Barangaroo - Crown
Martin Place - Sofitel, Capella, Intercontinental
Gadigal (East of Town Hall) - Kimpton Margot, Porter House, Park Regis)
 
In Sydney's regular Opal fare increase occurs 1 July 2024 on average up 3.6%

Exceptions
- Weekly fare cap will stay at $50 for Adults and $25 for Child/Youth and Concession card holders. Seniors and Pensioners will continue to be charged no more than $2.50 per day,
- Friday + Weekend caps still apply - $9.35 for all Adults and $4.65 for Child/Youth and Concession card holders
- Transfer discount (unfortunately) still remains at $2.00

Airport Station Access Fee increases to $17.34 for Adults and $15.50 for Child/Youth, Concessions and Senior fares.

--

Other news on Sydney transport - the second stage of the Metro 1 (Chatswood - Sydenham) will open in early August

Probably not that relevant to airport users as you'd need to change at Central, unless staying near
Barangaroo - Crown
Martin Place - Sofitel, Capella, Intercontinental
Gadigal (East of Town Hall) - Kimpton Margot, Porter House, Park Regis)
InterContinental and Capella you'd just catch the train from the airport straight to Circular Quay (the most expensive but most convenient).
 
To update this thread.. after a slight delay.

The Sydney Metro M1 Extension (Chatswood to Sydenham) will now open next Monday 19 Aug.

The city stations in particular look pretty amazing.
 
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Is there an end date on the station access fee in SYD or is it in perpetuity? Who actually gets the money? Is it the owners of SYD airport? Or is it Transport NSW?
 
Is there an end date on the station access fee in SYD or is it in perpetuity? Who actually gets the money? Is it the owners of SYD airport? Or is it Transport NSW?
Station operators get the fee AFAIK.

There’s talk of the Government taking back those stations but what exactly happens - who knows.
To update this thread.. after a slight delay.

The Sydney Metro M1 Extension (Chatswood to Sydenham) will now open next Monday 19 Aug.

The city stations in particular look pretty amazing.
I’d probably be still using the existing city circle (no change) to Museum, St James and Circular Quay. Going further afield, the change at Central has improved.
 
there an end date on the station access fee in SYD or is it in perpetuity? Who actually gets the money? Is it the owners of SYD airport? Or is it Transport NSW?
Believe the PPP ends in 2030.
It's a complex arrangement, made worse by some entities going into adminstration over initial low patronage and negotiated changes.
From what I've read the Govt collects something like 85% of the gate fee at the two airport stations, but it primarily goes to paying shadow gate fees at the more highly frequented Mascot and Green Square.

I've read some suggestions that they might try to have equivalent treatment when the new WSI Airport station opens, but don't think anything is certain. Nor is there any commitment afaik that WSI wont have a gate fee.
 
To update this thread.. after a slight delay.

The Sydney Metro M1 Extension (Chatswood to Sydenham) will now open next Monday 19 Aug.

The city stations in particular look pretty amazing.
I’ll still be away
However, a few days in mid-September and I can take a ride
I did take photos of Crows Neat and Victoria Cross stations recently and no longer on my phone - it did seem close

Also took a photo of test tram at Westmead. When’s that finally going to open ??
 
Believe the PPP ends in 2030.
It's a complex arrangement, made worse by some entities going into adminstration over initial low patronage and negotiated changes.
From what I've read the Govt collects something like 85% of the gate fee at the two airport stations, but it primarily goes to paying shadow gate fees at the more highly frequented Mascot and Green Square.

I've read some suggestions that they might try to have equivalent treatment when the new WSI Airport station opens, but don't think anything is certain. Nor is there any commitment afaik that WSI wont have a gate fee.
The gate fee is appalling public policy, especially as most of the money goes to the state government. I avoid it whenever possible by getting the bus to Mascot.
 
those station access fees are a pain. i usually just grab an uber from the city, works out cheaper if you're travelling with someone else.
 
The gate fee is appalling public policy, especially as most of the money goes to the state government. I avoid it whenever possible by getting the bus to Mascot.
It's crazy isn't it. Also that it is like 7 times the amount of the standard fare to Mascot station is ridiculous. Like what is so special about an airport station?

It should be like in London where the tube line fare is just normal fare. As it isn't like the Sydney train is a special airport train only.
 
I guess an update to this is that a few airports in QLD with Translink services are now just 50c until early next year.

Brisbane is 50c (from anywhere in SEQ) if taking the train to Toombul then the 590 to DFO before the free BNE shuttle to the terminal (otherwise the train is $10.95 from the city).

Gold Coast is 50c (from anywhere in SEQ) arriving by either the 777 or the 760.

Sunshine Coast airport is 50c using the 622 (from anywhere in SEQ).

Regionally also all 50c: Gladstone has the 502 can transfer to anywhere in Gladstone, Rockhampton has the 440 can transfer to anywhere in Rocky or Yeppoon and Mackay has the hourly 303.
 
Would that be $1 in total?
It's 50c one way per journey or $1 return.

In QLD all public transport fares include up to 3 connections in a single go card journey so you can change to a different mode and pay nothing extra.

Once you get to Toombul the 590 departs about every 30 minutes. From DFO to the terminals the free BAC bus leaves every 30 minutes (from 6:30am to 6pm on weekends the first is 8:30am).
 
In QLD all public transport fares include up to 3 connections in a single go card journey so you can change to a different mode and pay nothing extra.
I wasn't sure if this still applied to the 50¢ trial but thanks for confirming!
 

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