Public Transport to our airports - what's cheapest?

[henrus]

Launceston

Cheapest is a shuttle bus for $20, this needs to be prebooked -> Home | Launceston Airport Shuttle Bus

I didn't bother last time I was in Launceston as with most airport shuttles you need to wait for everyone to get their bags etc and given an Uber into the city was ~$30 last time I just took that instead. Do be warned that there isn't a huge number of Ubers near the airport or in Launceston in general so you might get a message such as no cars available (would have to catch a regular taxi ~$40-50) or a long wait time.

Lord Howe Island

Assuming you've booked somewhere to stay ask them. Most if not all provide a free lift from the airport to your accomodation. Worst case scenario you'd need to walk as there aren't any proper taxis (I think someone calls themselves a taxi but must be prebooked), from the furtherest hotel to the airport is a flat 4km walk.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs used to have a bus for ~$16 one way, this has been suspended until at least March 2022 due to COVID. There isn't any uber either so expect to pay $45-50 for a taxi. The airport is also a long way from the town so you don't really have any other options here other than a hire car (which in the NT are crazy expensive).

 

[Must...Fly!]

Another option to dodge the Sydney Airport station access fee is to grab an Uber from the airport to Mascot station. The last time I did that the Uber ride was around $11, which doesn't sound like a great cost saving, but often QF offers bonus points for taking Uber from the airport. In my case I happened to get 2000 bonus QF points for the trouble and got to travel in style for a km

-RooFlyer88

Get the bus to Mascot if you don't fancy a walk.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Get the bus to Mascot if you don't fancy a walk.

Yeah but how am I supposed to score the 2000 bonus QF points for taking an Uber?

 

[2353]

In Brisbane you could also change to trains at Toombul for the same fare ($3.22 at off peak) and then walk from Central station. Skygate shuttle bus between airport and DFO operates until around 6 pm only:
https://www.bne.com.au/sites/default/files/2017-08/Brisbane Airport Skygate Loop Timetable - July 2017.pdf

The 590 bus from DFO also goes to Garden City (Upper Mt Gravatt) where there is a Busway connection via Carindale Shopping Centre (with connections to the Bayside suburbs)

 

[AIRwin]

The 590 bus from DFO also goes to Garden City (Upper Mt Gravatt) where there is a Busway connection via Carindale Shopping Centre (with connections to the Bayside suburbs)

And scenic views over Gateway Bridge...

 

[Kangol]

What is the latest for using an Opal card in SYD domestic/international - I read you need a $35 balance to leave the train station to enter the airport terminal and get your flight, but is that also the case going the other way - from airport to train station?
Haven't been to SYD for a few years at least.

 

[pn1]

Price - AirportLink

Sydney Airport Link Pricing

airportlink.com.au

 

[Mattg]

What is the latest for using an Opal card in SYD domestic/international - I read you need a $35 balance to leave the train station to enter the airport terminal and get your flight, but is that also the case going the other way - from airport to train station?
Haven't been to SYD for a few years at least.

It's the other way around - if you buy an Opal card at a Sydney Airport station you need to add a minimum balance of $35. To tap off at the airport, you just need to have enough balance on the card to cover the fare.

You can tap on/off with a credit card to avoid the hassle of buying an Opal card.

 

[kpc]

You can tap on/off with a credit card to avoid the hassle of buying an Opal card.

To the visitor to Sydney, don't bother buying an Opal card...just tap on / off with your credit card. Make sure you use the same one so you get all the benefits / discounts etc eg transfer discount for bus--><-- train etc

 

[VPS]

To the visitor to Sydney, don't bother buying an Opal card...just tap on / off with your credit card. Make sure you use the same one so you get all the benefits / discounts etc eg transfer discount for bus--><-- train etc

Unless you're a senior - isn't that right? You don't get senior discount with credit card but can get a senior Opal card

 

[Kangol]

It's the other way around - if you buy an Opal card at a Sydney Airport station you need to add a minimum balance of $35. To tap off at the airport, you just need to have enough balance on the card to cover the fare.

You can tap on/off with a credit card to avoid the hassle of buying an Opal card.

Thanks, I already have an Opal card. Just looking at a one way from Airport to Central and wanting to ensure I add the right balance beforehand to save time.

Would I need 3.66 (peak) + 15.13 (gate fee) = $18.79 minimum to tap on?

 

[kpc]

Unless you're a senior - isn't that right? You don't get senior discount with credit card but can get a senior Opal card

Yes I think that is correct

 

[CMA222]

Or you could use the public bus to/from Sydney airport and avoid the surcharge by joining/leaving the train at Mascot Station. It is a bit of a hassle but works. Depends if you are in a hurry or are unfamiliar with Sydney.

Sydney Airport Bus Route Changes

FYI, for those that use the 400 bus route as a cheap option to Sydney airport, it is scheduled to be cut at the end of 2021. It does look like there will still be two routes that run pass Sydney airport: Dozens of Sydney bus services cut in eastern suburbs transport overhaul

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[AIRwin]

In Brisbane you could also change to trains at Toombul for the same fare ($3.22 at off peak) and then walk from Central station.

Temporary changes at Toombul:

Toombul bus station - temporary stop changes

translink.com.au

 

[FishFood]

Currently the 380 in Perth to T1/T2 is hourly which is frustrating, but that should improve once the Airport Line opens (assuming it runs on the same 15 minute frequency as other lines).

 

[oz_mark]

Currently the 380 in Perth to T1/T2 is hourly which is frustrating, but that should improve once the Airport Line opens (assuming it runs on the same 15 minute frequency as other lines).

Current plan is a 12-minute frequency during peak periods and a 15-minute frequency off peak.

 

[CaptJCool]

Current plan is a 12-minute frequency during peak periods and a 15-minute frequency off peak.

According to the website, First trains will operate on the new Airport Line in the first half of 2022.

is this still going to happen ?

 

[oz_mark]

According to the website, First trains will operate on the new Airport Line in the first half of 2022.

is this still going to happen ?

They currently are aiming for June, but that's not an official date, and is subject to delivery delays !

 

[pn1]

Clarifying Sydney; the 400 bus has been withdrawn and replaced by separate services - 350 and 420.

The 350 runs from Domestic to Bondi Junction (along a different route to the old 400).

The 420 runs from Mascot station to Burwood via Domestic and International. It also passes Rockdale (handy for interchange to and from Wollongong).

Normal Opal fares apply on each service. Seniors are well advised to get an Opal card because the $2.50 maximum fare (for one day) applies. It's one of Australia's best travel bargains. As one would expect the "gate pass" at the airport is always added regardless of the type of Opal.

During a recent visit to Sydney I confirmed there is a "special" train fare between Domestic and International that is a substantial saving on payint the gate pass twice. However, it is still more expensive than using Opal on the 420.

There is also the free "T-bus" between Domestic and International terminals.

 

[OZDUCK]

According to the website, First trains will operate on the new Airport Line in the first half of 2022.

is this still going to happen ?

The first trial train has ventured onto the tracks all the way through to the Airport Central Station so I think that it is still possible for the services to begin before July. I must say that station looks very flash from the glimpses shown on the videos.