Public Transport to our airports - what's cheapest?

[SomeRando]

They completed the rollout of contactless payment on all Gold Coast bus services two weeks ago:

Smart Ticketing takes over the Gold Coast!

translink.com.au

Although if you're needing to travel on a bus across the other side of the border (e.g. Tweed Heads), you'll find that the local bus services in regional NSW are stuck in the stone age and are still cash-only in 2025.

Oh nice. I work in public transport and missed that announcement.

 

[drron]

We now stay at Bondi junction at the Meriton suites as very convenient with the train and bus stations below it. Mrsdrron loves the quickest route by train. i would very much like to try route 350 from the domestic terminal to Bondi Junction. Would be far cheaper but much more leisurely.

 

[SJF211]

i would very much like to try route 350 from the domestic terminal to Bondi Junction. Would be far cheaper but much more leisurely.

Have done this before as had a few hours to kill before flight. Atleast for me I rather enjoyed it, passes a few beaches as you ride the coast for a bit.

 

[mel-world]

We now stay at Bondi junction at the Meriton suites as very convenient with the train and bus stations below it. Mrsdrron loves the quickest route by train. i would very much like to try route 350 from the domestic terminal to Bondi Junction. Would be far cheaper but much more leisurely.

We generally do the same when staying in Sydney. The Meriton is not so flash and usually super busy but convenient to Westfield and other restaurants as well as the train and multiple bus routes. We have tried both the train and the bus from the airport. Train more expensive and the bus is a scenic route but, it can take an age in peak hours - seems all day - and really detours thru most of the shopping strips (obviously). However, if you have plenty of time, you will see the sky and the sea.

 

[SYD]

We now stay at Bondi junction at the Meriton suites as very convenient with the train and bus stations below it. Mrsdrron loves the quickest route by train. i would very much like to try route 350 from the domestic terminal to Bondi Junction. Would be far cheaper but much more leisurely.

The 350 has a stop very close to home, I’ve taken it from the airport a couple of times. Not very practical with large luggage but manageable with a small carry on bag. It’s a real shame it goes all the way to Maroubra first before heading up the coast.

The 400 bus was more direct before it was enhanced.

I haven’t caught the 350 to the airport (too worried it’ll be late and I miss my flight, or eat into Panini time), but that direction is probably slightly more scenic than the reverse - just how some of the local roads twist and turn to reveal their secrets.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

We now stay at Bondi junction at the Meriton suites as very convenient with the train and bus stations below it. Mrsdrron loves the quickest route by train. i would very much like to try route 350 from the domestic terminal to Bondi Junction. Would be far cheaper but much more leisurely.

As that 350 is quite a windy long road ride, I get dizzy by the time I get to Bondi J from T3/T2!
Have also taken the 420 from T1 to Burwood, also a long ride, prefer getting off at Banksia then train down to Rockdale, then to suburbs.
Always take the 350 from T3/T2 to Mascot, (the train station), walk a bit from the 350 drop off point, go down the escalators, to the train station below, yes, the fare is a bit more $$$ as its 3km bus then train fare 10km less $2 transfer credit, bit better ride.

 

[AIRwin]

Smart ticketing to kick off on Brisbane council-owned buses in 2025 following delays - ABC News Delays push back smart ticketing on Brisbane council-owned buses to next year

Next week:

Brisbane city council buses and metro to start smart ticketing from next week - ABC News

amp.abc.net.au

 

[clifford]

Have also taken the 420 from T1 to Burwood, also a long ride, prefer getting off at Banksia then train down to Rockdale, then to suburbs.

Why wouldn't you take the 420 all the way to Rockdale? It's only a couple of minutes extra on the bus (and fewer trains stop at Banksia).

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Just to use up the credit I have on my Opal, otherwise, the value just sits there.
As I dont live in NSW, and Opal can only be used in metro NSW, I get off at Bankisa and get the train from there down to Rockdale, then bus overt to Ramsgate, ... just to waste time, pass time.
Because of covid, havent been to Sydney and havent used Opal in a long time.
Think its very unlikely the NSW govt will drop the Sydney Airport (train) gate fee, as it does pump a lot of $ into the system.
Just have to see the # of pax who use it (train) at SYD aiirprort T1/T2 & T3, to them its like the 420/350 didnt exist.
But not my job to tell them there are cheaper buses from and to the airport.
Also, dont think MELs Myki will also (not) have the "gate" fee if and when the tram/train gets to Tullamarine, when ever it might be.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

But not my job to tell them there are cheaper buses from and to the airport.

There are reasons to take the train and eat the cost. For instance, travelling from Macquarie Uni to Sydney Domestic with three large bags, I’d gladly pay the extra $18 for the luxury of not having to drag them all along to the bus stop.

Also, dont think MELs Myki will also (not) have the "gate" fee if and when the tram/train gets to Tullamarine, when ever it might be.

I have my money on the rail link coming to Avalon Airport before it ever gets to Tullamarine. Too many touts at Tulla for the government to go after that grift.

With that being said, what’s the deal with the price hike on SkyBus? As though it needs to be any less affordable than it already is! Stuff like this makes me want to do the bus/train combo or free DFO bus option to get into the CBD.

-RooFlyer88