Saving a few dollars getting to Syd airport...

[kpc]

To save money getting to Sydney's domestic airport by train (SEE

THE high cost of taking the train to Sydney Airport has come under fire again, with calls for the NSW Government to renegotiate the contract with the private company that runs the airport and surrounding stations.

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/airportlink-prices-high-on-hit-list-20090520-bfsa.html), and a tactic I've previously mentioned here but never personally done: The Australian Frequent Flyer Online Community - View Single Post - Sky-high airport fees a rip-off , I decided to try walking from Mascot train station to Sydney's domestic airport (T3) yesterday. To give you an idea of the cost saving; From St Leonards (where I work) to the domestic airport costs $15.40 oneway; if I caught the train to Mascot station and walked the rest of the way, it only costs $6.20, a saving of $9.20, and I will gain some valuable exercise!!

Google maps (http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&...33.927943,151.18417&spn=0.015454,0.01399&z=16) suggested it is a 2km walk but my GPS suggested a 1.7km walk. It was an ideal time yesterday to see what the walk was like: I had no luggage whatsoever (doing a Syd-Mel-Syd turnaround:shock, it was not hot, and was a bit overcast. From the time I got off the train at Mascot station, to the time I set foot into T3, 21 minutes had elapsed, walking at a brisk but not running pace. I was a little sweaty on arrival, and needed a large drink at the QP to replenish the reserves.

I would not recommend the walk, if you:
1) had a lot of luggage, even carryon
2) it was a hot / rainy day
3) didn't have good walking shoes on...it started getting a bit uncomfortable pounding the road with my work shoes
4) didn't have access to the QP as a large drink is required when you got to the airport! The $9.20 saving would be soon used up!!

There were a few others doing a similar thing, but they looked a lot more hassled and bothered as they were carrying / lugging luggage. You do have to cross several busy roads, I have to say, but there are traffic lights to help.

To prove the point, I did the reverse walk when I returned to Syd later that evening. Note that Mascot station is not manned late in the evening so you will need to buy your ticket from the vending machine...

I know it is not everyone's cup of tea, but if you want to save a few dollars (esp. if you have snagged a cheap airfare), it's a nice day for a walk and you have some time up your sleeve, it is something to consider...

Apparently, you can do a similar thing from Wolli Creek to Syd International (T1)...but I personally won't do it as it's rare that I don't have a bit of luggage when I travel OS.

 

[Grooba]

I commend your effort however I don't have a huge issue paying $17.00 to get to the airport on the train from my station.

The thought of being all sweaty before I boarded is enough not to contemplate the walk.

Compared to the $130~ taxi fare it costs from my place to the airport I can handle $17.00 for the train.

 

[JohnK]

There are a couple of other options.

Take the train to Rockdale station and then the 400 bus to the airport. I think the cost for the bus is ~$3.

Drive to Mascot and park your car near the Stamford. Some of the parking is time limited but you can find some all day parking and you can certainly find parking for afternoon/evening without problem. It is ~15 minute walk to the domestic terminals.

I have used both options in the past to get to the Qantas Lounge for a few beers and some food....

 

[kpc]

Drive to Mascot and park your car near the Stamford. Some of the parking is time limited but you can find some all day parking and you can certainly find parking for afternoon/evening without problem. It is ~15 minute walk to the domestic terminals.

If you click on the google map link above, and switch to satellite view, and zoom in to street view, I can see quite a few parking areas on Baxter St (which I saw as I walked past yesterday)...my only concern would be if your car would still be there when you returned...

 

[tuapekastar]

Thx for posting kpc! 1.7 to 2 km is not much, so will come under consideration for my next SYD visit.

 

[JohnK]

If you click on the google map link above, and switch to satellite view, and zoom in to street view, I can see quite a few parking areas on Baxter St (which I saw as I walked past yesterday)...my only concern would be if your car would still be there when you returned...

I have parked on Baxter St a number of times in the afternoon/evening and never had any issues.

 

[simongr]

Thx for posting kpc! 1.7 to 2 km is not much, so will come under consideration for my next SYD visit.

So a 20 min walk saves $9.20 - making that about a time/cost saving rate of around $30 per hour. I would not want my team to waste that much time to save that meagre amount.

 

[serfty]

Interesting ... it's not much further than the Ibis where I have strolled to/from the Airport in the past* and that was around 11 minutes - with carry on.

*(Advantage+ was a pretty good scheme until they stopped the discounts on "hot Deals":evil

 

[kpc]

So a 20 min walk saves $9.20 - making that about a time/cost saving rate of around $30 per hour. I would not want my team to waste that much time to save that meagre amount.

As stated above:

I know it is not everyone's cup of tea...

For those that know me, money saving was not my driving force but the principle of not being gorged by Sydney airport (actually I think the Airport Link is now owned by Westpac or an offshoot of it)...and I had time up my sleeve to be a Guinea Pig and report back...

 

[QF WP]

I use the information that Dave Noble gave me many years ago.

When arriving at the Airport train station, I purchase a Weekly Gate Pass (which allows multiple access over a week period from purchase, at any of the "private" train stations on the airport line) and a single tickets Wolli Creek to City (or nominate your destination here). Depending on the time I arrive, I think it costs around $16 these days.

This method is beneficial for 2 or more trips to or from airport.

 

[medhead]

If you have a valid ticket for the Sydney rail network like a weekly then you can save money when flying into SYD by just getting a train ticket between terminals, which is a bot cheaper. Then when getting off the train just use your weekly ticket.

Did this a few times when living in syd but there is a risk because technically you are ticketless until back on the normal route

 

[tassiedude]

don't security get annoyed, I thought this would raise eyebrows?

 

[JohnK]

So a 20 min walk saves $9.20 - making that about a time/cost saving rate of around $30 per hour. I would not want my team to waste that much time to save that meagre amount.

Some of us have to dig into our own pockets when going to/from the airport.

For the number of trips I do a year a $9.20 saving per trip is very significant. Although I have to say I am quite lucky that my father picks me up and takes me to the airport in my car. Otherwise it is a choice of the 400 bus to/from Campsie for ~$5 plus a ~15 minute walk or the train to Belmore changing at Redfern/Central for ~$16 plus a ~10 minute walk or a train to Kingsgrove (which is only a few stops away) for ~$16 plus a ~45 minute walk or another bus. The choice for me would be simple.

 

[UP4014]

As stated above: For those that know me, money saving was not my driving force but the principle of not being gorged by Sydney airport (actually I think the Airport Link is now owned by Westpac or an offshoot of it)...and I had time up my sleeve to be a Guinea Pig and report back...

Agree, matter of principal in not paying another "fee" that keeps Macquarie Bankers to the lifestyle they expect the rest of us to pay for.

 

[tuapekastar]

So a 20 min walk saves $9.20 - making that about a time/cost saving rate of around $30 per hour. I would not want my team to waste that much time to save that meagre amount.

It won't be for work...

 

[Flashback]

Also with having QP access it's a good option even if you do get hot and sweaty as you can jump into the shower to cool off

 

[markis10]

If you have a valid ticket for the Sydney rail network like a weekly then you can save money when flying into SYD by just getting a train ticket between terminals, which is a bot cheaper. Then when getting off the train just use your weekly ticket.

Did this a few times when living in syd but there is a risk because technically you are ticketless until back on the normal route

If you have a weekly or a travelpass you need to get a gatepass:

Weekly gate pass costs: $16.60 [Airport Stations]; $15.60[Mascot $ Green square]

One way gate pass: $11.40[Airport stations]; $2.40[Mascot & Green Square]

Same day return gate pass: $15.80[Airport stations]; $3.80[Mascot & Green Square]


Earlier this year I had a three day function at the Mecure at the Airport while I was staying at the rocks, a red travel pass for $38 and the weekly gate pass for $16.60 was a bargain!

 

[medhead]

If you have a weekly or a travelpass you need to get a gatepass:

Yep, that is what I meant. It's been a few years I forgot the terminology.

Weekly gate pass costs: $16.60 [Airport Stations]; $15.60[Mascot $ Green square]

One way gate pass: $11.40[Airport stations]; $2.40[Mascot & Green Square]

Same day return gate pass: $15.80[Airport stations]; $3.80[Mascot & Green Square]

With those Mascot&Green Square prices is that from the terminals to those stations?

 

[moa999]

The 400 bus also goes very close to Mascot station, so would be possible to go train to Mascot and then short walk, then Bus

 

[dajop]

There have been a couple of times when one has been able to (in theory) get to Sydney Airport, for $5. Right up to the terminal as well ... not from suburban Sydney though, only from Avalon or the Gold Coast.....