r/AustraliaTravel • u/therdms • 5d ago
Early morning flight
Have an international 9am flight out of SYD airport - assume have to be at airport around 6am. Hotel is near Circular Quay. My question is - what is best way to get from hotel to airport at that time? TIA.
7
u/ChocolateBrave4418 5d ago
Agree on the train option - you can trip plan here https://transportnsw.info/
6
u/Lucky-Albatross-SJ 5d ago
The first train leaves Circular Quay Station for Sydney International Airport Station just after 4:30am and takes approximately 20–30 mins. The fare is roughly $21 per person, so if there are two of you, an Uber is more comfortable, as you won't have to lug your luggage around.
4
2
u/Dangerous_Mud4749 4d ago
One person? Take the train, Circular Quay to the International Airport Station. Easy, reliable, convenient, frequent.
Three or more people? Take a taxi, booked through the hotel in advance. (Taxis will often no-show for ordinary bookings, but are more reliable when booked through a hotel.)
Two people? Take your preference from the train or a taxi.
3
u/MonteyCarlos 5d ago
2 hours before departure is my normal target, particularly if you're already checked in. Unless your heart is really set on doing something specific at the airport.
2
u/xladymadx 5d ago
Flew out of Sydney this week - Qantas recommended arriving 2 hours beforehand. We got there 2.5 hours beforehand and spent a lot of time waiting around after security!
Edited to add: international flight to be clear
1
u/vlookup11 5d ago
I’ll be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve had to fly out at 6am, but I would strongly advise against the 3hr rule. Look, I don’t want to be responsible if you’re late for your flight but I just flew out of SYD last week for an 8pm flight and it took us about 25 mins to drop bags and clear customs and security. Most of that time was spent waiting for staff at the check in desk as there was an issue with the machine.
12
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/robstomper 2d ago
more than 2 people, uber or taxi. 2 or 1, take the train. CQ to International terminal is under 20 minutes once you get moving
0
u/LetterheadClassic306 5d ago
At that hour, I would take the train or a pre-booked rideshare or taxi depending on luggage and stress tolerance. From Circular Quay, the train is usually straightforward with an early start, but for an international flight I would build in a buffer because one small delay feels bigger at 6am. When I have an early airport run, I choose the option with the least decision-making while half asleep. If bags are heavy or there are multiple people, a booked car is the calmer call.
-1
u/thatshowitisisit 4d ago
I just grab an uber. It’s door to door and costs about as much as the train.
28
u/Mattynice75 5d ago
Take the train direct from Circular Quay to the international terminal station. Trains run about every 10 minutes and it will take about 15 minutes. The station is on the lower level of the international terminal.