Getting to Australia

26–29 October 2023 | #WONCASydney2023
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Travel and General Information

Sydney is home to Australia’s busiest airport and is the main gateway to Australia. More than 35 airlines fly in and out of Sydney Airport with daily flights linking Sydney to key destinations around the world.

We’ve compiled the below local information to make your trip to Sydney as enjoyable and hassle free as possible.

Sydney Airport and transfers

For detailed information regarding Sydney Airport and airport transfers, please visit the Sydney airport website.

Getting around Sydney

Sydney has a variety of transport options to get you around the city including the metro train, light rail, bus services and the iconic Sydney Harbour ferries.

For detailed information regarding Sydney’s transport options, please visit Transport NSW.

Sydney’s central business district (CBD) is 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car. A regular airport to city bus service operates from approximately 0600 to 2100 hours (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage). For any questions upon your arrival at Sydney Airport, please visit the staff at the Travellers information desk for further assistance.

Taxi

A taxi fare from Sydney Airport to the CBD is approximately $50 AUD. If you would prefer to pre-book your taxi trips during your stay in Sydney, please find below the contact details for the main taxi operators:

Taxis Combined
Phone: 13 33 00 or visit their website.

Legion Cabs
Phone: 13 14 51 or visit their website.

Premier Cabs
Phone: 13 10 17 or visit their website.

Silver Service
Phone 13 31 00 or visit their website.

Uber
Uber operates from both the Domestic and International Terminals of Sydney Airport. Use your Uber app to request your ride once you’ve exited the terminal and your driver will meet you at the designated Uber pick-up area. A typical UberX (low cost ride) to Sydney’s CBD costs approximately $43–$53 AUD and a typical UberBlack (premium ride) to Sydney’s CBD costs approximately $89–$114 AUD. Visit the uber website for further information.

Train

There is a train station located at both the Domestic and International Terminals at Sydney Airport. Trains run on average every 10 minutes during the day on a weekday and every 15 minutes on weekends. From the Domestic Terminal, it takes 15 minutes to reach Central Station and 20 minutes to reach Circular Quay. From the International Terminal it takes just a few minutes longer. Lifts are available at both the International and Domestic Terminals for easy transfer of luggage. Fares from Sydney Airport terminals to the CBD are approximately $17 AUD per adult for a single journey. For more information on departures and prices please visit here.

Time

Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Sydney, NSW participates in Daylight Savings Times which advances the clock one hour during the summer months which puts Sydney at 11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight savings in Australia usually operates from 2am on the first Sunday in October until 2am on the first Sunday of April.

Shopping

Sydney shops open from 0900 to 1730 hours during the week with late night shopping on Thursday until 2100 hours. On Saturday, most CBD shops open from 0900 to 1700 hours. On Sunday, Darling Harbour shops and major department stores in the centre of the city are open from 1000 to 1800 hours.

Eating out

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called “BYO” restaurants, an abbreviation for “bring your own”