If you have an overnight stopover or early morning departure in Sydney, you may need to spend a night at an airport hotel. There are numerous hotels near both terminals at Sydney Airport, with each offering different prices and levels of service. One particular hotel is located very conveniently to the international terminal. Others are a considerable distance from the airport, but offer free shuttles and other services.

For passengers wanting to stay close to the international terminal, it’s difficult to overlook the Rydges Hotel at Sydney International Airport. The hotel is located directly across the road from the international terminal. Plane spotters can also enjoy rooms overlooking the airport, and the hotel is reasonably new with a comprehensive range of facilities. The Rydges is not the cheapest hotel around, but many are happy to pay for the convenience. Members of the Rydges Priority Guest Rewards program can also earn and redeem points for this hotel. In fact, members also receive 10% off stays at this hotel, and discounts on meals. With the program free to join, signing up before booking here would be a smart idea.

Love the Rydges near the International. Its getting a little expensive but very convenient for early morning departures.

The Mercure and Quality Hotels are also located near the international terminal, however a shuttle bus or a ten minute walk is required to reach them.

Near the domestic terminal there are a range of options, though none are located right at terminals 2 or 3. Again, a short walk or shuttle would be required to get to the airport from any of these hotels. The Stamford Plaza is arguably the best and most convenient option, though it is also one of the most expensive hotels.

Can’t rate the Stamford at Sydney Airport highly enough. We stay here whenever we visit Sydney – whether we’re going to the airport or not. Fantastic accommodation, great view of the airport, great rooms, good food, awesome breakfast buffet. Pretty sure they have the shuttle run every 20-30 mins, I think $10 per pax.

The Ibis and Ibis Budget Hotels offer a cheaper alternative near the domestic terminal, while the Holiday Inn and Adina Apartment Hotel both offer good quality mid-range accommodation. Unfortunately the latter two hotels are located slightly further from the airport, but are easily reached by shuttle bus or train via Mascot station.

Actually I used Holiday Inn last week – a bit further from the airport (near Q HQ) but its just been refurbished and beds were super comfy. They use the super shuttle between the two dom terminals $6 per person each way and they come every 35 minutes.

One final suggestion is to stay at a nice hotel in the city, using the direct train service to reach the airport the following morning. There are some very nice hotels in the CBD, such as the Sheraton on the Park located near St James train station. Direct train services from the city to the airport take around 15-20 minutes and trains run frequently throughout the day. However this option may not be so desirable for families with excess luggage.

The 4 seasons or marriott are a stones throw from circular quay and direct train to the airport. Could be pricier but better than an airport hotel.

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The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

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