Alternatives for transport to Skybus/trains from capital city airports

[clifford]

I'm overnighting in MEL in November (SYD-MEL-LST). As I arrive MEL around 3 pm, I'm planning to take the public bus to Broadmeadows Station and then the train to Spencer St, Takes longer but is a tad less expensive, and probably more "interesting". Never used my Myki card before, so I'll give it a workout. I have lived in Melbourne before, so not a complete novice.

 

[moa999]

Maybe we need a separate thread for Seniors cards and public transport access

 

[Melburnian1]

I'm overnighting in MEL in November (SYD-MEL-LST). As I arrive MEL around 3 pm, I'm planning to take the public bus to Broadmeadows Station and then the train to Spencer St, Takes longer but is a tad less expensive, and probably more "interesting". Never used my Myki card before, so I'll give it a workout. I have lived in Melbourne before, so not a complete novice.

Make sure your myki card is less than four years old as IIRC they expire.

There are myki machines at T1 and T4 arrivals halls if you want to top up that way.

Spencer St has been called 'Southern Cross' since c.2005.

 

[Hvr]

I'm overnighting in MEL in November (SYD-MEL-LST). As I arrive MEL around 3 pm, I'm planning to take the public bus to Broadmeadows Station and then the train to Spencer St, Takes longer but is a tad less expensive, and probably more "interesting". Never used my Myki card before, so I'll give it a workout. I have lived in Melbourne before, so not a complete novice.

Depending on what bus arrives first you could take the 479 from Bay 19 to Sunbury station and still end up at Southern Cross Station.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

If he can get to bay 19 before 3.45pm, as that is the last bus to Sunbury.
On the weekend, I think its only 2 buses a day, one about 9am or so, and one about 4pm or so.
The Myki app, on smartphones can read the cards balance, my google s21 can, need nfc on phone of course.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

They might cut the 3 non core activities, ie, put it all back just to Melbourne CBD only.
===
$4b is still quite cheap, at the going rate of $25 odd one way, yes, I know there are discounts, but lets just say, $25 one way, they would easily recoup it back in say 5/10 years, if they get electric buses, with double battery capability, cut the non core out, get bendy buses instead of double deckers, ...

 

[simmomelb]

They might cut the 3 non core activities, ie, put it all back just to Melbourne CBD only.
===
$4b is still quite cheap, at the going rate of $25 odd one way, yes, I know there are discounts, but lets just say, $25 one way, they would easily recoup it back in say 5/10 years,

Hold on to the side of your chairs....By then, the airport train will be operating, surely

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Hold on to the side of your chairs....By then, the airport train will be operating, surely

Hah, as if.
And if it did, it would have an airport surcharge gate fee.
The only reason I see why PER does not have it, is thats its consider a public service, ie extension to High Wyecombe.
The NSW gov had it easy tho, when they tagged on the gate fee.
Same as BNE.
MEL would probably be the same with an if.

 

[simmomelb]

Hah, as if.
And if it did, it would have an airport surcharge gate fee.
The only reason I see why PER does not have it, is thats its consider a public service, ie extension to High Wyecombe.
The NSW gov had it easy tho, when they tagged on the gate fee.
Same as BNE.
MEL would probably be the same with an if.

BNE has an airport rail link? (jokes - would never touch it, like most).
It runs 90% empty —what a joke that is (the operator gets paid the same regardless of passenger numbers)!
On a side note, how it this for tight, I've walked out of SYD airport to the Mascot station, purely to pay standard PT fares, not that hard to do if you aren't in a rush. I probably should be ashamed, but I refuse to pay such exorbitant fares for their service also.
What makes it even more funny, most of the time I fly J to Sydney. Yes yes, I know, leave me alone

 

[SYD]

BNE has an airport rail link? (jokes - would never touch it, like most).
It runs 90% empty —what a joke that is (the operator gets paid the same regardless of passenger numbers)!
On a side note, how it this for tight, I've walked out of SYD airport to the Mascot station, purely to pay standard PT fares, not that hard to do if you aren't in a rush. I probably should be ashamed, but I refuse to pay such exorbitant fares for their service also.
What makes it even more funny, most of the time I fly J to Sydney. Yes yes, I know, leave me alone

You don’t even have to walk out of SYD, there’s regular buses that’ll take to or close to Mascot. You get a “transfer” tapping back into the train and pay the journey difference.

 

[simmomelb]

You don’t even have to walk out of SYD, there’s regular buses that’ll take to or close to Mascot. You get a “transfer” tapping back into the train and pay the journey difference.

Well well well, I've clearly been doing it wrong! Thank you

 

[MooTime]

After a flight I'm more than happy to walk a km or 2.
Rather than be a cm from another random a moment longer.

 

[Lat34]

I often get off the train at Mascot then catch a bus to SYD domestic and vice versa on the way home. Usually HLO but have done with ~15kg wheelie checkin bag. Would consider same to/from SYD intl but usually have +1 who is more interested in comfort & convenience. Resent exorbitant airport station fees and almost always have plenty of time.

 

[SYD]

I often get off the train at Mascot then catch a bus to SYD domestic and vice versa on the way home. Usually HLO but have done with ~15kg wheelie checkin bag. Would consider same to/from SYD intl but usually have +1 who is more interested in comfort & convenience. Resent exorbitant airport station fees and almost always have plenty of time.

The 350 bus picks up and drops off around the corner from home! Fortunately not practical for international but there is pressure to use it to/from for Dom flights…

 

[elanshin]

Well well well, I've clearly been doing it wrong! Thank you

420 (be careful which direction it's going) and 350, just outside the Qantas T3 terminal takes you to Mascot. 420 the kther direction takes you to Int'l and then Burwood.

But depending on bus time, I sometimes walk. I did last Saturday after seeing a huge line of people. I was almost at Mascot station when the first full bus went by.

 

[elanshin]

I often get off the train at Mascot then catch a bus to SYD domestic and vice versa on the way home. Usually HLO but have done with ~15kg wheelie checkin bag. Would consider same to/from SYD intl but usually have +1 who is more interested in comfort & convenience. Resent exorbitant airport station fees and almost always have plenty of time.

I find i either have plenty of time or I'm a bit tight on time overall and im in an uber as the trains won't make it. Very rarely am I in that window of time where i don't have enough for Mascot but enough for trains normally. Rain though does tip it in fair of the airport station.

 

[SYD]

420 (be careful which direction it's going) and 350, just outside the Qantas T3 terminal takes you to Mascot. 420 the kther direction takes you to Int'l and then Burwood.

But depending on bus time, I sometimes walk. I did last Saturday after seeing a huge line of people. I was almost at Mascot station when the first full bus went by.

The 350 towards Bondi Junction starts at T3 so it’s empty there. But can be busy around knock off time for the airport workers as well as further along the route with other workers, school kids, shoppers etc. Definitely not a good time to go too far with larger luggage.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Off T: The only good thing about the 420 and the 350, is to get from T1 and T2/T3 SYD to Mascot (main) train station, then get the train to other places from there.
Bus in SYD goes by distance, with a $2 transfer credit, unless you can make it to $18.70 per day, (not inclu the SYD airport gate surcharge).
The road to Bondi Junction and to Burwood is very long, and windy, and I get giddy doing both.
I usually get off at Mascot (main) train station, and walk a bit to the bus or vv, if coming from the city/going to the city.
Would have nice if the 350/420 stopped right in front of the main entrance of Mascot (main) train station, instead of having to walk that bit.
350 also good for getting to and from the HIE hotel.On T.
Never seen a Skybus at SYD T1/T2 or T3 tho.

 

[SYD]

Bus in SYD goes by distance,

So do trains. That might not be obvious with the airport access fee chucked in.

with a $2 transfer credit, unless you can make it to $18.70 per day, (not inclu the SYD airport gate surcharge).

Not sure what you mean, but the max you pay on the 350 will be $4.49 (at the moment). Train from Mascot to Bondi Junction is $5+ during peak.

Yeah, you might pay a little extra if you get bus to Mascot and then train to the City. But it’ll be a qtr of the train from airport to city.

Never seen a Skybus at SYD T1/T2 or T3 tho.

The Yellow SYD SkyBus was pulled after the train line opened.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Bus from T2/T3 at SYD to Mascot (main) train station, is indeed $3.30, or $2.31 off peak, but then, if you jump onto the train, it will price it as a separate fare, (minus the (- $2 which is the transfer benefit).
That $3.30 or $2.31 you paid on the bus, does not continue onto the train fare system, ...
This is re: the full adult fare.
If you stick on the bus to Bondi Junction, then, its the same one fare all the way, $5.77 or $4.03 off peak for 8 kms and over.