Luggage from Sydney to Canberra

[Scarlett]

I’d consider landing SYD, heading for the cheapest hotel nearby and sleeping, then driving to CBR with a hire car. Would still be cheaper than two $300 airline tix. And safer.

Can anyone pick you up from SYD?

 

[L2.]

It is a lot easier these days with elevators at central. I think ticket availability is also better via Central

It's the same train. There is no special allocation of seats from one station versus another.

I'm honestly perplexed as to why anybody would consider backtracking to Central for that journey unless either they were a train enthusiast who wanted to ride the entire journey, or had lots of time to waste.

There's frequent express trains from International Airport to Campbelltown every 15 minutes, and literally close to zero walking required for connections to Canberra and the Southern Highlands.

 

[Beer_budget]

Oh! Roadjet might be the answer - one-way chauffeur transfer, around $400 I think?

 

[Quickstatus]

I'm honestly perplexed as to why anybody would consider backtracking to Central for that journey unless either they were a train enthusiast who wanted to ride the entire journey, or had lots of time to waste.

As I said, as Central is the originating station, there is generally better availability from there according to my enquiries on previous occasions.

Of course if you can get a ticket from Campbelltown then go there...

 

[markis10]

I don’t know why the train is the answer, only two trains are options, a midday and a 5Pm departure, both take 4 hours, don’t have wifi etc. The bus is quicker, costs less and has wifi, not to mention leaves from the airport. Yes it’s a coach, but not contiki!

uber to the airport, drive home, all for under $100

 

[Quickstatus]

I don’t know why the train is the answer

Yes not THE answer but one of the options.
Buses more frequent. I've done Greyhound (all the way to Jindabyne) but not Flix

 

[markis10]

Felix use Deanes Coaches Group, so local

 

[kookaburra75]

That's a lot of faffing around and the train is very slow, only runs three times a day, and is often sold out.

But, you can get up and wander, get a drink or snack from the bistro. It's 4.5 hours on the train, compared to 3 hours on the bus. And as you've found out $300 per person one way to Canberra is normal. On the train you can at least have a nap and arrive refreshed enough to drive. If there is a group of you, it's cheaper to get a taxi from the airport to Central station.
Getting a taxi from Kingston to the airport is cheap too.

 

[Quickstatus]

But, you can get up and wander

The first class seats for approx $20 more has 40 deg recline and lots of leg room. Almost like a cheap J?

 

[markis10]

First class isn’t an option unless you want the 1700 departure, long wait for a little bit extra

 

[kookaburra75]

The first class seats for approx $20 more has 40 deg recline and lots of leg room. Almost like a cheap J?

We always try for 1st class, and the bistro is in the same car. I can hot spot my phone for internet if I need it, except for a 20-30 minute gap between Goulburn and Bowral.

 

[IrishPete]

Thanks everyone.

I've booked a car. As someone else has pointed out, Hertz is around $300 one way. With two drivers, fatigue should be manageable.

Obviously fuel (!!!!) and tolls will add a little, but it's pretty much door to boot of my car.

It's only a reservation, so can be cancelled if the Velocity points reappear and flights are available. One reason I wanted to fly home was that the time before the 4pm-ish flight to Canberra could have been spent availing of my AmEx Virgin lounge access, showering and changing clothes. (Scoot arrives at 12.20.)

 

[kookaburra75]

Good luck for your trip home, and fair winds as they say. There's more than a few of using Canberra, so reach out if we can help out.

 

[hydrabyss]

Thanks everyone.

I've booked a car. As someone else has pointed out, Hertz is around $300 one way. With two drivers, fatigue should be manageable.

Obviously fuel (!!!!) and tolls will add a little, but it's pretty much door to boot of my car.

It's only a reservation, so can be cancelled if the Velocity points reappear and flights are available. One reason I wanted to fly home was that the time before the 4pm-ish flight to Canberra could have been spent availing of my AmEx Virgin lounge access, showering and changing clothes. (Scoot arrives at 12.20.)

You have 24hours so plenty of time for sleep breaks on the way.

Just don't make the error I did and that was pass the parking ticket to my partner once I entered the airport carpark with the hire car. Once we unloaded the car I went to leave and could not find the ticket. I pulled the car apart and no such luck. Partner was so confident she did not have it I spent around an hour even went to the gate asked the parking office.
Then "oh here it is I must of put in the side of my handbag" then I must of had some look on my face she says "I could have not said anything". So now i always keep the parking ticket when entering car parks.

 

[IrishPete]

You have 24hours so plenty of time for sleep breaks on the way.

Just don't make the error I did and that was pass the parking ticket to my partner once I entered the airport carpark with the hire car. Once we unloaded the car I went to leave and could not find the ticket. I pulled the car apart and no such luck. Partner was so confident she did not have it I spent around an hour even went to the gate asked the parking office.
Then "oh here it is I must of put in the side of my handbag" then I must of had some look on my face she says "I could have not said anything". So now i always keep the parking ticket when entering car parks.

We're parked outdoors, so won't even need to enter the car park with the rental car.

 

[kookaburra75]

You have 24hours so plenty of time for sleep breaks on the way.

Just don't make the error I did and that was pass the parking ticket to my partner once I entered the airport carpark with the hire car. Once we unloaded the car I went to leave and could not find the ticket. I pulled the car apart and no such luck. Partner was so confident she did not have it I spent around an hour even went to the gate asked the parking office.
Then "oh here it is I must of put in the side of my handbag" then I must of had some look on my face she says "I could have not said anything". So now i always keep the parking ticket when entering car parks.

Yes, that was your fault MrsK and I have had several similar experiences, and it was always my fault too.

 

[Beer_budget]

Obviously fuel (!!!!) and tolls will add a little, but it's pretty much door to boot of my car.

Glad you've found a workable solution. U91 is still only 182.7 at the Canberra Costco so hopefully that cost's not too painful.

Safe travels!