Train from Sydney Airport to Downtown

[suncityga]

Are you rather party hard types? Kings Cross is the Red Light District, do I hope I know what you're in for.

 

Hi,

 

Thank you for the "Kings Cross is the Red Light District" information.

 

We had been looking at the Holiday Inn Potts Point which is located across from the Kings Cross Station.

 

Since we are not interested in staying in a seedy area where crime/prostitution is prevelant... is the problem only related to certain streets in the area or is the problem the entire Kings Cross area? Any information you can provide would be appreciated.

[Valley Girl of VA]

Hugh and Chris, Thanks for the information about the train stop. My Dh and I are not afraid of public transportation and will use it whenever we travel - he is great at figuring out bus schedules! Another question if you don't mind - as I said we are staying at the Radisson on Liverpool and Sussex. We also have the option of staying at the Radisson Blu on O'Connell. I realize that the latter is closer to the water but which is your mind is a better location? Closer to Chinatown and the Spanish area or closer to the wharf, etc? They would cost the same for us (using points).

 

Jane

[Katana_Geldar]

Hi,

 

Thank you for the "Kings Cross is the Red Light District" information.

 

We had been looking at the Holiday Inn Potts Point which is located across from the Kings Cross Station.

 

Since we are not interested in staying in a seedy area where crime/prostitution is prevelant... is the problem only related to certain streets in the area or is the problem the entire Kings Cross area? Any information you can provide would be appreciated.

 

I really don't know much about up that way, but I can tell you there are nicer places to stay. There's a Holiday Inn in Darling Harbour/Chinatown that I've stated in myself and it's rather nice. That whole area has quite a few hotels and restaurants and is rather accessible from the light rail from Central Station. It's also nearer to the terminal and right in the city, rather than outside.

 

Hugh and Chris, Thanks for the information about the train stop. My Dh and I are not afraid of public transportation and will use it whenever we travel - he is great at figuring out bus schedules! Another question if you don't mind - as I said we are staying at the Radisson on Liverpool and Sussex. We also have the option of staying at the Radisson Blu on O'Connell. I realize that the latter is closer to the water but which is your mind is a better location? Closer to Chinatown and the Spanish area or closer to the wharf, etc? They would cost the same for us (using points).

 

Jane

 

Honestly, it's six of one to me. Raddison Blu is closer to the Overseas Passenger terminal as well as restaurants and touristy areas. It is a little more upmarket that end of town, so not as affordable but there are a few pubs. A better place if you want to go to the Opera House and wanted to get a ferry to Manly or the zoo.

 

To get to there you need to get a train to Wynyard, which you can do from the airport.

[room010]

Hi,

 

Thank you for the "Kings Cross is the Red Light District" information.

 

We had been looking at the Holiday Inn Potts Point which is located across from the Kings Cross Station.

 

Since we are not interested in staying in a seedy area where crime/prostitution is prevelant... is the problem only related to certain streets in the area or is the problem the entire Kings Cross area? Any information you can provide would be appreciated.

 

I would avoid Kings Cross altogether. There are much nicer (safer) places to stay in Sydney. If you specifically want a Holiday Inn then the Old Sydney HI in the historic Rocks district is hard to beat. It's clean and comfortable, if a bit basic and it's extremely convenient for the bridge, Circular Quay (for harbour ferries) and the opera house. It's also a 5 minute walk to the OPT.

[The_Big_M]

Hi,

 

Thank you for the "Kings Cross is the Red Light District" information.

 

We had been looking at the Holiday Inn Potts Point which is located across from the Kings Cross Station.

 

Since we are not interested in staying in a seedy area where crime/prostitution is prevelant... is the problem only related to certain streets in the area or is the problem the entire Kings Cross area? Any information you can provide would be appreciated.

 

That's a fairly sedate area.

 

Compared to other parts of Sydney, Kings Cross is the more touristy/clubby area and there are strip shows in that area. I wouldn't call it seedy or dangerous though, unless you're 'out for some excitement' late in the night as it were. It's also the most populated area in Australia so there's always people around... it's what you make of it.

[cassamanda]

That's a fairly sedate area.

 

Compared to other parts of Sydney, Kings Cross is the more touristy/clubby area and there are strip shows in that area. I wouldn't call it seedy or dangerous though, unless you're 'out for some excitement' late in the night as it were. It's also the most populated area in Australia so there's always people around... it's what you make of it.

Sorry but i have to disagree with you on this one. There are far better places to stay and i would never recommend Kings X in the light of the current happenings in that area. The Holiday Inn is a stones throw from all the problem areas.

Secondly it is more difficult to get to all the great places in Sydney. About the only advantage would be if your ship happens to be berthed at the Naval Base - that would be walkable for a backbacker.

[cassamanda]

Hi,

 

Thank you for the "Kings Cross is the Red Light District" information.

 

We had been looking at the Holiday Inn Potts Point which is located across from the Kings Cross Station.

 

Since we are not interested in staying in a seedy area where crime/prostitution is prevelant... is the problem only related to certain streets in the area or is the problem the entire Kings Cross area? Any information you can provide would be appreciated.

If you are travelling light, could i suggest the new YHA at the Rocks (near Circular Quay). Very modern and great views from the top deck.

http://www3.yha.com.au/hostels/nsw/sydney-surrounds/sydney-harbour/

Old Sydney Holiday Inn at the Rocks also good.

[cassamanda]

Hugh and Chris, Thanks for the information about the train stop. My Dh and I are not afraid of public transportation and will use it whenever we travel - he is great at figuring out bus schedules! Another question if you don't mind - as I said we are staying at the Radisson on Liverpool and Sussex. We also have the option of staying at the Radisson Blu on O'Connell. I realize that the latter is closer to the water but which is your mind is a better location? Closer to Chinatown and the Spanish area or closer to the wharf, etc? They would cost the same for us (using points).

 

Jane

 

Raddison Blu is slightly more upmarket. Easy to get to from Circular Quay station. Walk straight up Pitt St (directly opp station). The Raddison is on the junction with O'Connell St/Hunter St/Pitt St (5-way intersection). Handy to The Rocks, Ferry terminal (also gets u to Darling Harbour) Opera Hse, Bridge, Botanic Gardens, City Shopping, live Theatre, Sydney Museum and others. just depends on your interests. Easy enough to get to China Town area using the 555 free bus from Elizabeth or George Sts.

[Valley Girl of VA]

Raddison Blu is slightly more upmarket. Easy to get to from Circular Quay station. Walk straight up Pitt St (directly opp station). The Raddison is on the junction with O'Connell St/Hunter St/Pitt St (5-way intersection). Handy to The Rocks, Ferry terminal (also gets u to Darling Harbour) Opera Hse, Bridge, Botanic Gardens, City Shopping, live Theatre, Sydney Museum and others. just depends on your interests. Easy enough to get to China Town area using the 555 free bus from Elizabeth or George Sts.

 

It doesn't matter to us whether something is upscale or not but rather is it in a good location. Will we be near neighborhoods worth exploring? Will we find places that are reasonable for us to eat at? Are we close to public transportation and finally, is it a decent hotel. If it wasn't for the points I have, we probably wouldn't be staying at the Radisson.

 

On another subject, we are thinking about trying to organize a pre-cruise dinner somewhere in Sydney that is easy to get to with either public transport or by cab. In addition, reasonableness of the prices is also important to us and ambience or something that is uniquely Aussie. Any suggestions?

[cassamanda]

It doesn't matter to us whether something is upscale or not but rather is it in a good location. Will we be near neighborhoods worth exploring? Will we find places that are reasonable for us to eat at? Are we close to public transportation and finally, is it a decent hotel. If it wasn't for the points I have, we probably wouldn't be staying at the Radisson.

Liverpool St is probably in a more vibrant location with more variety in food choices.

On another subject, we are thinking about trying to organize a pre-cruise dinner somewhere in Sydney that is easy to get to with either public transport or by cab. In addition, reasonableness of the prices is also important to us and ambience or something that is uniquely Aussie. Any suggestions?

get back to you soon on this

[The_Big_M]

Sorry but i have to disagree with you on this one. There are far better places to stay and i would never recommend Kings X in the light of the current happenings in that area. The Holiday Inn is a stones throw from all the problem areas.

 

"Problem" is relative, since Kings Cross is not a problem area for most, aside from the tabloids looking for the latest story to sensationalise.

 

Secondly it is more difficult to get to all the great places in Sydney. About the only advantage would be if your ship happens to be berthed at the Naval Base - that would be walkable for a backbacker.

 

It's actually quite convenient to many Sydney attractions, and is in an entertainment hub, with good theatre, Oxford St, Paddington and Bondi Beach in close, convenient range, and equally the city, Art Gallery, the Domain and Botanic Gardens a nice walk away.

 

That said, it does depend what you're looking for. If you want to be in the city centre itself, than there are also many choices there too.

[The_Big_M]

It doesn't matter to us whether something is upscale or not but rather is it in a good location. Will we be near neighborhoods worth exploring? Will we find places that are reasonable for us to eat at? Are we close to public transportation and finally, is it a decent hotel. If it wasn't for the points I have, we probably wouldn't be staying at the Radisson.

 

The Blu is in the business district area, so will be quieter at off-peak times, but is more convenient to the Opera House, The Rocks market and area, Harbour bridge, the harbour generally which is scenic to walk along, Botanic Garden, Barracks and Mint museums, Parliament and upmarket stores and department stores.

 

Sussex and Liverpool is less appealing to me personally as it is much busier, dirtier and noisier. But it is closer to Paddy's Markets and smaller stores, Chinatown, Darling Harbour and the Powerhouse and maritime museum, aquarium and casino. There is a much stronger Chinese influence than Spanish in that area of town, although the few Spanish restaurants are on Liverpool st.

 

If it were me, I'd prefer to stay at Blu from the two choices, but your own preferences may be different.

Edited September 4, 2012 by The_Big_M

[joejoe 59]

Great info on getting a train to OPT from the airport, thanks for that. No way do i want to be on a shuttle bus for hours when all i want to do is get on the ship:):)

[cwtravel]

It looks like the Hilton, on George Street, is very close to the Town Hall station? After the long 15 hour flight (plus another 5+ hours from the east coast), would you take the train or a cab?

 

Thanks,

Chris

[4774Papa]

It looks like the Hilton, on George Street, is very close to the Town Hall station? After the long 15 hour flight (plus another 5+ hours from the east coast), would you take the train or a cab?

 

Thanks,

Chris

We are staying at the Hilton in March. It is right across from the QVB.

[The_Big_M]

It looks like the Hilton, on George Street, is very close to the Town Hall station? After the long 15 hour flight (plus another 5+ hours from the east coast), would you take the train or a cab?

 

Thanks,

Chris

 

That is true about its location.

 

If viewing both forms of transport equally, I'd probably go for the cab for convenience. Town Hall station is at the end of the circuit, and the thing about the trains is sometimes you have to wait for a while, whereas once you're through the queue for the taxi you won't have to worry about anything until you get there. And with the Hilton, its location isn't so far away from the airport and through city traffic as some other locations e.g. the Rocks/Wynyard.

[Grumpy100]

We stayed at the Sheraton and it was nice and in safe place.

[cjm66]

It looks like the Hilton, on George Street, is very close to the Town Hall station? After the long 15 hour flight (plus another 5+ hours from the east coast), would you take the train or a cab?

 

Thanks,

Chris

 

Probably a cab but then one of us is not light on his feet and the price difference is not that great @ 15 AUD pp for the train and $50 No tips or taxes added, for the taxi. If you decide to take the train, follow the signs or ask directions to the lift and take it all the way to street level. This will bring you out on the Eastern side of George Street - same side and only one street crossing from the George Street entrance to the Hilton.

[OkcRoyalTraveler]

Any ideas of any companies to take eight adults from the cruise ship terminal in Sydney to the airport? I know there are taxis, but wondered if there were any transportation companies that you might recommend and I could contact. Thanks

[LindaMc]

Hi everyone,

 

My husband and I will be sailing into Sydney in November and we are staying for 3 nights after the cruise ends. On Sunday, Nov 25th we have to be at the airport at around 6:30pm for our flight back to the States. We are staying at the Sofitel Wentworth hotel. Would the train be a good idea to take to get to the airport from there? And if we did take the train, how early should we get on board the train to make it to the airport by 6:30pm?

 

Thanks so much for the helpful suggestions on this post (and other posts). Appreciate it very much.

 

- Linda

[cjm66]

Hi everyone,

 

My husband and I will be sailing into Sydney in November and we are staying for 3 nights after the cruise ends. On Sunday, Nov 25th we have to be at the airport at around 6:30pm for our flight back to the States. We are staying at the Sofitel Wentworth hotel. Would the train be a good idea to take to get to the airport from there? And if we did take the train, how early should we get on board the train to make it to the airport by 6:30pm?

 

Thanks so much for the helpful suggestions on this post (and other posts). Appreciate it very much.

 

- Linda

 

The closest train station is Martin Place but it is not on the airport line so you would need to change trains and platforms at Central Station - a hassle! You are several blocks from Wynyard Station or Circular Quay, both on the Airport line. At that time city traffic will be light and the airport traffic will also be lighter than on a weekday so I would take a taxi. You will be able to test out the walking distances in your three days - enjoy.

Edited September 11, 2012 by cjm66

[cassamanda]

Hi everyone,

 

My husband and I will be sailing into Sydney in November and we are staying for 3 nights after the cruise ends. On Sunday, Nov 25th we have to be at the airport at around 6:30pm for our flight back to the States. We are staying at the Sofitel Wentworth hotel. Would the train be a good idea to take to get to the airport from there? And if we did take the train, how early should we get on board the train to make it to the airport by 6:30pm?

 

Thanks so much for the helpful suggestions on this post (and other posts). Appreciate it very much.

 

- Linda

Although we often take the train, in your case i would recommend a taxi. On a Sunday there is virtually no traffic in the city and it would be very easy to walk down the hill to Circular Quay station. Trains are every 15mins. However, the time taken to get to the station and dragging your bags would not warrant the effort. Taxi would take about 20 mins to International Airport.

[LindaMc]

CJM66 & Cassmanda, Thank you for your advice. We will plan on a taxi for our transport to the airport. That sounds like the best plan for us.

 

-Linda

[luv2trvl6]

My 10-year-old and I will arrive in Sydney on 12/23 (Sunday). We will have one suitcase and one carry-on. To go to Inter-Continental, would you recommend the train or taxi for us? Thank you for your advice.

[cassamanda]

Either. Train if you are young(ish);) and mobile. Sunday morning in Sydney is very very quiet but gets busier by the afternoon. Only a short walk from Circular Quay station, exit station with your back to the water then left onto Alfred St (has a bus rank on it) then follow round as it becomes Phillip St (staying on left side of street) cross Albert St and continue along Phillip St one block (uphill) to the corner of Bridge St where you will find the main entrance. Lobby is through to the left. This is the quickest and shortest way. There is also an entrance on Macquarie St on the other side of the hotel but involves more uphills.

 

I would use a taxi if you think the short but steepish hill in Phillip St might be too much. Taxi fare will be minimal on Sunday morning, say $40 as the hotel is right near an off ramp from the motorway to the airport.

 

Go to Google Maps and search for InterContinental Sydney