TIP CORNER
Monorail
Sydney Monorail is one of the fastest, most relaxing forms of public transportation in the city, but its use is limited to travel between the city center, Darling Harbour, and Chinatown. The fare is A$4 per one-way trip. The A$8 Day Pass is a better value if you intend to use the monorail to explore. You can purchase tickets at machines in the monorail stations. The monorail operates every three to five minutes, generally from 7 AM to 10 PM, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Stations are identified by a large white m against a black background.
The Sydney Light Rail, a tram, is identifiable by signs with a large black m against a white background, and is a limited system that provides a fast, efficient link between Central Station, Darling Harbour, the Star City casino and entertainment complex, Sydney fish markets, and the inner-western suburbs of Glebe and Lilyfield. The modern, air-conditioned trams operate at 10- to 30-minute intervals, 24 hours a day. One-way tickets are A$3 to A$4, and the Day Pass is a comparatively good value at A$8.50. You can purchase tickets at machines in Light Rail stations.
Transfers
AirportLink rail service reaches the city in 13 minutes. Trains depart every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and at least every 15 minutes at other times. A one-way fare is A$12; a group ticket (three people) costs A$27. The link meshes with the suburban rail network at Central Station and Circular Quay Station. You take an escalator down to the platform, but, even so, taking the train can be a bit difficult for travelers with anything more than light luggage. Trains do not have adequate stowage facilities, and for two traveling together a taxi is more convenient and costs only slightly more.
Taxis are available outside the terminal buildings. It's about A$35 to city hotels, and A$31 to Kings Cross.
A chauffeured limousine to the city hotels costs about A$80. Waiting time is charged at the rate of A$72 per hour. Astra Chauffeured Limousines has reliable services.
Taxis & Limousine
Taxis are a relatively economical way to cover short to medium distances in Sydney. A 3-km (2-mi) trip from Circular Quay to the eastern suburbs costs around A$16. Drivers are entitled to charge more than the metered fare if the passenger's baggage exceeds 55 pounds, if the taxi has been booked by telephone, or if the passenger crosses Harbour Bridge, where a toll is levied. Fares are 10% higher between 10 PM and 5 AM, when the numeral "2" will be displayed in the tariff indicator on the meter. At all other times, make sure the numeral "1" is displayed. Taxis are licensed to carry four passengers. Most drivers will accept payment by American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa, although a 10% surcharge is applied. Taxis can be hailed on the street, boarded at a taxi stand, or booked by phone. Taxi stands can be found outside most bus and railway stations, as well as outside the larger hotels. Complaints should be directed to Taxi Cab Complaints.
Chauffeur-driven limousines are available for trips around Sydney. At your request, the driver will give commentary on the major sights. Limousines can be rented for approximately A$80 per hour.
