Sydney Domestic Airport By Foot… A Step-By-Step Guide

There are lots of ways to get to  Sydney Domestic Airport. But for me, access by train has always been the most convenient. I have been stuck in traffic jams around the airport too many times watching my lounge time disappear and the taxi meter click over.

What has always irked me is the train station Airport access fee, at $14.87 per person, it’s enough to make you ask if there other options?

My friend Alan, a weekly user of Sydney Airport, once confided he sometimes walks from Mascot station to the airport saving the access fee while getting some incidental exercise.

How to walk from Sydney Domestic Airport Station to Mascot Station

21 min (1.6 km)
1. Walk south towards Fourth St
2. Turn left onto Fourth St
3. Turn right onto Shiers Ave
4. Continue onto Seventh St
5. Slight right to stay on Seventh St
6. Continue onto Robey St
7. Turn left onto O’Riordan St
8. Turn left onto Bourke Rd
9. Arrive at location: Mascot
To see this route visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/wxtzxGxJXZbTRY41A

How to walk from Mascot Station to Sydney Domestic Airport Station Station

20 min (1.6 km)
1. Walk south on Bourke St towards John St
2. Turn right onto O’Riordan St
3. Turn right onto Robey St
4. Continue onto Seventh St
5. Slight right onto Shiers Ave
6. Turn left onto Fourth St
7. Turn right
8. Arrive at location: Sydney Domestic Airport Station
To see this route visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/46QqwUeuUkp1x5TD7

So, I decided to test it out and this is what I found:

According to Google maps, it’s a 22-minute walk from Mascot railway station to Terminal 2, which is the Virgin Terminal.  The first thing I noticed is that there was a lot of construction along the way. If you don’t pick the right side of the road you could be backtracking or jaywalking across some pretty busy roads.

It’s best to stick on the station side of the Bourke Street heading south, cross over Coward Street and then cross Bourke at the next opportunity. You will shortly pass Qantas head office as you walk down Bourke Street. Look out for the jet engine on display in the window.

You will then hit O’Riordan Street, but don’t cross it yet.  Walk towards the Pullman and then Ibis hotels until you meet Qantas Drive. You can see all the construction across the road that was blocking our access.  Before crossing Qantas Drive, first cross O’Riordan Street.

From there you are entering the Airport precinct, so just follow the signs until you reach the Virgin Terminal 2 entrance. If you want to go to Qantas Terminal, just follow the signs to the train station, which has an underground walkway linking the terminals.

Tip: if you are coming from the Domestic Airport to Mascot, take care to cross at O’Riordan Street as the footpath was closed when we tried.

You won’t be alone doing the walk. We saw families, backpackers and even Qantas staff pulling their bags to and from the Airport. 

Find my walk on Strava

I captured the walk on Strava and reckon you need 26 minutes to do the walk comfortably. However, if you need to backtrack because of roadworks, then add a further 5 minutes. Google maps does not consider the long wait time to cross the road.

Which hotels are near Sydney Domestic Airport?

One option is to stay in a hotel near the airport the night before you travel. There are two choices when staying near Sydney Domestic Airport. You can choose to stay closer to Mascot train station eg Holiday Inn Sydney Airport, Pullman Sydney Airport or the Ibis Sydney Airport. The advantage they have is easy access to the city via Mascot train station. Plus some better food options.

The other alternative is to be closer to the Airport eg The Stamford, the Ibis Budget Sydney Airport or the Mantra. They are all an easy flat walk to the terminal and have a McDonalds very close.

Summary

If you have time on your hands, you have packed lightly and it’s a sunny day, why not get off at Mascot and walk. The money you save can be used to pay for your first drink at your destination, and it will be a most satisfactory one!