Hi Fellow Oz Bargain hunters,
Is there a way to avoid parking charges while dropping off or picking up someone from Sydney international airport? I understand 15 mins free but I feel 30-45 mins is the one I need.
In all other european airports there is a concept of long stay car park where first two hours are free and a free shuttle to-fro airport, but I can’t find something similar for Sydney Airport.
Need help or tricks please.
OP is clearly referring to "Sydeny", not Sydney.
If it’s 30 minutes you’re not dropping them off/just picking them up, you’re stopping and visiting the airport yourself.
Drop off is usually where you don’t leave your car, hence why it is less than 15 mins.
Understood, so is there a cheap way to visit the airport ? as I have to drop off an elderly passenger which means I have to drop their bags till checkin counter.
I’m not familiar with Sydney airport parking but I’d expect it would be the same as Melbourne where there’s no cheap option.
I would suggest:
Get someone else to help them with their bags while you drive around until they’re ready..
I agree I have completed the le mans around the airport circuit..
And the winner is Sydeny!
It is free if you get off the train at mascot and go for a long walk
I used to walk to the bus stop( I think it was mascot) Felt a little weird walking 15 mins with luggage but I was young and cheap lol.
I’ve done it a few times as a visitor to Sydney when I’ve had time to kill and not much money. Definitely useful for those who do have more time than money.
It will either be cheap or easy - can't get both at Sydney (specially considering it is for an elderly passenger).
Book online for 2 hours and don't rush - elderly seem to panic more when they see you in a rush.
3 options:
1) Pay the Parking as you consider the elderly passenger is worth spending money as well as time on. Yes it's akin to usury but it's only once or twice a year.
2) Have a 3rd person that drops you and the elderly person off. They drive to the Krispy Creme or Rowers Club and wait until you are done and come and pick you up. This is what we do with my GF's mum.
3) Look into the assistance services at the airport. https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/info-sheet/need-assistance
1)Park outside airport near the park or motels.
2) Ask person to call you when they are already or near public pick up zone
3) Drive to pick up zone - 3-5mins
Seriously, how much money are we talking about that you dont want to pay?.
this isn't europe, so forget about that.
park for 14 minutes, exit, comeback, repeat until your passenger arrives.
or pay for parking since you're not there every single day and paying once in a while "probably once a year" will save you a lot of stress and aggravation.
Park your car in Mascot on Coward Street between Botany Road and O'riordan Street. Catch the 400 bus from Coward Street with the oldie and their luggage to the airport terminal. Then walk back to your car.
Or
Remove your eTag from the car. Drive into the Priority Pickup zone, thats the green one (NOT the yellow Express pick up, thats different)
Park and walk the geriatric to the terminal.
Walk back to your car and drive out the Priority car park. You wont be able to exit because you dont have an eTag. Press the intercom button at the exit and tell security you drove into the wrong car park and now you cant get out.
There will be furious drivers queued up behind you but they will raise the boom gate and you are off.
Or
Drop the senior at the terminal with their bags, tell them to sit on the bench outside if its the Qantas terminal, if its the other terminal they can stand. Drive out the airport and park on Baxter Road, Mascot.
Walk back to the terminal.
Last time i checked sydney airport wasn't in europe.