No, the airport train in Sydney is not free; in fact, it is one of the more expensive segments of the city's rail network due to a Station Access Fee. In 2026, while the rail component of the fare is standard (based on distance), the private owners of the Domestic and International airport stations charge an additional gate fee. As of current 2026 rates, an adult can expect to pay roughly $20.00 to $23.00 AUD for a one-way trip between the Airport and the Central Business District (CBD). You can pay via an Opal Card or by tapping a contactless credit/debit card. There is a "Weekly Cap" on these access fees, meaning if you use the airport station more than twice in a week, subsequent access fees are waived. The only way to bypass this fee is to take the 420 bus to a nearby station like Mascot and transfer to a train there, or to walk if you have very light luggage, though the train remains the fastest and most convenient link for the vast majority of travelers.