Western Sydney Airport Guide: Flights, Getting There and Parking

Western Sydney International Airport opens to passengers on Sunday 25 October 2026. It’s at Badgerys Creek, about 45km west of the Sydney CBD, and its official name is Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. Most people just call it WSI.

It’s Sydney’s second major airport, and the big difference from Mascot is the hours. There’s no curfew, so flights can take off and land at any time of day or night.

For me Mascot is still easier but I wanted to know just how much extra effort WSI will be so if cheap flight deals came up I would know if it was worth it.

Here are the basics.

Which Airlines Fly From Western Sydney Airport?

Four airlines fly from WSI in its first months, and more start in 2027. Jetstar operates the first passenger flight, to the Gold Coast at 11am on opening day.

This table lists every route announced so far, with its start date and how often it flies. Check the airline’s own site before you book, as schedules can change.

Some of these flights leave at the edges of the day. Singapore Airlines lands at 10.20pm and leaves again at 11.55pm. Fiji Airways also leaves at 11.55pm. Air New Zealand’s flight from Auckland lands at 7.50am, and the return leaves at 9am.

Virgin Australia hasn’t announced any flights from WSI.

Getting to Western Sydney Airport

There’s no train yet, so for now most people will drive, take a taxi or rideshare, or catch the free shuttle from St Marys.

Driving

The M12 Motorway runs straight to the terminal, and it’s toll-free. If you’re coming from the Liverpool or Rooty Hill side, you’ll likely use the M7 first, and that part is tolled.

Parking

There are three car parks. Long-stay is the cheapest, from $15 a day, and a shuttle bus takes you to the terminal. Saver costs from $29 a day and is a two to three-minute walk from the terminal. Premium, from $49 a day, is also a two to three-minute walk away.

These rates are for travel between 25 October 2026 and the end of April 2027. Booking online is cheaper, and the car parks read your number plate on entry, so there’s no ticket to lose.

If someone is dropping you off or picking you up, there’s a free 15-minute express zone outside the terminal.

The three car parks side by side:

Free shuttle from St Marys

The free WSI Link bus runs between St Marys station and the terminal every 30 minutes. It starts at 4.30am and runs until midnight Sunday to Thursday, and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. The trip takes about 30 minutes.

It’s the only public transport that runs early enough for a 6am flight. You can catch a train to St Marys from anywhere on the T1 Western Line.

Public buses

Five bus routes link the airport with nearby centres:

• Route 790 from Penrith
• Route 772 from Mount Druitt
• Routes 825 and 860 from Liverpool
• Route 845 from Campbelltown

They run every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm, seven days a week. That’s too late for the first flights of the morning and too early for the late arrivals.

Taxis, rideshare and shuttles

Taxis and rideshare will pick up and drop off at the terminal. SuperShuttle also runs a WSI service connecting the airport with Parramatta, the Sydney CBD and Sydney Airport at Mascot.

Train

The Sydney Metro line from St Marys to the airport is due to open in 2027. Once it does, the trip from St Marys station to the terminal should take about 15 minutes.

Western Sydney Airport or Sydney Airport?

The answer depends on where you live, where you’re flying and what time your flight leaves.

WSI makes more sense if you live around Penrith, in the Blue Mountains or further west. From Penrith it’s about 24 minutes to WSI and 44 minutes to Mascot. From Liverpool, Parramatta and the CBD, Mascot is closer by car, which surprises a lot of people. WSI also suits very late or very early flights, since there’s no curfew.

Sydney Airport still has far more flights and destinations, and it’s on the train line. If you live in the city, the eastern suburbs or the North Shore, or you want the widest choice of flights, Mascot is still the easier option for most trips.

[Graphic: 24-hour clock. Alt text: 24-hour clock showing Sydney Airport’s 11pm to 6am curfew, and Singapore Airlines landing at WSI at 10.20pm and leaving at 11.55pm]

[Paula: add your own take here. For example, which airport you’d choose from Woy Woy, and why.]

Inside the Terminal

I have not managed a visit yet but have been sent some images. As soon as I can I will pop over and check it out.

Where to Stay Near Western Sydney Airport

If your flight is very early or very late, a night nearby can save a lot of stress. The closest hotel is Atura Oran Park, about 18 minutes’ drive away, and there are good options at Liverpool, Penrith, Rooty Hill and Eastern Creek.

Where you stay depends on your flight time and whether you’ll have a car.

Read our guide for Where to Stay Near Western Sydney Airport for Early Flights and Late Arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Western Sydney Airport open?

Western Sydney International Airport opens to passengers on Sunday 25 October 2026. The first flight is Jetstar to the Gold Coast at 11am.

Which airlines fly from Western Sydney Airport?

Jetstar, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines fly from WSI in 2026. Vietjet, Fiji Airways and QantasLink start in 2027.

Is there a train to Western Sydney Airport?

Not yet. The Sydney Metro line from St Marys is due to open in 2027. Until then, a free shuttle bus runs between St Marys station and the terminal every 30 minutes.

How much does parking cost at Western Sydney Airport?

Long-stay parking starts from $15 a day, Saver from $29 and Premium from $49. These rates apply from 25 October 2026 to the end of April 2027, and booking online is cheaper.

Is the road to Western Sydney Airport tolled?

The M12 Motorway to the airport is toll-free. The M7 is tolled, so you may pay a toll depending on which way you come.

Is Western Sydney Airport open 24 hours?

Yes. WSI has no curfew, so flights can take off and land at any hour. Sydney Airport at Mascot has a curfew from 11pm to 6am. That’s why Singapore Airlines can leave WSI at 11.55pm.

Is Western Sydney Airport closer than Sydney Airport?

Only if you’re coming from the far west. From Penrith it’s about 24 minutes to WSI and 44 minutes to Mascot. From Katoomba you save about 20 minutes. From the CBD, Parramatta and even Liverpool, Mascot is closer by car. These times come from Google Maps at midday on a weekday in October 2026, so expect longer at peak hour.

Are flights from Western Sydney Airport cheaper?

Often, yes, at least for now. When Money magazine compared fares in September 2026, Jetstar was usually cheaper from WSI, especially to the Gold Coast. That’s not true on every route, and launch prices may not last. Check both airports before you book.

Will Virgin Australia, Emirates or Qatar fly from WSI?

None of them has announced flights yet. In August 2026, Executive Traveller reported that Virgin had not committed to WSI. The government has approved seven flights a week each for the UAE and Qatar, the home countries of Emirates and Qatar Airways. Neither airline has confirmed a start date.

What is the full name of Western Sydney Airport?

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. Most people call it Western Sydney Airport or just WSI.

Will Singapore Airlines still fly from Sydney Airport at Mascot?

Yes. Singapore Airlines will run flights from both airports.

How far is Western Sydney Airport from the Sydney CBD?

The airport is at Badgerys Creek, about 45km west of the Sydney CBD.