Monday 5 October 2026 is the Labour Day public holiday in NSW, the ACT and South Australia, and the King’s Birthday holiday in Queensland. Add the NRL Grand Final and the tail end of the school holidays, and Sydney Airport is set for one of its busiest weekends of spring.
When will it be busiest?
| Day | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Friday 2 October (afternoon/evening) | Long weekend departures |
| Sunday 4 October (night) | Interstate fans flying out after the Grand Final |
| Monday 5 October (afternoon/evening) | Everyone flying home at once |
5 tips to beat the rush
- Arrive early – allow at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
- Check in online and travel with carry-on only if you can.
- Skip the pick-up zone chaos – taxi ranks and rideshare zones get backed up on holiday Mondays.
- Avoid airport parking – car parks can fill up on long weekends and prices climb.
- Pre-book your transfer home – your driver is ready when you land.
Getting home from Sydney Airport: options compared
| Option | Wait on a holiday Monday | Price certainty | Luggage help | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi rank | Can be long | Metered | Limited | Short trips |
| Rideshare | Surge pricing and busy zones | Low | No | Light travellers |
| Train | Crowded with luggage | High | No | City-bound solo travellers |
| Redy2go shuttle | Pre-booked | Fixed | Yes | Solo and couples on a budget |
| Redy2go private transfer | Driver waiting | Fixed | Yes | Families, groups, business |
Shuttle or private transfer?
Travelling solo or as a couple on a budget? Our shared Sydney shuttle is a great value option. Travelling with family, lots of luggage or on a tight schedule? A private transfer takes you door to door with no extra stops.
Where to meet your Redy2go shuttle
Our shuttle pick-up point at the Sydney domestic terminal is shown below.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monday 5 October a public holiday?
Yes – it is Labour Day in NSW, the ACT and South Australia, and the King’s Birthday holiday in Queensland.
How early should I get to Sydney Airport on a long weekend?
At least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
What if my flight is delayed?
Let us know your flight number when you book so we can plan your pick-up around your arrival.
Do you cover my suburb?
We run Sydney Airport transfers right across Sydney – from the Eastern Suburbs to the Sutherland Shire and the Hills District.
Should I choose the shuttle or a private transfer?
The shuttle is great value for solo travellers and couples; a private transfer is best for families, groups and anyone on a tight schedule.
Related: Eastern Suburbs Airport Transfers · Sutherland Shire Airport Transfers · Hills District Airport Transfers