Getting to your terminal

A stay only makes sense for some terminals. Here is what the journey takes from the hotel to check-in at each one.

Terminal	How you get there	Hotel to check-in	Cost
Best forTerminals 2 and 3	Paid hotel shuttleAbout $13 a person each way, booked through the hotel	20 min	A$13
Terminal 1	Paid hotel shuttleAbout $13 a person each way, booked through the hotel	25 min	A$13

Our view

Who it suits: Families, and anyone who wants breakfast included and a modern room at a mid-range price, and is happy to take a shuttle to the terminal.
Why we would choose it: Every rate we sampled included breakfast, and Booking.com shows a two-queen room for four guests.
The compromise: It is not beside the terminals. The shuttle is paid, so the transfer adds to the room price, and sources disagree on how close it really is.
Worth paying more?: For an early flight where you want no transfer at all, yes: Rydges for Terminal 1 or Mantra for Terminals 2 and 3 take the shuttle out of the morning.

The practical details that matter for one night before or after a flight.

Breakfast: Booking.com lists breakfast as included in the room rates, a continental "Express Start" buffet. On a very early departure, guests report being given a breakfast pack instead.
Family rooms: A Standard Queen Room with Two Queen Beds, shown for four guests. Check the child policy with the hotel.
Accessible rooms: Booking.com lists wheelchair-accessible rooms, with a lowered basin, raised toilet and grab rails.
Terminal 1: A paid hotel shuttle is listed. Guests report it works well for the international terminal.
Trains: Mascot station is about an eleven-minute walk and Domestic Airport station about fifteen, by Booking.com's distances.
Parking: A parking garage on site; price not found. Ask the hotel for the nightly rate.

Sydney Airport Hotel Guide is our own guide to this airport. Its page on Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport has more from our stays and our tips.