Avoid the long drive: Where to stay near Sydney’s new airport

The takeoff of the first commercial passenger flight at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport on Sunday marks a new chapter for the region, officially unlocking western Sydney as an emerging tourism hub for local and overseas visitors.

Jetstar made history with the airport’s inaugural flight to the Gold Coast, and international services launched on Monday when Air New Zealand’s flight NZ165 arrived from Auckland. Singapore Airlines, Vietjet, Fiji Airways and Qatar Airways are set to roll out routes from now and into 2027.

Right now, the journey from central Sydney to the airport takes about 50 minutes by car, or a whopping one hour, 45 minutes on public transport (or the airport shuttle bus takes about an hour and costs $55).

So for the thousands of passengers soon to pass through Australia’s first major new airport in half a century, the question remains – where to stay?

Efforts to bump up room capacity at the terminal have stalled following the collapse of the construction firm behind its only planned hotel, a Courtyard by Marriott. This has left a significant shortage of hotels within a 20-kilometre radius of the airport, prompting declarations of a hotel crisis.

The lack of immediate rooms means that, at least initially, travellers will have to look further afield. But that’s no bad thing – it gives passengers the perfect excuse to explore western Sydney’s dynamic and delicious surrounding hubs.

Here’s our pick of the best hotels and urban retreats to stay, relax, and recharge near western Sydney’s new international gateway.

Atura Oran Park

Revheads and families alike should feel right at home at this slick new temple of motorsport heritage on Podium Way, set on the hallowed grounds of the historic Oran Park Raceway. Launching October 30, the 184-room property – the first hotel from the billionaire Perich family dynasty – brings resort-style facilities and a new Italian restaurant, Tavola, to one of south-west Sydney’s fastest-growing corridors. It’s also the closest four-star to the airport. The hotel will include design nods that pay homage to the region’s track-racing history, while the surrounding neighbourhood offers a certain suburban charm thanks to a mix of lush green spaces and bustling retail and dining hubs. Distance to airport: 25 kilometres (20 minutes’ drive). See aturahotels.com

Pullman Sydney Penrith

Penrith’s new flagship five-star stay is proof the outer west is ready for its close-up. Wrapped in a rippling glass facade by acclaimed Turner Studio, its 152 high-design rooms feature luxe Hunter Lab amenities and an in-room tablet “Sleep Therapy Menu” for custom pillow orders. In-house Marcel Bar and Bistro plates up WA lobster linguine, while the surrounding Panthers Precinct offers a lively playground of dining and activities. For a limited time, guests can flash a WSI boarding pass at check-in for an airport launch Flight Recovery Kit with chamomile tea, caramel fudge, and a sleep mask. Distance to airport: 25 kilometres (20 to 25 minutes’ drive). See pullmanpenrith.com.au

Novotel Sydney Cabramatta, Canley Vale

From lounging poolside to exploring Australia’s most dynamic Asian culinary enclave, this modernised stay delivers on all fronts. Cabramatta’s deep Vietnamese roots have earned it the title “Little Saigon” but its food scene stretches far beyond world-class pho to Laotian, Cambodian and regional Chinese flavours. Part of the $230 million Cabravale Club Resort redevelopment, the hotel is an ideal launchpad for food safaris – though staying in for fire-powered dining at Magma by Dany Karam is equally tempting. Distance to airport: 24 kilometres (25 to 30 minutes’ drive). See all.accor.com

The William Inglis Hotel – MGallery, Warwick Farm

A deep-seated passion for thoroughbred racing doesn’t stop this Riverside Stables retreat from delivering serious luxury. The real highlight? A heated rooftop pool deck where you can soak up the sun while watching horses work the track below. Downstairs, grand staircases lead to paddock-to-plate steaks at The Newmarket Room, with tranquil Georges River walking trails right on your doorstep. Distance to airport: 28 kilometres (30 to 32 minutes’ drive). See williaminglis.com.au

One Global Resorts Parramatta

The name sounds more corporate insurance firm than boutique sanctuary, but for a stylish base in Parramatta, the rebranded One Global Resorts Parramatta (formerly Skye Suites) delivers. Set within V by Crown Group’s “vertical village”, its 72 spacious suites pair sleek architecture with resort-level perks – a 25-metre outdoor pool, a sauna and a gym – all steps from Parramatta Square, Westfield, and the station. Distance to airport: 33 kilometres (35 to 45 minutes’ drive). See oneresortsparramatta.com.au

Astina Suites Penrith

Located moments from the Great River Walk and downtown Penrith’s dining hubs and artisan bakeries, this apartment-style sanctuary delivers serious resort-level indulgence. A special mention goes to Theo’s Rooftop Bar, where you can catch a superb sunset while sipping cocktails by an infinity pool and pretending you’re in Mallorca or somewhere equally Mediterranean-coded and lush. The on-site Reset Recovery Studio — complete with a spa, sauna, and ice baths — makes it almost impossible to leave the building. Distance to airport: 24 kilometres (22 to 25 minutes’ drive). See astinasuites.com.au