DiDi Sydney: Your guide to rideshare in the city

Chinese app DiDi first made an appearance in the Australian ridesharing scene in mid-2018 with competitive prices for everyday rides.

DiDi is officially available in Sydney, and you can also find DiDi in other Aussie cities including Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

With DiDi now thrown into the Sydney mix with the powerhouse Uber and the India-based Ola, we've laid out all the details you'll need for the best prices in town.

Current rideshare promo codes in Sydney

Rideshare pick-up zones at Sydney Airport

Rideshare pick-ups are available at Sydney Airport using either DiDi, Uber and Ola. You can also request to be picked up from either the domestic or international terminals.

Once you've got your luggage and exited the terminal, simply send the request as you normally would and your driver will meet you at the pick-up area. For domestic arrivals, this is the Priority Pick-up Zone. For international arrivals, this is the Express Pick-up Zone.

An airport surcharge applies for airport pick-ups and ranges from $4.20 to $11, depending on the ride type chosen and the terminal.

Image: Uber

Rideshare rates in Sydney

DiDi in Sydney

You have the option to ride either Express which holds up to four passengers, or in a Max which fits up to six passengers.

For your day-to-day needs an Express is the savvier option, with Max coming in handy when you and your group need some extra seats (or space).

Uber in Sydney

Uber has five ride options in Sydney and rates vary depending on which option you choose.

UberX is the most economical option for everyday rides, while Uber Assist provides certified drivers for passengers who need a bit of extra help at no extra cost.

UberXL is great for groups or if you have more baggage than usual, with space for up to six passengers in a roomier SUV or van. Uber Select provides comfortable cars with top-rated drivers, and Uber Premier is for when you want a premium ride in a high-end car.

Ola in Sydney

Ola offers two ways to ride in Sydney. Prime Sedan is your everyday ride choice and Prime SUV covers you when you need something larger or are travelling with groups of up to six passengers.

Rideshare rates in Sydney

A comparison of DiDi, Uber and Ola's cheapest ride options shows an almost dollar for dollar match.

You might be able to make a saving with either company using the promo codes offered above.

For an idea of prices, a DiDi Express from Sydney Airport to Bondi Beach will be around $32 (full-price fare averages at about $42).

An Uber ride will cost approximately $45.24 to $91.30, depending on your chosen ride option. A trip with Ola would cost $41 to $69.

Ola also often runs a 20%-off airport discount, which could cheapen your ride.

Rideshare FAQs

• Do DiDi, Uber and Ola cars have baby seats?

  DiDi does not yet offer baby seats in its Sydney rides. Some uberX cars come already equipped with a baby seat, which you can request by choosing the "car seat" option in the app. A $10 fee will be added to your ride for its use.

  Ola does not provide an option to request a car seat in Sydney either.

• Are DiDi, Uber and Ola pet-friendly?

  All service animals are allowed with DiDi, Uber and Ola, as per accessibility laws. Pets, however, are allowed at the discretion of the driver and riders should contact the driver through the app to request permission first.