Sydney Airport Guide: What To Do, When To Arrive & How To Get Into The City [2026]
Arriving at Sydney Airport after a long flight can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you are jet‑lagged, short on time or juggling kids and luggage. This Sydney airport guide is written by a local who has been using the airport for years and knows the tricks that make arrivals, departures and layovers easier
This local’s guide explains Sydney Airport’s three terminals, opening hours (including the overnight curfew), what time to arrive for early morning flights, and exactly what you can do at the airport while you wait. You’ll also find honest advice on trains, taxis, rideshares and budget hacks for getting between the airport and the Sydney CBD.
All information checked, and prices updated January 2026
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Sydney Airport at a glance
Sydney Airport, officially Sydney Kingsford Smith, is Australia’s busiest airport and one of the oldest continually operating airports in the world. It sits in Mascot, about 8–9km south of the CBD, so once you clear customs you can usually reach the city in 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and your chosen transport
There are three terminals:
- T1 – International
- T2 – Domestic (Virgin, Jetstar, Rex and some Qantas flights QF1600+)
- T3 – Domestic (mainline Qantas, flights QF0400–1599)
Sydney also operates under a night‑time flight curfew, which means there are no scheduled take‑offs or landings between 11pm and 6am, and that has a knock‑on effect on when the terminals open and close.
If you get lost in the terminal, keep an eye out for the volunteer Airport Ambassadors in bright blue jackets – they’re there to help and are usually excellent at pointing you the right way.
Let start by answering the most common questions we get asked….
Is Sydney Airport open 24 hours?
Sydney Airport is not a 24‑hour airport, which surprises a lot of long‑haul travellers. Because of the night‑time curfew, the public areas of the terminals close for several hours overnight and you can’t just curl up in a quiet corner like you might in other hubs.
As a guide, the international terminal (T1) generally opens from around 2:30–3:00am until about 11:00pm, while the domestic terminals (T2 and T3) open from 4:00am and also close around 11:00pm. Exact times can shift slightly with airline schedules, but you won’t find any normal passenger access in the middle of the night.
Can you sleep at Sydney Airport?
In short, Sydney is not a great airport for sleeping. Once the terminals close late at night there are no proper rest zones, recliners or quiet rooms where you can stretch out.
The domestic terminals (T2 and T3) are locked overnight, so you can’t stay inside at all. T1 has a small, basic waiting area near the train station where staff may let ticketed passengers sit until check‑in opens, but there are only hard chairs, no heating and no facilities, so it’s really a “last resort” option rather than a planned strategy.
If you value sleep even a little, an airport hotel is a much better choice. Rydges Sydney Airport sits directly opposite T1, and there are several more airport hotels within a short walk, shuttle or rideshare of the domestic terminals and Mascot station, which work well for both late arrivals and very early departures.
- Read: Which Sydney Airport Hotels Should You Book? for detailed reviews and which properties offer day rates.
- Read: Moxy Sydney Airport review if you like a bit of personality with your airport stay.
If you’re anything like me and stumble off a 10‑plus‑hour flight in a daze, paying for a real bed, hot shower and blackout curtains near the airport is worth every cent.
What time should you get to the Airport in Sydney?
The general rule of thumb is two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, and that’s still a good starting point here. Sydney Airport is busy, and once you add traffic, parking shuttles or train crowds into the mix, cutting it fine is rarely a good idea.
Roads around the airport are often slow on weekday mornings (about 6:30–9:30am) and late afternoons (about 4:30–6:30pm), and school holidays, Easter and New Year can be full‑on in the terminals too. If you’re checking bags, travelling with kids or flying in one of these peak periods, give yourself a bit more buffer than the bare minimum – it’s much less stressful to have time for a coffee than to be clock‑watching in the security queue.
What time to get to Sydney Airport for a 6am flight?
Early‑morning departures are popular at Sydney, which means a lot of people arriving the moment the doors open. Here’s a realistic guide for 6am flights.
For a 6am international flight from T1, the terminal usually opens around 2:30–3:00am, with check‑in desks starting soon after and security/immigration from about 4:00am. Aim to arrive between 3:00–3:30am so you’re there when check‑in opens and have time to deal with any hiccups before the queues build.
For a 6am domestic flight from T2 or T3, terminal doors open from 4:00am and check‑in typically opens about two hours before departure. A safe target is 4:00–4:30am, earlier in peak school‑holiday periods or if you’re checking luggage and prefer not to rush.
Personally, if I had separate tickets or a tight connection, I’d always err on the earlier side – it’s easier to kill 20 spare minutes than to fix a missed flight
Things to do at Sydney Airport (while you wait)
Sydney Airport isn’t exactly a destination in its own right, but there are enough practical facilities to make a layover or early arrival bearable, especially in T1. If you plan ahead a little, you can shower, eat properly, get online and even grab a nap without too much trouble.
Wi‑Fi and staying connected
Sydney Airport offers free Wi‑Fi throughout the terminals, which is usually fast enough for email, social media and basic browsing. In T1 there are also internet kiosks dotted around, including near gates 24, 31 and 53 airside, although the exact locations can change, so it’s worth checking the terminal map.
SIM cards and eSIMs
In the T1 arrivals hall you’ll walk past several counters for Optus, Telstra and Vodafone selling prepaid SIMs aimed at visitors. These are convenient if you want to get online immediately, but the bundles are often pricier and less generous than the supermarket deals you’ll find in the city.
If you’re heading into regional Australia, Telstra generally has the best coverage and you can pick up Telstra SIMs at the Australia Post shop in T1 departures as well as in major supermarkets once you reach town. Another easy option is to buy an eSIM (from a local carrier or global provider) before you fly and activate it when you hit the airport Wi‑Fi.
Alternatively you can buy an esim before you arrive or on arrival from one of the local carriers.
Charging your devices
Power points and charging stations are scattered around the gates in T1 and T2, which is handy if your phone or laptop didn’t survive the flight. Landside in T1 there are fewer outlets, but you’ll usually find some near the Optus shop in the middle of the hall and towards the train‑station end of the terminal.
Showers
If you want to freshen up, there are free shower cubicles in several T1 bathrooms; you just need to bring your own towel and toiletries. You’ll find them airside near gates 24, 31 and 51, and landside near check‑in area B and in a couple of other toilet blocks.
For a more comfortable shower (and guaranteed hot water and towel), airline lounges and independent lounges in T1 – plus the domestic lounges in T2 and T3 – all offer showers for eligible passengers or those buying paid lounge access.
Shopping, food and lounges
T1 has the widest choice, with duty‑free, fashion and tech stores as well as cafés, bars and restaurants on both sides of security. T2 and T3 have smaller but decent food courts and coffee spots clustered around the gates, which are perfectly fine for a quick feed before a domestic hop.
If you’ve got a few hours to fill and no status, paying for a lounge pass can be the nicest way to wait: you’ll usually get food, drinks, Wi‑Fi, quieter seating and a shower included. If you know you’ll be wrecked after a long‑haul flight, pre‑booking either a lounge or a day room at one of the airport hotels is one of those decisions your future self will be very grateful for.
Book an airline lounge pass
Family facilities and kids’ activities
Sydney Airport has made some effort to keep younger travellers occupied.
- Baby‑change facilities and parents’ rooms are located throughout all terminals, both landside and airside.
- T1 offers children’s play areas and a small kids’ cinema airside where they can run off some energy or watch family‑friendly shows before boarding.
If your kids are climbing the walls and you have a long layover, a quick trip into the city or a nearby park or beach can be a sanity‑saver compared with sitting landside for hours.
Layover ideas: stay at the airport or go to the city?
How you spend your layover largely depends on your connection time and whether you have to collect and re‑check bags.
- Short layovers (up to 3 hours): Stay airside, stretch your legs, grab a proper coffee or meal, take a quick shower and charge everything.
- Medium layovers (3–6 hours): Consider a paid lounge, especially if you are tired or need to work. Alternatively book a day‑use room at Rydges, Moxy or one of the domestic‑side hotels if you need a power nap and shower between long‑haul legs.
- Long layovers (6+ hours): Store large bags with Smarte Carte in T1 and head into the CBD by train, rideshare or taxi.
With 6–8 hours you can stroll around Circular Quay, the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden, then be back in good time for your onward flight.
For ideas once you hit the city:
- Read: The Ultimate Sydney Layover Guide for hour‑by‑hour options.
- Read: One Day in Sydney or Essential Sydney itineraries if you have a longer window.
If you know you like to faff around in duty‑free or take a million photos, add extra time on the way back – it’s much more relaxing than watching the clock in the immigration queue.
Getting between terminals (T1, T2 and T3)
Although the terminals sit next to each other, you can’t walk between them easily with luggage; you need a bus, train or shuttle.
- Airline transfers: Qantas and Virgin Australia sometimes offer free terminal transfers for eligible connecting passengers – always check your booking first.
- T‑Bus shuttle: A paid shuttle bus linking T1 and T2/T3 runs roughly between 6:00am and 8:30pm and takes around 10–15 minutes.
- Train (AirportLink): The train between Domestic and International stations takes just 2–3 minutes; there is a station access fee between the two airport stations plus a small rail fare.
- Taxi / rideshare: A taxi or rideshare can do the transfer in around 10 minutes in light traffic, but delays and cost variances make this the least predictable option.
It can get a little confusing following the transfer signs which seem to just stop at immigration, so don’t feel shy about asking an Ambassador or airport staff to point you in the right direction.
How to get from Sydney Airport to the city
There is no single “best” way; the right choice depends on your budget, group size, luggage and time of day.
Airport train (AirportLink)
The train is usually the fastest way to the CBD, particularly in peak‑hour traffic.
- Journey time: About 15 minutes to Central and 20 minutes to Circular Quay from T1; slightly faster from the domestic terminals.
- Frequency: Trains run roughly every 10–15 minutes, with the first train to the airport leaving the city around 4:20am and the last leaving the airport around 12:57am.
- Cost: Fares include a station access fee at the airport stations (around A$18 for adults with Opal/contactless) plus the standard rail fare; use the Transport NSW Trip Planner or Opal fare calculator for current prices.
The main downside is crowding during the morning commuter peak (around 7:30–8:50am), when it can be hard to board with large luggage. Standing near the front or rear of the train often gives you a bit more room.
- Read: Tips for taking the Sydney Airport train for step‑by‑step tips, photos and tricks to save a few dollars.
- Read: Visitor’s guide to Opal cards if you’re planning to use public transport beyond the airport trip.
Taxis
Personally I avoid the taxi queue at Sydney airport because I find rideshares offer better experiences. However there are stands at each terminal with marshals to help organise maxi‑taxis, child‑seat vehicles or accessible cabs. If you need these services then a taxi is still the best option.
- Typical fare to the CBD (Circular Quay): Roughly A$60–90 depending on traffic, tolls and time of day.
- Extras: Airport levy, Eastern Distributor toll if used, and a small night‑time surcharge between 10pm and 6am.
- Travel time: Usually 20–30 minutes, but it can blow out in peak hour or if there are incidents on the roads.
For groups of three or more with luggage, a taxi can be competitive with the combined cost of multiple train tickets.
Rideshares
Rideshare services such as Uber and Didi are fully legal and have signed pick‑up zones a short walk from each terminal.
You can use the airport’s free Wi‑Fi to order a car, then follow the app to the designated pick‑up area and provide the PIN or car details to your driver. Fares are often around 20% cheaper than standard taxis, although dynamic pricing can apply during surges.
Budget hack: bus + suburban train instead of AirportLink
For genuinely budget‑conscious travellers, combining a regular bus with the suburban rail network avoids the airport station access fee.
- Buses 350 and 420 stop at or near the terminals and connect you to nearby stations such as Mascot or Rockdale, where you can change to a regular suburban train into the city.
- You’ll pay a normal bus fare plus a standard train fare, which typically works out significantly cheaper than paying the airport access fee, at the cost of a bit more time and effort.
This hack is best suited to light‑packers who are comfortable using public transport and don’t mind handling luggage on a regular bus.
- Read: Using Sydney’s public transport for a bigger picture of how buses, trains and ferries fit together.
Shuttles and private transfers
Shared shuttles and private transfer companies operate between the airport and most Sydney suburbs and can work well if you:
- Are staying in areas poorly served by trains
- Have a lot of luggage or mobility issues
- Prefer a driver waiting with a sign after a long‑haul flight.
Shared shuttles are usually cheaper per person than taxis but may involve multiple stops, while private transfers cost more but take you straight to your door.
Planning the rest of your Sydney stay
Once you’ve made it out of the airport, choosing the right area to stay and planning your time in the city will make a huge difference to your trip.
- Read: How to choose where to stay in Sydney and Where to stay in Sydney for neighbourhood overviews and hotel suggestions.
- Read: Essential Sydney itineraries or 3 days in Sydney to start building your sightseeing plan.
- Read: Uncover 5 fun ways to explore Sydney Harbour for ideas once you’re settled in.
Thank you for simplifying all the info one needs when visiting an unfamiliar big city
Thanks John,
That certainly is an option for anyone who does not have a lot of luggage or is on a tight budget. Use Wolli Creek for the International Terminal or Mascot for the Domestic. Make sure you check Google maps for the quickest route.
Can Sydney International terminal workers get a free shuttle bus around the airport area for work purposes ? When do they run ?
I am sorry Peter I am not sure if there are any special staff buses. I know qantas used to have one for their staff but not sure how many people actually work in both terminals.
The idea is great when one considers the other options but how dare it be called a ‘dedicated airport train service’ and charged accordingly?
Try getting off a long international flight with young children/ elderly folk and the accompanying baggage then doing battle with commuters to the extent that it is difficult to board the train and unlikely you will get a seat, once in the door.
Not only is it a challenge to those of us accustomed to this chaos, it is an embarrassment to be associated with this apology of a service where overseas visitors are subjected to it after having read the ‘over- the- top advertising’ so prominently displayed.
You are right it should not be called a dedicated airport service. The service can be a shambles during peak hours and I would certainly not recommend it for anyone travelling with young children or the elderly. As long as you move along the platform it is a lot easier to get on the front and back carriages. Every second service is an all stations train lower down the line and usually has a little more room. Hopefully one day they will drop the expensive gate fee.
Nice Post.I really enjoy it.
Helpful information but for plurals NEVER use apostrophes. It is “taxis” not “taxi’s”.
Appreciate the tip, I have edited the original copy.
Hello everyone,
I am going to an event in Sydney Olympic Park, and I am looking for the FASTEST way to get there from the Airport – the cost doesn’t matter.
Would jumping into a cab be the best option?
Thanks!
Hi Natalie
If budget is not an issue then a cab is by far the best option.
Hope you have a great visit.
I have an 11:30am flight on Boxing Day and live on the northern beaches. We were going to drive in but have heard that roads will be closed on Boxing Day. What are the best alternatives?
As far as I know, only roads around Pitt St and Elizabeth Street will be closed for the Boxing Day sales. It should be possible to drive to the airport via the western distributor and Botany Road although it may take longer. I would consider the train if you can get to the North shore line. You change at Wynyard to the airport line, it is relatively straightforward. There are lifts at both stations and the trip from Wynyard is about 25 mins.
So if I catch the bus to mascot station and then the train to where I’m going I don’t have to pay the ridiculous $14 to get out of the airport?
That’s right Jenni. Take the 400 bus to Mascot ($2.60 without or $2.10 with Opal) then a short walk to the station and $3.38 peak (or $2.36 off peak) to the city by train. Approx total cost to city $5.50 A saving of about $12 – I agree the station access fee is a joke but personally I would not bother doing the bus and train unless I was on a really tight budget.
thank you for your help , I am on a tight budget, i’m only coming to syndey for the day from melbourne and the difference will be like $16 in total for my travel compared to close to $40 .
Hi Sydney Expert, Good Day.
May I know the distance from the aiport to the 400 bus? And if possible, can I know the bus station name?
Thanks mate
The 400 bus stops at the front of the airport terminal. It will be just a short walk from the arrivals or departure halls.
Hello just making sure you can catch a train from domestic airport to international
Hi Carolyn
Yes the terminals are linked by train – it takes just a few minutes to travel between the two. Airport Link offers a $6.00 (one way, per person) single transfer ticket for passengers travelling between the T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals.
Hi! May I know how I can go from Sydney international airport to Orange via the train?
Am I right that I have to
1. take a shuttle/train from airport to Central Station (is that the correct name?)
2. take a train from there to Orange (https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/places-to-visit/orange)
My sincere apologies if this is the wrong place to ask my question!
Ian
Hi Ian, that is correct! Train from International to Central station, the fare is about $17.76 You can save money by taking the 400 public bus from the international to Mascot Station and then taking the train for about $9 in total but if your budget is not super tight I would just pay the train fare.
So who would have thought it would be so complicated to get from Sydney Airport to the CBD. Too many options. I’m traveling with 2 other adults & 1 child (age 9),so 4 of us in total. Arrive on Thursday 530pm. Need to get to Mantra 2 Bond (next to Wynward Station apparently) Thinking of catching a cab but wondering with the traffic it could cost a fortune. Do you think it would be worth catching the train, even though it’s so expensive. Thanks, TM
I am so sorry Tina – your comment ended up in spam. I have just discovered it. I would personally take a rideshare. Uber has a special pickup area at the international airport that is only a few minutes walk from the arrivals doors. I am sure it would cost less than the train.
Would you please give us ( Me,my wife,our daughter)suggestion the cheapest transport,and not so many transfer from Sydney International airport to 428 Pitt street,CBD, thank you
For 3 travellers it is probably almost as cheap as the train to catch an Uber/Ola – it depends on the time of day and amount of traffic. The train is very straightforward and will have you at Central Station in 15 mins. It would be probably another 10-15 mins to walk to your accommodation. There are also shuttle services but I have not used any of these and am reluctant to recommend them. Perhaps pop over to our Facebook Community and ask the group for personal recommendations.
Question regarding transferring between T1 and T3: I am asking on behalf of friends who do not speak English well (one is a minor)and have never travelled internationally. They are travelling on Air Canada to Sydney. They then have separate tickets to Perth on Qantas. Everything I have read about getting between the terminals seems confusing: Qantas to Qantas; Oneworld air lines; others.
Since they fall into the ‘others’ category because they have separate tickets for the Perth leg and are not part of Oneworld, what is the easiest (but not costly) way for them to get to T3.
The least confusing way is to take the train – Airport Link offers a $6.40 per person single ticket for passengers travelling between the T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals. The journey takes only two minutes. The train station is well signposted and there are lifts and escalators so it’s really quite easy. The journey takes less than 5 minutes and there are trains very regularly.
I am arriving by 6-7 am and would need to travel to North Ryde with considerable luggage (Alone/1 person). What would be the safest/convenient way?
Thanks for your prompt reply. What level does the train leave from? Once they catch the train, is the stop for Terminal 3 announced or posted? They are very uncomfortable about what happens once they arrive in Sydney. I am hoping to give them very specific instructions.
Hi I would take an rideshare – the traffic at 6 will be fine, by 7am it will be building up but the train will require you to change at Central and by the time you get there it will be peak hour. The train from the city to Ryde will not be too bad as it’s going in the opposite direction but unless you have a tight budget I would do a rideshare (Uber, Ola, Taxify)
This video is very helpful for giving them a clear idea of what will happen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUoIzu2Wrkw
The station for terminal 3 is called the Sydney Domestic Terminal station. They will find the stations in the basements of both the International Terminal (Terminal 1) and the Domestic Terminal. There are signs all the way along as shown in the video
I will arrive in September with my 10 year old daughter, our flight arrives at 20.15. We have 29 hours of travel behind us, and would like to get to our hotel (The Grace) as soon as possible. What would you suggest? I’m not sure if I will be able to use my mobil Thank you 🙂
The best option will probably be a taxi – you can use free wifi in the airport on arrival to book an Uber and there is a specific pick up area that makes it easier to find them once they arrive. You can estimate the taxi cost using this page https://www.taxifare.com.au/ Also our google maps in Sydney lists public transport and rideshare options with price estimates to give you a better idea.
Great guide! In fact a well-researched piece of content. Covering the travel between the airports to any specific place in the city. Keep the good work going.
Hi. I read there haw been changes at the airport – there is a special needs relative (non speaking – non literate) coming in from Melbourne – can I still meet him at the gate? He usually flies Virgin.
I just called the airport and double checked and they said you can still meet people at the domestic flight gates. You just need to allow time to pass through security.
Hello, we area party of 3 adults arriving in Sydney on Thursday, Dec. 27, 18 around 4pm. We are staying at Mantra on Kent St. What is the easiest way to our hotel. Taxi or Uber? At this time of the day would uber be cheaper than a taxi?
Hi Nina Rideshare services are always cheaper than Taxis and of the various services available in my experience as a heavy user OLA is the preferred operator. They are cheaper than Uber and usually more reliable. If you use the code in the article above you will get $20 off your first ride – which could be almost half the fare depending on the traffic. Just made sure you enter the code while you are registering your details after you download the app.
Thank you very much for such a detailed write-up. Your work will certainly help me as I plan on leveraging a few things you highlighted.
I am arriving at Sydney domestic airport on December 25th. What is the terminal for Jetstar from Melbourne? Will I be able to take the 400 bus (Eastbound) from the respective terminal to Mascot in order to get the train to CBD? My understanding is that I can pay for the ticket in the bus. Being Christmas Day, will the buses and trains operate regular times or they have a reduced schedule? If so, where can I find that?
Hi Sydney expert, we are a party of 4 adults 5 children flying out from the T1 at 6am. My husband and friends husband are going to drop us 2 ladies off with the kids then park the car at an external car park, is it possible to walk from Gertrude Street, Wolli Creek to the T1 terminal or will they have to take a taxi? They won’t have any luggage or children with them…
Hi Cassandra Yes you can walk from Gertrude Street but it will take about 15 minutes. It’s a fairly easy walk that many airport staff who live in the area do every day.
Hi, what is the nearest point to Darling Harbour(Woolbrokers Hotel) to get off from the 400 Bus from International Terminal?
Hi, can you pay for the 400 bus with a card? Or is it cash only?
Yes you can use an opal card but not a credit card.
Hi You would have to leave the 400 bus at Mascot Station and join a train to Central, then jump on the light rail around to Darling Harbour.
Hello
We need transfer with Ready2go to IBIS BUDGET EAST SYDNEY. We arrive very late at 22:30 from Dubai. Is any problem for shuttle or taxi transfer provided by Ready2go?
Regards
Ales
You will have no trouble catching a taxi and at this time of night that would be my recommendation.
Hi Sydney Expert, my friend will arrive at T2 terminal at 7:40 pm via Virgin Australia and she has to catch at flight to Hawaii at 9:40 pm by Hawaiian Airlines. The bookings between flight are done separately although I found out that Hawaiian Airlines is a codeshare partner airline of Virgin Australia. What is her best option to get to the international airport faster, by taxi or Virgin’s Seamless Transfer? Thank you.
If the airline can arrange the transfer I would do that but the next quickest way and possibly the quickest way is to take the train between terminals. You can tap on with a credit or debit card as long as it has a chip.
Hi, can passengers in International terminal can go from Arrival to Departure? I’m planning to pickup my friend who is coming from Singapore.
Can she come and wait at departure and I can pick her straight from there?
Pls let me know
Thanks
It’s pretty difficult to pcik up from departures as staff move you along pretty quickly. It can be done if you coordinate by phone and she is waiting as you pull it but its safer to use the offical pick up area.
Hi,
I will be traveling from New Zealand to Phuket via Sydneycand Singapore., all on the one ticket.
I will have about an 8 hour transit stop in Sydney, where I change from Air New Zealand to Singapore Airlines. I plan to have my luggage checked through all the way to Phuket.
Question: Because I have 8 hours in Sydney, am I allowed to check through immigration, etc. to Landside, then say 5-6 hours later recheckin to rejoin my itinerary? Reason I ask is I would quite like to meet up with sone Sydney friends – at a landside redtaurant/bar at or near airport, before continuing my journey.
I am not an immigration specialist so I am not going to be able to give you a definative answer. There is a transit visa for this purpose (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/transit-771) however I think with Covid rules this might be a bit ambitious. You would have to check hee https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19 as the rules change on April 18 and I don’t want to give you incorrect advice.
New Question Sydney expert regarding travelling between airport terminals. Our direct Virgin Melbourne to Fiji flight has now been changed to go via Sydney and change planes. Our luggage will be put straight through at Melbourne to Fiji, but we have to go through Customs and Immigration in Sydney. We have just under 2 hours to make it through and we are panicking we wont make it. We plan to catch the airport train to terminal 1, we only have hand luggage. We arrive in domestic terminal 7.55am and depart international 9.45am. All our paper work is up to date, as we are vetted in Melbourne, just the immigration and customs to get through. Will this be enough time?
Hi Jennifer , I do think this is enough time, the train takes just a few minutes and is a short 5 minute walk from the arrivals hall. Depending on when you are travelling, the queues at departures have been very long over the holidays, perhaps make yourself known to airline staff at the gate and they will escort you through if the flight is close.
Hello there! I appreciate all the info that you’ve compiled here. I just have one question: Is it possible to ride the T-Bus or train with a luggage trolley? I know it sounds ridiculous to ask that but I am travelling with a 4 year old, two large suitcases and a roll-on hand carry so it’s a lot of stuff to lug around. We are arriving at Terminal 1 at around 7am, then have to transfer to Terminal 2 for a domestic flight at 10am. I think we’d have enough time to get there by taxi even if there was traffic, but I’d prefer to keep that option as a last resort.
You have enough time to take a taxi. I don’t think you can take a trolly on the bus, the might help you but I would probably take a taxi personally. Can you not get your luggage booked directly to your final destination?
Hi Sydney Expert,
This is really a Great overview ! I have one question that i have Not found here.
We will be arriving with an Infant of 8 months coming from Dubai with Emirates and booked a Taxi with an infant Seat in advance.
Now the Companies Terms and conditions State that if we are not at the Taxi within an Hour after the Touchdown we have to pay an additional fee for each extra minute the driver has to wait. Now I wonder: is 1 Hour Realistic having to Go through Customs, picking up luggage, Maybe Change or feed the Baby?
Thank you,
Philipp
1 hour would usually be enough- but with current travel woes who knows. It is really hard to guage. If you need to change the baby perahps one of you could do that while the other waits for the luggage or in the immigration queue. I have sometimes been through in 20 minutes and other times 90 mins. Did you book a taxi or a transfer company?
Hi, I am travelling to Perth from Canada and would arrive in Sydney International and would need to change Terminal. I presume, I would need to collect checked in baggage in Sydney, pass through customs and they proceed to T2. Is there a facility at T1 to drop off baggage for next flight instead of carrying them all the way to T2.
I would check with your airline if they offer a seamless transfer service (Qantas and Emirates do not sure about others) There is a free transfer bus that stops right at the terminal doors. There is also a transfer desk in T1 that can provide assistance. The bus takes 20 minutes to travel between the domestic and international terminals. The train costs $7 and takes 2 minutes https://airportlink.com.au/trip-information/terminal-transfer/
Hi, We land at 9.30pm from Toronto Canada, I undertsand that the airport closes in sydney from 11pm to 3am,
Will we be able to cross immigration and customs before the airport closes? what happens if its after? travelling with 3 young kids and was not aware of airport curfrew.
Hi Sydney Expert,
Thank you for your detailed and expert information.
I’m wondering if you would mind giving me your opinion – I have a Delta flight scheduled to arrive at 6:45am from NY next week and am then connecting to a separately booked Virgin flight to Melb at 9:30am.
I have heard bad stories about baggage claim wait times.
Do you think I would have enough time to collect my bags and transfer or should I change my Virgin flight?
All the best,
Hi Lauren sorry I did not reply sooner, its much better reaching us on the FB Group as we don’t always seem to get notified of comments. Sydney airport is a mess at the moemnt. While you would normally have no problme with that connection I am really not confident to say you won’t right now. The school holidays are over so things might have calmed down. It’s impossible to say.
Yes, you will be able to pass through customs and baggage collection before they close. No flights can land after curfew and once everyone is out they will close the airport but you will be fine! Hope you have an uneventful trip!
ok, thanks so much for your response!
Top write up. simple:direct – – but so full of frustrating verification for my 67 y o wife’s imposed predicament…. Originally(as booked), was arriving @ 19:45 frm Hawaii then depart for Melb @ 22:30 — NOW that SydMel flight is cancelled (post booking) with her bumped to depart for Melb @ 06:00 next morning ergo, an unexpected stop over in seemingly one of the bottom listed least ‘passenger friendly’ airports in the world. No rest areas : seemingly ‘0’ passenger contingency plan for this scenario. Shell out $260+ for a circa 7 hour slump in a hotel room or, while away the hours in a has to be purposely designed cold uncomfortable/unpleasant train track waiting room. WOW! isn’t this a good example of corporate caring for customer well being [sarcasm].
So, if you mite perhaps be able to answer, what time is last and 1st trains between internationaldomestic?
Thanks again for the info so far.
cheers.
I totally agree the airport is not at all comfortable and have very few if any redeeming features sadly. There are some cheaper airport hotels near the domestic airport and at Mascot station. This is a very short trip away by uber. The first airprt train is at 4.20am from Central and the 12.57am from the airport towards the city. The timetable is here https://airportlink.com.au/timetables/ Check hotels here https://sydneyexpert.com/sydney-airport-hotel/
Hey you replied!
Thanks 🙂
yeah, we waved the white flag & booked a #^*~ hotel for her. And I suspect that this wont be the last trauma for her on this trip… a looming baglad strike on the horizon…
It isn’t back to 3 months to Europe in the bilge deck of a sailing ship yet but -unless your a 1st classist- traveling is now an arduous, uncertain task.
Thanks again.
Hi Sydney Expert
I am flying into Sydney from London in February 2024. I then have a separate booking on Qantas fron Sydney to Auckland four hours later. My questions are:
1. Do I need to collect my bags, clear immigration and effectively go landside even though I am transiting? In some airports you can effectively check in and ‘drop bags’ without leaving the secure area.
2. If I need to collect my bags and go landside to check in for my onward flight, does that mean I need a visitor or transit visa?
3. Is 4 hours enough connection time to do all this?!!
Thank you!
My friend frank David came to Sydney airport , I am his very good friend and he is lost there in sydney ,he knows no one except me, I invited him to visit me in Brisbane, for a few months as he will have to go back to work in November I think he could be in a visa problem can u please help me Lana syed in brisbane
Hi experts! Do you know if I arrive from an international flight to Sydney airport, can I go to the departure transit area? I would like to purchase some products from there..
Hello,
How long does it take to take back luggages at the arrival ?
I don’t know what time is the best to tell the taxi to pick me up.
Thank you!
It really depends on how many flights land at the same time. It can be anything from 30 minutes to an hour.
Take care with taxis, last year my card was scammed by taxi driver on trip from international airport. He took almost $1000 off my eftpos card.
Thanks for the comprehensive guide to Sydney Airport! I’m planning a trip to Australia soon and this information was incredibly helpful. Your detailed breakdown of the airport layout, transportation options, and amenities made me feel more confident and prepared for my journey. Can’t wait to share my own experiences at the airport and read more of your content in the future!
Very Nice & through information, really appreciate your time & efforts.