Arriving in a new city after a long flight can be challenging, and almost every trip to Sydney Airport is a long flight! I used to live one train stop from the airport and am still only a few stops away, so I almost always take the train to and from the airport. This Sydney Airport guide provides information about what to expect, making your arrival so much easier.
If you get lost or have questions once you arrive, keep an eye out for the volunteer Airport Ambassadors. They wear bright blue jackets to help make them easy to find.
Volunteers are located in both arrival terminals and international departures. However, armed with this list of frequently asked questions about Sydney Airport, you will be just fine!
All information checked, and prices updated September 2024
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Sydney Expert Guide to using Sydney Airport
Sydney Airport, also known as Kingsford Smith Airport, is the oldest continually operating airport in the world. It is located close to the city in the south-eastern Sydney suburb of Mascot, approx 7km-9km from the centre of the city centre, depending on which terminal you fly into.
It’s a busy place with over 29 million passenger movements a year, so at times it is crowded, and things can take a while. A second airport is being built west of the city but still a way off.
It’s a busy place with over 29 million passenger movements a year, so at times it is crowded, and things can take a while. A second airport is being built west of the city but still a way off.
How many terminals are there?
The airport has three terminals; one international and two domestic terminals. Although these are right next to each other, travel between the domestic and international terminals requires a bus or train transfer.
Terminal 1 – International Terminal
Terminal 2 – Domestic Flights – Virgin, Jetstar, Rex and Qantas (flight numbers QF1600 up)
Terminal 3 – Domestic flights Qantas (all flight numbers QF0400-1599)
The terminals are referred to as T1, T2 and T3.
How do you transfer between terminals at Sydney Airport?
Some airlines, such as Qantas and Virgin, offer free transfers for selected connecting customers. There is also a free shuttle bus, the T-Bus, which runs from 6am until 8.30pm. You will find the stop outside the Arrival Halls B exit. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
If you are in a hurry, I suggest you take the train between terminals. The station is easy to find at the International Terminal. The trip is less than five minutes, and it costs $9.30. You don’t need an Opal card; you can buy a single ticket.
A taxi can cost as much as $17-25 one way, as traffic can be horrendous between terminals.
What time does Sydney Airport open?
Sydney airport is not a 24 hour airport.
- The International Terminal is open from 3am – 11pm.
- The Domestic Terminal is open from 4am – 11pm.
After these hours, there is a flight curfew in Sydney, and flights running late are fined. So, sometimes, if there are unavoidable delays, they divert to Melbourne or Brisbane.
Can you sleep overnight at Sydney Airport?
The airport is closed overnight, so pretty much everything shuts down after 10pm. The Domestic Terminals (T2 and T3) are locked, and you cannot sleep there at all.
Near the International train station, there is a small and uncomfortable waiting area. If you have a ticket for a flight the following day, staff may let you rest here. There are no benches, and no heating is offered at night, so prepare accordingly.
If this sounds too hideous, and I would not recommend it, there is a Rydges Hotel right at the door of the International Terminal. There are several more hotels within 1 km of the domestic terminals.
How long before my flight do I need to arrive at the airport?
The suggested times are two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. If you travel by car, please allow for extended delays during peak hours. The peak traffic times are 6.30-9.30am and 4.30-6.30pm.
Other times you can breeze through in 20 minutes; it is hard to know, so don’t cut it too fine. Saturday and Sunday mornings can be just as bad as weekdays.
January 1 and 2, all NSW School holidays and the Easter weekend are also very busy.
Facilities at Sydney Airport
Is there free internet access?
Sydney Airport offers free wifi with reasonable speeds and connectivity. There are also free kiosks throughout Terminal one.
In departures, you will find a bank of them on the south side of the terminal. They are near gates 24, 31 and 53 airside (after customs). Sometimes, they move these around, so check the airport map if you can’t find them.
Can you buy a sim card?
You can buy sim cards for your mobile device from Optus, Telstra or Vodafone in the International Terminal arrivals hall. These stores are usually open until 11pm. However, it is worth noting they don’t always offer the range of exclusive (cheaper) bundles available in the city.
If you are here for a longer time or need lots of data, it is worth waiting until you can get to a supermarket (Woolworths Town Hall is an easy spot to find) where you will find a more extensive range with much better data allowances for the same price or less.
If you plan to travel outside city areas, you might want to consider a Telstra sim as these offer the best coverage in rural Australia. The Australia Post shop in the departures hall of T1 sells Telstra sim cards. There are also several private counters selling all brands.
Alternatively you can buy an esim before you arrive or on arrival from one of the local carriers.
Can you charge your devices?
Once you pass through immigration in Terminal 1, you will find many places to charge your phone. However, there are only a couple in the departures area. You will find them near the Optus shop in the middle of the hall and the northern end by the International Terminal Train station.
In Terminal 2, there are plenty of outlets by the departure gates.
Is baggage or luggage storage available at Sydney Airport?
Baggage storage is available in Terminal 1. It is operated by Smarte Carte and is open until 9.30pm each day. You will find it at the southern end of the terminal near the florist. Alternatively, wait till you get to the city and try out the Mind My Bag service.
Are there showers at Sydney Airport Terminals?
Some of the toilet blocks in Terminal 1 have shower stalls, but there is no soap or towels. You can buy basic toiletries at the Post shop at the southern end of the departures hall. In Terminal 1 (airside) near counters A and K on the departures level. Airside, you will find them near Gate 31, Gate 51. In the arrivals (landside) near check-in counter B.
Is medical help available at the airport?
A medical centre in Terminal 1 is open from 8am to 5pm. You may also get basic medical products from the pharmacies in both terminals. The nearest hospitals are St George Hospital at Kogarah and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.
What can you do while you wait for your flight?
Sadly, Sydney Airport has no making you want to linger here longer than you need to.
In the International Terminal, there are a few dozen shops and several restaurants, but no fun diversions like you find in Singapore!
If you have a long layover and no lounge access with your ticket, you have a few options:
- Buy a lounge access pass valid for three hours that will give you access to showers, wifi and comfortable workspaces, and lots to eat and drink.
Book an airline lounge pass
Grab a few hours of sleep.
If you are like me and you find it virtually impossible to sleep on a plane, consider booking a room in an airport hotel for a few hours on the day of your flight. The idea of using a room in the grounds of the airport may appeal to you.
- Book a room at the Mantra Hotel located next to the Domestic Terminal (day rooms available).
- Book a room at the Rydges Hotel in the T1 car park.
Put your sneakers on and go and explore the city centre.
- Spend some time exploring the city. My easy guide to what you can do in Sydney in 5 hours or more.
Check out our review of the full list of airport hotels for an overnight stay
Transport from Sydney Airport to the city (CBD)
Trains, buses, shuttles, and taxis operate from Sydney airport. Choosing the best transfer option will vary depending on how many people you travel with, where you are heading, and how much comfort you need.
Assuming you are going to the centre of the city (CBD)
- The fastest journey will be on the airport train – particularly in peak hour, but it is expensive ($18.70 to the city)
- The cheapest trip will be on the bus and the suburban train network (but it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted)
- The most comfortable will be with a private transfer and often these are not much more than a taxi
- The comfortable journey will be in a taxi or rideshare – but it could cost you a fortune if you travel in peak hour or need to head across the Bridge.
- All major rideshare services operate from the airport and have a designated pickup area.
There are shared shuttles starting from $20 per person, but the reliability of many of these are hit and miss. Personally I would take a rideshare.
Sydney Airport Train – ‘AirportLink.’
The airport train will get you from the International Terminal to Central Station in 15 minutes and Circular Quay in 20 minutes. It’s three minutes faster if you are travelling to the Domestic terminal.
Trains run every 10-15 minutes, with the last train leaving at 12.57am. The first train to the airport departs the city, heading to the airport at 4.20am.
I wrote a separate article with tips for taking the airport train, which will help work out the best strategies for a comfortable journey.
How much does the Sydney Airport train cost?
As these stations are privately owned, tickets are expensive on top of the usual CityRail fare, a station access fee of $17 for adults and $14 for children (5-15yrs).
If you plan on using public transport in Sydney, you can purchase an Opal Card at the airport, but you can also travel on a single-use ticket or even your credit card to tap on and off. You can read all about using Opal in this article.
The only time I would avoid the train is the early morning peak – say 7.30am-8.50am when trains are usually really crowded, and you may find it difficult to enter with your luggage.
Head to the front of the train for your best chance at some space or wait for the next train as some non-express trains are not as crowded.
Is it a good idea to take a taxi from Sydney Airport?
Taxi ranks operate outside each terminal. There are marshalls on hand to help if you need a large taxi (we call them maxi-taxi) for groups of five or more. They can also arrange taxis with children’s car seats or accessible taxis for wheelchair users.
If you are travelling in a group of three or more, a taxi is often the cheapest option. The average fare to Circular Quay is $60-90 depending on traffic. Fares will be higher in the early morning and late afternoon when peak traffic hits.
On top of your fare, there is a $5.45 airport taxi levy and a $9.51 Eastern Distributor toll if you travel to the city via this road. Between 10 pm and 6 am, a night surcharge of 50 cents per km is added to your fare. This trip should take about 20-30 minutes.
Can I use rideshares from Sydney Airport?
Rideshare services are legal in Sydney, and Sydney Airport has a designated pick up area just 20m from the terminal exit. You can book your service using the free airport wifi, and you will be given a pin code. Make your way to the pick up area and give the driver your
There is free wifi at the airport for you to access your apps without having a sim card.
Rideshare is approximately 20% cheaper than taxis. To get an idea of the cost you can check it by downloading either app and viewing the estimated cost before you book. Don’t do it too often or you will see the fare go up.
The budget traveller transport hack
Warning – This is only for genuine frugal travellers!
Two public bus routes, the 350 and the 410, go via the airport. Either of these buses will get you to a train station on the city rail network. The eastbound bus’s preferred option; ask the driver to let you off at Mascot station and change to a city train.
The bus will cost $4.15 from T1 or $3.20 from T2/3. The train will cost $4.00. Total travel time will be about 30 minutes from T1 or 15 minutes from T2/3.
From the international terminal, the westbound bus is slightly quicker. Get off at the 3rd stop, Rockdale and then join the train to the city. Do not get off at the station before this (Banksia) as this station has limited service. The bus will cost $4.15 from T1 or $5.33 from T2. The train will cost $4.97. Travel time from T1 is approx. Thirty minutes or T2/3 50 minutes.
You can either get an Opal card or use your credit/debit card or even Apple pay or Google pay. Learn how the Opal system works here
Airport Transfers
These can be the best choice if you have to head into the northern beaches or any of Sydney’s outer suburbs. We sometimes use these for booking transfers and have had no problems with Airport Shuttle North, which confusingly also goes west! Both of these services list their pricing on their websites.
If you are someone who gets off a 10 plus hour long flight dazed (umm yep!) a pre-booked transfer can be a great idea.
Budget – Shared Shuttle
If you like the idea of arriving to a pre-arranged shuttle, then this service by Go Sydney Shuttle has a better reputation than most. It’s affordable at less than $20 per person. It’s a shared service, and they make 2-4 stops along the way depending on the number of passengers.
They monitor your flight arrival information so they will meet your flight even if there are delays. At only $2-3 more than the train, it is a good option if your hotel is not near a train station or if you don’t fancy tackling an unfamiliar public transport system after a long flight.
Private Transfers
If you prefer a private transfer, you can book a private transfer for 2-3 people from $92 premium transfer starting at $150 for up to 6 passengers. The uniformed driver will be waiting with your name card to take you directly to your hotel. Larger vehicles are also available for groups. There are even wheelchair and baby seat vehicles available. You can check the full range of options here.
But wait, there’s more.
- You can also hire a car; almost all the leading companies have desks at the arrivals halls. Try the comparison site Discover Cars for your options.
We have also written a detailed guide to the different parts of Sydney to stay in and the pros and cons of each area. Also, please don’t rule out airport hotels; some are great.
Need to save $$$ check out these budget hotels in Sydney or for an apartment perfect for a short stay take a look at our review of Skye Suites Green Square – just 10 minutes from the terminal.
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
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!