Sydney Airport is the gateway to everything Sydney has to offer. It is located just five miles from the city center, meaning that you can be at attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in no time. Before rushing off on your travels, however, you may want to know a bit more about the airport you are arriving at and departing from. Here is an introduction to the terminals, transport options, services, and accommodations at Sydney Airport.
Sydney Airport Overview
Sydney Airport has been in continual operation for more than 100 years. Today, it is the busiest airport in Australia, connecting Sydney to more than 40 international destinations. It serves as a hub for Qantas, Jetstar Airways, and Virgin Australia, as well as a focus city for Air New Zealand. Other major airlines that service Sydney Airport include Air Canada, Air China, British Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air. The airport handles more than 27 million domestic passengers and nearly 17 million international passengers a year.
Terminals
There are three passenger terminals at the Sydney Airport. Terminal 1, located in the northwest sector of the airport, is used for international flights and has two concourses. Concourse B is used by Qantas, as well as Oneworld and Skyteam members. Concourse C is used by Virgin Australia, its partners (including Delta), and Star Alliance members. Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 both service domestic passengers and are located across a runway from Terminal 1, in the airport’s northeast sector.
- Passengers with connecting flights between the domestic and international terminals are advised to allow for longer transfer times. Some airlines provide free passenger transfers, but you can also take a shuttle bus or the train between the two.
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Getting to and from Sydney
There are several different options for getting to the city from Sydney Airport. No matter your budget or travel preferences, you can be in the heart of Sydney and enjoying your vacation in no time.
Taxi
Catching a taxi is one of the most convenient and straightforward ways of getting into Sydney, and there is a taxi rank located outside of each terminal. A ride into the city will take 20 to 25 minutes and cost $45 to $55.
Rideshare
Both Uber and Ola provide service to and from Sydney Airport. Request a ride through the app, and your driver will meet you at the Express Pick-Up Zone of the international terminal or the Priority Pick-up Zone at the domestic terminals. Rideshare is generally a cheaper option than taking a taxi in Australia. However, this will depend on factors such as time of day and selected vehicle.
Train
The fastest way to get from Sydney Airport to Sydney is by train. The Airport Link stops at the domestic and international terminals, and trains run approximately every 20 minutes. Fares can be paid with Visa, Amex, or Mastercard, or you can purchase an Opal Card at the station if you intend to keep using public transport while in Sydney.
Shuttle
There are two main shuttle services operating at Sydney Airport: Redy2go and Mozio. Shuttle service may be a good option for you if you are looking for transfer directly to a hotel, an attraction, or a tour.
Bus
Sydney Airport is served by public bus Route 400, which goes to Bondi Junction and Eastgardens, and Route 420, which travels between Eastgardens and Burwood. You will need an Opal Card to ride the bus, which can be purchased from any convenience store at the airport.
Rental car
If you would prefer to drive yourself around, then there are numerous rental car companies located at Sydney Airport. Providers include Budget, Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, and Europcar. Car rental companies generally accept any valid English-language license or an international driver’s license.
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Services at Sydney Airport
Traveling can be stressful, but you’ll find a range of services at Sydney Airport to help make things a little more comfortable and convenient, including:
- Free WiFi – WiFi is available at all three terminals in Sydney Airport. Just select “-FREE SYD WiFi-” from the list of networks on your device.
- Currency exchange – Exchange money with ease when you land at one of the numerous currency exchanges around the airport.
- Baggage storage – Baggage storage is available at the southern end of Terminal 1, in the arrivals level.
- Airline lounges – There are six airline lounges and two pay-to-use lounges in Terminal 1, as well as Virgin Australia and Regional Express lounges in Terminal 2.
- Showers – Freshen up before a flight with shower facilities located near the Terminal 1 check-in area or at the airside departure gates.
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Shopping & Dining
Sydney Airport is known for its fantastic shopping, so you may want to budget some time and money to go on a shopping spree before departing. You will find all of the usual duty-free items, like cigarettes, alcohol, and perfume, as well as some of the world’s most famous fashion labels. In the international terminal, travelers can indulge themselves with luxury brands Gucci, Bvlgari, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co. If you’re departing from Terminal 2, then make sure you stop at Lorna Jane Active Living Room for some stylish activewear. Travelers leaving from Terminal 3 can complete their summer wardrobe at Camilla.
- There is also no shortage of great dining options at Sydney Airport. Travelers looking for a quick and affordable bite will find all of their favorite fast-food chains, including McDonald’s, Subway, Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Hero Sushi, and more. For the very best eats in Terminal 1, head to either The Bistro by Wolfgang Puck at Gate 10 or Kitchen by Mike at Gate 30. The top spots in Terminal 2 include MoVida and Chur Burger, while the best offerings in Terminal 3 are Bar Roma and Bar Corretto.
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Nearby Attractions
Looking for fun activities to do close to Sydney Airport? Here are some of the best ways to pass the time while waiting for your flight.
- Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Alexandria – A cocktail bar just minutes from the airport, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Alexandria also offers arcade games, bowling, laser tag, and more.
- Ice Zoo Sydney – Need a break from the heat? Ice Zoo Sydney is an ice skating facility where you can lace up and enjoy a winter wonderland all year round.
- Sky Zone Alexandria – Burn some energy by bouncing off the walls at Sky Zone Alexandria, an indoor trampoline park with hundreds of connected trampolines.
- Newtown – One of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city, Newtown is located just north of Sydney Airport. Admire the historic architecture, fuel up at one of the many cafes, and grab a bite to hit at a hip restaurant.
- Qantas Flight Simulator – Located at the Qantas Jet Base in Mascot, the Qantas Flight Simulator lets you take control of a Boeing 747 for a truly realistic and exhilarating experience.
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Hotel Recommendations
If you require accommodations near Sydney Airport, then here are some of the closest and best-rated properties where you can enjoy a relaxing night before your travels.
- Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel – Just steps away from the international terminal, Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel is a 4.5-star property with great bars and restaurants.
- Citadines Connect Sydney Airport – A 4-star hotel right beside the domestic terminals, Citadines Connect Sydney Airport offers fantastic amenities and a lounge with runway views.
- Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel & Conference Centre – Also located on the domestic side, the Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel & Conference Centre is a top option for business travelers.
- Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport – Enjoy a comfortable stay at an excellent price at the Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport, one of the newest properties in the area.
- Mantra Hotel at Sydney Airport – Conveniently located across the street from the airport, Mantra Hotel at Sydney Airport provides stylish and premium accommodations for a budget price.
- Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport – A high-demand property just a short distance from the domestic terminals, Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport is a practical and comfortable choice for travelers.
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