Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport (SYD)

International Airport
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7.2/10
2,855
ratings
  • Tips
    Claudia D.
    "my favorite flight for going to sydney 😋😋?"(25 Tips)
    Eric A.
    "You can take liquids through security in the domestic terminals."(18 Tips)
    Anthony W.
    "Qantas 1st class lounge is amazing!"(13 Tips)
    Olga S.
    "The departure terminal is closed till 4am..."(12 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon298 Tips and reviews
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  • Nik C.
    Nik CreeSeptember 28, 2014
    Get an OPAL card to get around on the trains and buses. Card is free and you load it with as much money as you need to use public transport. Get the card at most convenience stores not train station.
    Upvote144Downvote
    Upvoted 1 week ago
  • Nick B.heart icon on user image
    Nick BentleyJuly 4, 2018
    Welcome to Sydney! If you're just visiting, be sure to pick up an Opal card at pretty much any convenience store and make use of public transit. The Opal Travel app will help you get around.
    Upvote129Downvote
    Upvoted 1 week ago
  • Michelle C.
    Michelle ChanOctober 11, 2014
    If you are traveling alone or in a couple going to the CBD, I suggest you take the train but if in a group of 4, take a cab. Way cheaper than the train :)
    Upvote136Downvote
    Upvoted 1 week ago
  • James T.
    James TranSeptember 6, 2016
    Been here 100+ times
    Get out cheap and avoid train tariff ! Goto public bus stop and catch number 400 to bondi then get off at mascot (near subway). 2 minute walk to mascot station and continue your journey
    Upvote90Downvote
    Upvoted Feb 15
  • Jason Q.heart icon on user image
    Jason QuarisaJune 16, 2018
    Great international airport! Excellent facilities and very modern. Great choice of restaurant and cafes. Free wifi and lots of stores to shop at.
    Upvote16Downvote1
    Upvoted 1 week ago
  • Pez C.
    Pez CuckowOctober 5, 2018
    The water fountains are hidden near ThinkSydney, near the toilets! (Despite staff telling me there weren’t any)
    Upvote7Downvote
  • Emily L.
    Emily LiuJanuary 24, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    If you're flying from T2, you'll be blessed with one of the best food courts I've ever encountered in any airport. Salad, meat pies, smoothies... They have it all.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Debi T.heart icon on user image
    Debi TaylorDecember 3, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    From deplaning to the train station, it's never been more than 20 minutes, including waiting for my bags to come off the carousel. Most efficient international airport.
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Adam T.heart icon on user image
    Adam TaylorDecember 4, 2018
    It’s $17 for trains into the city...so weigh that in your decision whether or not you are going to use a ride share or taxi after arriving.
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Elias B.heart icon on user image
    Elias BizSeptember 11, 2016
    Been here 25+ times
    Great facilities and improved security progress which makes a world of difference. Just remember it's always busy, doing relatively will given it's busting at the seams with passenger traffic.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Lilian L.heart icon on user image
    Lilian LohJune 13, 2017
    Try to get a window seat on the right side of your plane if possible for take off. You get a beautiful view of Sydney on a sunny day ☺️☀️
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Kinoheart icon on user image
    KinoJuly 7, 2014
    ePassport line for AUS, NZ, US passport holders. Free WiFi after log in. Ask for a free transfer shuttle voucher between Terminal 1 (International) & Terminal 2 (Domestic) for Virgin Australia fliers.
    Upvote4Downvote
  • Tom R.
    Tom Rooney TravelsDecember 14, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    The baggage appears as soon as you've passed customs, every time. It's the best in the world.
    Upvote2Downvote
    Upvoted Feb 9
  • Kim J.heart icon on user image
    Kim JayneJanuary 19, 2015
    have a last beer at the bar on the observation deck and a last glance at the city in the distance - one of the nicest airport views in the world
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Kim L.
    Kim LoaneSeptember 17, 2019
    Been here 100+ times
    As far as big city airports go, Sydney Airport is a good one. It gets crowded at peak times but it’s close to the CBD. Biggest beef is the outrageous cost of parking - price gouging by the operator.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • John M.heart icon on user image
    John MathewSeptember 5, 2018
    If you are not in a rush, avoid the train to the airport as it costs a rip-off $20-ish.At Rockdale train station get the 400 bus which will get you to the airport for approx $4 in a few minutes
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Rune S.heart icon on user image
    Rune SovndahlFebruary 3, 2015
    It's got free wifi and it's an easy airport and they have good coffee :) the shopping is rudimentary and you can really get some running done on some of the gates they can be much further than normal
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Wanita F.heart icon on user image
    Wanita FourieNovember 9, 2014
    Spacious and quiet plus free wifi. My combination lock would not open. Asked the lovely lady working at enquiries. Long story short, the awesome customs guys helped me. Thanks everyone.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Carla D.
    Carla DeeMay 11, 2021
    Been here 50+ times
    Opal cards no longer needed for public transport if you have a bank card with Paywave (or Google/apple wallet). I suspect this would be for Australian bank accounts only.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Nicky N.
    Nicky NinjaSeptember 2, 2013
    Get quick arrival card to speed through immigration and also - Quantas lounge is the most luxurious in world - make sure u check it out if u have long layover and some coins! :p
    Upvote17Downvote
  • Lester M.
    Lester MataMay 10, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    There are lots more of the e-passport kiosks near the e-customs gates past duty-free so don't line-up at the first ones you see off the plane
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Tommy R.
    Tommy ReyesFebruary 21, 2024
    Domestic and international terminals are separate keep that in mind when connecting. Give yourself enough time on your layovers!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Intan A.
    Intan AndiniDecember 25, 2019
    Tips for you with connecting flight thr AUS: Check your layover time. If its more than 8 hours You have to apply subclass 771 transit visa online. Its free. Apply at least a week before departure.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Julian S.heart icon on user image
    Julian SiFebruary 28, 2020
    Best Bruichladdie whiskey selection in the world I reckon - Octomore series 8, 9, and 10s all available!!!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Anamika J.
    Anamika JhaMarch 16, 2020
    The most seamless check in, immigration and security check i have experienced. Everything is automated and works flawless. Lots of option to shop and eat on the terminal
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jesse J.heart icon on user image
    Jesse JohnstonFebruary 8, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    The international departure process is incredibly smooth, with less than 5 minutes consumed between border control and airport security. There are plenty of food and shopping options inside as well.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Dion D.
    Dion DicelloOctober 10, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    This vending machine upstairs near prayer room has cheap drink $2.80 coke vs $4 everywhere else (machines) and $2.50 water $3.50 powerade!!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Matthewheart icon on user image
    MatthewMay 3, 2019
    The domestic area was updated a few years back with a central hub filled with restaurants, fast food and bars - not a bad place to spend an hour or two
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Darryl E.heart icon on user image
    Darryl EllisAugust 29, 2018
    I always figure the biggest profits are on the ground floor of a department store or as you enter the building. Walk straight past the perfume section and go get a coffee.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Thenomadonroadheart icon on user image
    ThenomadonroadDecember 19, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    You can access parking area for free as long as it's not longer than 15min. This can be handy if departure area is too busy and you can get trolley for free. Make sure you enter from departure area.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Tingheart icon on user image
    TingNovember 17, 2014
    For those eligible,keep right after arrival DFS for the automated immigration.Save queuing time.If taking train to town,go to WHSmith and buy the opal store-value card which isn't sold at the station!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Chung H.
    Chung HoNovember 12, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    15min free in the public dropoff/pickup. If you need more time just drive out and go back in again (leave yourself some buffer time to get out because it can get pretty hectic in there!)
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Dustin L.
    Dustin LeeJanuary 7, 2017
    T3 has a security area on the left side (facing the counters) that has much shorter queues. From T1 it's an easy 20 min walk to Wolli Creek to avoid the outrageous airport train charges.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Emmy L.heart icon on user image
    Emmy LouNovember 12, 2018
    If your a tourist entering AU, always declare what u brought with you, like meds, food or beverages. They do random open luggage check..Declare it than being asked why you didnt...
    UpvoteDownvote
  • W C.heart icon on user image
    W CMarch 28, 2016
    Very organised. Tip when leaving OZ & looking to claim tax, go to TSR office downstairs of departures & get goods verified then check them in. Once pass security check claim tax without showing goods
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Sopitasheart icon on user image
    SopitasJanuary 16, 2018
    New Zaelans Air lounge has a cheff, cooking french toast while you wait for your connection flight
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Volkan C.
    Volkan CaliskanDecember 1, 2014
    Terrace Restaurant&Bar is awesome. It is located before the security control. It has open air, fresh food and beer!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Joseph L.heart icon on user image
    Joseph Lynch, MCSEApril 4, 2014
    Valet parking makes life so much easier when picking up International guests, and times are confused. Am I late? Are they through Customs? Very relaxing entry to Australia fir guests.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Kristina W.
    Kristina WilsonJuly 5, 2019
    Eat before you arrive. The selection of restaurants is dismal for such a large airport. Celebrity chef restaurants or McDonalds
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Paul F.heart icon on user image
    Paul FarrellSeptember 28, 2014
    Been here 50+ times
    New Etihad lounge is nice. Remember to book your transfer car at least 24 hours in advance. Despite the confirmation email anything less that 24 hours and it won't turn up.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Eleonora C.
    Eleonora CarisiAugust 18, 2016
    Small but nice! At the arrival there is a little shop where you can buy flowers and cute balloons for ur lovers.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Karyn  @konorth O.
    Karyn @konorth OSeptember 2, 2019
    Tim Tams are always on sale in duty free...so good!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Todd S.heart icon on user image
    Todd SApril 7, 2018
    Nice airport, roomy feeling, lots of shops, modern enough. The Qantas area had free Qantas WiFi.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Subhra S.
    Subhra SahaAugust 30, 2014
    First time in life got a 'special screening' by security. Don't look like an Arab, but I think the mongoloid features are also suspect now a days.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Glen D.heart icon on user image
    Glen DunkleyApril 12, 2015
    Nice airport. International lounges are great along with the shopping which is currently being upgraded. Security is fast as is customs.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Aakhmedheart icon on user image
    AakhmedSeptember 24, 2014
    The busiest airport in Aussie. Has 3 passenger terminals. The Int'l Terminal is separated from the other 2 by a runway. The airport provides a shuttle service between the terminals at a cost of A$5.50
    Upvote9Downvote
  • Madeline L.
    Madeline LisOctober 26, 2013
    Nice airport !! Many handsome boy here wakawkak !! :p and the most that i like in this airport is many travellers think i am Korean girl lol ^^ unforgetable moment forever 😄😋
    UpvoteDownvote
  • John M.heart icon on user image
    John MathewJanuary 2, 2019
    Avoid rip off train which costs $20 instead take a bus outside takes you to Banksia and Rockdale(this will cost $2.50 instead).If you have luggage get down at Rockdale as Banksia has no elevators)
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Feisal F.heart icon on user image
    Feisal FeiSeptember 29, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Terminal 3 is dedicated for Qantas domestic flights. It has an ambience of a shopping mall and not as crowded as Terminal 2.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Greg M.heart icon on user image
    Greg MacDonaldJanuary 20, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Best way for 1-3 people to get into the city is on the train, but be warned that it does cost $15/person.
    UpvoteDownvote
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