Sydney International Airport (SYD)

Flying from/to Sydney International Airport

Find out the best way to get from Sydney International Airport to the city centre by doing some research in advance. Should you take a train, coach or a tram from the airport to and from the city centre? Our guide to Sydney International Airport and the facilities mean you can find your way around the terminal upon arriving and plan the rest of your trip—whether its for a short weekend or a little longer.

Arriving at Sydney International Airport (SYD)

Sydney International Airport is Australia's coachiest airport, located very centrally within Australia's most populous city of Sydney. Its three terminals comprise a large facility with fantastic services for arriving passengers, including those with limited mobility. The airport is a hub for Qantas, Australia's national airline, as well as for Virgin Australia and Jetstar Airways. Most of the world's major airlines fly through Sydney Airport numerous times a day, every day of the week, including Emirates, British Airways, American Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, among others. The airport opening hours differ between terminals; the international terminal is open from 3:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day, while the domestic terminals are open from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day. Flights operate from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day. The airport closes overnight between 11:00 p.m. to 3 a.m. or 4:00 a.m., depending on the terminal, and there are accommodations available near the airport for passengers with early flights. 

What's the best way to get from Sydney International Airport to the city centre?

The best way to get to the city centre from Sydney Airport is via the AirportLink train. The AirportLink train is on the T8 line and takes 20 minutes to reach Sydney Central Station in the city centre. The next best option for public transport is by coach. Routes 400 and 420 take passengers to central Sydney in 30 to 45 minutes in minimal traffic. Trains are a better option for those travelling during peak hours, as they are unaffected by traffic conditions. Traffic is often a concern in Sydney. It's also possible to drive or take a taxi to Sydney city centre, and this takes 20 to 25 minutes with minimal traffic conditions. 

How far is the city centre from Sydney International Airport?

Sydney International Airport is located five miles (eight kilometers) south of Sydney city centre. The fastest option to the city centre is the train, followed by public coach or car. Passengers should allow a minimum of 30 minutes for these journeys, and closer to one hour if possible, to allow for any delays or traffic conditions. The driving route from the airport to the city centre uses mostly highways, but the train route is more direct and passes through some green areas in the city, providing some picturesque views of the city for those taking public transportation. 

What services are there at Sydney International Airport?

Sydney International Airport is a large facility, with one international and two domestic terminals. There are carparks at each of these terminals for long and short stays and pick-up or drop-off services. As far as shopping goes, the airport features a range of duty-free, fashion, souvenir, and travel shops, as well as financial services such as banks and currency exchange stalls. travellers won't go hungry upon arrival at Sydney International Airport, either. The airport has everything from fast food and casual dining to bars, cafés, and health food establishments. 

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

The airport has made a concerted effort to make its facility accessible for passengers with limited mobility. These passengers can request assistance with their airline, rather than the airport itself, before they fly, and will receive assistance with luggage and moving around the airport upon their arrival. The airport has elevators throughout, as well as accessible toilets in Terminals 1 and 2. Most of the airport's facilities, including drinking fountains, shops, and restaurants, are accessible for wheelchairs. Passengers with hidden disabilities can identify them with lanyards available for free at the airport's help desks. Most Sydney trains and coaches are wheelchair accessible and have assistance for those with limited mobility, but it's best to check on specific routes by calling NSW TrainLink services. 

Local tips: what to know before flying to Sydney International Airport

Sydney Airport is a huge facility, and even locals find it useful to refresh their knowledge of the airport using the many terminal maps available. Passengers unfamiliar with flying may find the maps necessary for finding their pick-up location. It can take a while to get out of the airport, so travellers should top up their water bottles at the airport's many drinking fountains. Public transportation really is a money and time saver in the coachtling, expensive metropolis of Sydney. Those new to Sydney will need to purchase an Opal card to use public transportation, and this can be done at any newsagent within the airport. Locals prefer flights that arrive during the daytime when possible, because the airport closes overnight and accommodations near the airport can be expensive.