About the terminals (T2 and T3)
Sydney Airport is also known as Kingsford Smith Airport or Mascot Airport, for the suburb in which it’s found. Sydney Airport is Australia’s busiest, with more than 40 million passengers passing through its gates each year. Domestic flights arrive at and depart from two domestic terminals: T2 and T3 (with T1 being the International Terminal).
Sydney Airport is currently upgrading Terminal 2 to improve the security screening process and make its airport experience more enjoyable. The upgrade is due to be completed by the end of 2026, but in the meantime it’s important to check the Sydney Airport website for updates or changes that affect your travel plans.
Terminal 2 (T2) is the largest domestic terminal in Australia. Virgin and Jetsta flights arrive and depart from this terminal. Due to T2 upgrades, Rex Airlines and FlyPelican are arriving in T2.
Terminal 3 (T3) is the hub for all Qantas and Qantaslink domestic flights. Rex Airlines and FlyPelican departing from T3 while T2 upgrades are in progress.
What facilities are at Sydney Domestic Airport?
Both domestic terminals at Sydney Airport (T2 and T3) are well equipped to cater to the varied needs of all kinds of travellers. Below is an outline of the services and facilities you’ll find at Sydney’s domestic terminals.
Check-in
Where you check-in for a domestic flight at Sydney Airport all depends on which airline you’re flying with. Check-in facilities are located on the Departures Level of each terminal. If you're flying with Virgin Australia, Rex Airlines, FlyPelican or Jetstar you can expect to check-in at T2 and if you're flying with Qantas, head to T3. Remember, T2 is currently under construction so double check before heading for the airport!
Baggage
No matter how often you fly, it’s always good to check the baggage allowances before you depart because sometimes things can change.
Is there a currency exchange?
There are a number of currency exchange branches conveniently located throughout T2 of Sydney's Domestic Airport. Prefer to get your foreign currency sorted out in advance? Travel Money Oz can help you get organised before you head to the airport so you're ready to go as soon as you land!
What are the other services and facilities are available across T2 and T3?
- ATMs
- Free and unlimited Wi-Fi throughout T2 and T3
- Information desks
- Charging stations for electronic devices
- Water stations
- Parenting rooms
- Airport Ambassadors
- Lost property
- Luggage trolleys
- Pharmacy
Transport and terminal transfers
What’s the best way to get to and from Sydney Airport?
There’s a whole lot of choice when it comes to making your way to or from Sydney Airport.
Car: Sydney Airport is only 8km from the CBD, a relatively short distance compared to many other major cities and their airports. Travel time from the city by car is around 25 minutes in off-peak periods, although in the morning and afternoon rush hour your journey is likely to take longer.
Sydney Airport parking: You can park at Sydney Domestic Terminals (T2 and T3) in the multi-storey car parks (P1 and P2), which are just a 5-minute walk to the terminals. A third option is the multi-storey P3 car park which is roughly an 8-minute walk to the terminals. There are a variety of other parking options such including FastPark Valet and T2 Premium Valet if you'd prefer to level up your parking experience, which can be arranged directly online. An additional option is the Blue Emu car park, which is offers open-air parking and is a 15-minute bus ride from Domestic Terminals T2 and T3. There’s a free shuttle bus from this car park to the airport approximately every 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Taxi: The only place that taxi drivers are allowed to pick up passengers at Sydney Airport is at one of the designated taxi ranks. Each terminal has its own sheltered taxi rank, with kerbside supervisors on hand to assist with a seamless transition from the taxi waiting area into a taxi. The supervisors can also help you with special requests such as ordering a taxi with a baby capsule or wheelchair access. Customers who require accessible taxis are advised to pre-book where possible.
Rideshare and Uber: If you prefer rideshare to taxis, you can get Uber and other rideshare pick up services at all terminals within Sydney Airport. Simply send the request after you’ve exited the terminal, and follow the signs to the Priority Pick-up zone for T2 or directly outside on the Arrivals Level of T3 where you can wait for your driver.
Train: A fast and convenient way to travel from Sydney Airport to the city and the suburbs is via Sydney’s Airport Train, AirportLink. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes, with the journey taking less than 15 minutes. To use AirportLink, you can either purchase an Opal Card from the station or WHSmith or opt for contactless payment using a debit or credit card to tap on. As a general guide, an off-peak trip from the city to Sydney Airport will cost about $20.28 for an adult and $16.97 for a child.
Door-to-door transfer: If being dropped off at the gate is more your thing, a number of bus and limousine transfer services operate out of Sydney Airport and provide transport between the airport and most Sydney suburbs and regional areas. For more help on organising airport transfers, talk to your Travel Expert.
Rental car: You’ll find all the well-known car rental companies located at the arrivals level at T2 and T3 Domestic Terminals. To hire a car, simply ask your Flight Centre Travel Expert to arrange it for you.
How do I transfer between terminals?
You have a few options. Sydney Airport’s complimentary shuttle bus service, runs between the T2/T3 Domestic Terminals and the T1 International Terminal. The service operates frequently and takes about 10 minutes. bus stops are located on the Arrivals level outside each terminal.
Alternatively, AirportLink enables you to hop between T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals. It’s a 2-minute journey, with frequent services between 5am and midnight, 7 days a week, and costs only $7.30 per person, one way, off-peak trip.
Additionally, if you’re transferring between a domestic or international service with Qantas, you may be eligible for the Seamless Transfer service from your designated airline.
