Sydney International Airport

About the terminal (T1)

Welcoming over 40 million passengers annually, Sydney Airport is Australia’s busiest, and the International Terminal (T1) is the major gateway for international visitors to Australia. More than 45 airlines fly into Sydney Airport, which offers multilingual wayfinding, an automated check-in option and bag drop facilities for a seamless check-in experience.

What facilities are at Sydney International Airport?

Within the International Terminal (T1) at Sydney Airport, you’ll find a wide range of services and facilities including restaurants, luxury fashion boutiques – as well as all the essentials.

Check-in

Check-in at T1 International is located on the Departures level, directly inside from the passenger drop off zone. When departing from Sydney International Terminal (T1) you can check in at a traditional counter or at one of the self-check-in kiosks.

Baggage

If you’re departing Sydney Airport, it’s a good idea to check the baggage allowances with your airline before you fly. At Sydney Airport’s International Terminal (T1), there are several services that departing passengers may find useful. If you’d like to have your baggage wrapped with recyclable clear plastic for additional safety, you can do that at points near Check-in D and Check-in H.

If you have oversize baggage, these items must be dropped off at the oversized baggage services located near Check-in counters A and K. Passengers arriving at Sydney International Terminal can usually collect oversized baggage at carousels 6 or 14.

Sydney International Airport also offers an alternative to excess baggage fees, with special excess baggage services and baggage storage options.

Is there a currency exchange?

There are lots of places to exchange currency in Sydney's International 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?

  • ATMs
  • Free and unlimited Wi-Fi
  • Charging stations for electronic devices
  • Free showers
  • Water stations
  • Parenting rooms
  • Prayer room
  • Airport Ambassadors
  • Lost property
  • Luggage trolleys
  • Tourist refund scheme (TRS)
  • Sydney Airport medical centre
  • Pharmacy

Transport and terminal transfers

What’s the best way to get to and from Sydney Airport?

There are a number of ways to travel to and from Sydney International Airport (T1). Check out the options and find the way that works for you.

Car: Located just 8km from the CBD, Sydney Airport can be reached by car in around 25 minutes when traffic is light. Make sure you leave plenty of time for your journey if you’re travelling in either the morning or late afternoon peak times.

Sydney Airport parking: You can park at Sydney International Terminal (T1) in the multi-storey car park (P7), which is just a 5-minute walk to the International Terminal. There are several valet parking options as well, which can be arranged directly online.

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: Uber and other rideshare pick up services are available from Sydney Airport (all terminals). Simply send the request after you’ve exited the terminal, and follow the signs to Rank C for UberX or Rank B for all other Uber pick-ups where you can wait for your driver.

Train: Sydney’s Airport Train is called AirportLink and offers a fast and convenient way to travel from the International Terminal and Domestic Terminals to the city and the suburbs. Trains run approximately every ten 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: Sydney International Airport welcomes a number of bus and limousine transfer services that provide transport between the airport and most Sydney suburbs and regional areas. Talk to your Flight Centre Travel Expert for more information.

Rental car: You’ll find all the well-known car rental companies located at the arrivals level at T1 International terminal. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave.

How do I transfer between terminals?

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.

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.

A complimentary bus transfer is also available. The service operates frequently and takes about 10 minutes, with bus stops located on the Arrivals level outside the terminal.

 

What restaurants and bars are at Sydney International Airport?

Sydney Airport’s International Terminal (T1) serves up some top-class dining for travellers departing overseas. The choice of bars and restaurants at T1 covers everything from excellent dining to quick, casual bites and includes ale houses, espresso bars, sushi, Mexican cuisine, Thai cuisine, Chinese cuisine, juice bars, Lebanese street food and more.

Restaurants and bars at Sydney International Airport include:

  • Atrium 
  • BARista 
  • Betty’s Burgers 
  • Campos Coffee 
  • EARL 
  • East x West 
  • Grand Cru 
  • Gusto Pasta Bar 
  • Heineken House 
  • Hero Sushi 
  • Hudsons Coffee 
  • Hungry Jack’s 
  • KFC 
  • Kitchen by Mike 
  • Lilong by Taste of Shanghai 
  • Lumos Cafe 
  • Mach2 
  • Mad Mex 
  • McDonald’s 
  • Ooosh Oregano Bakery 
  • Oporto 
  • PappaRich 
  • Peroni Bar 
  • Sahara Grill 
  • Sharetea 
  • Subway 
  • SumoSalad Green on Green 
  • Sushia 
  • Sydney Coffee Trader 
  • Taste of Thai 
  • The Bistro by Wolfgang Puck 
  • Tobys Estate 
  • Veloce Espresso 

Shopping At Sydney Airport?

Shopping at Sydney International Terminal (T1) presents a number of options, from Australian souvenirs and gifts to international designer fashion such as Burberry, Gucci and Hermes. You can also pick up your travel essentials here, whether that be a new book from WHSmith or something from the pharmacy.

 

Shops at Sydney International Airport include:

  • A Little Something 
  • Amcal Pharmacy  
  • Australian Way 
  • Balenciaga 
  • Blooming Trails 
  • Bottega Veneta 
  • Burberry 
  • Bulgari 
  • Cartier 
  • CELINE 
  • Dior 
  • Flight Centre 
  • Gentle Monster 
  • Global Exchange 
  • Gucci 
  • Heinemann Tax & Duty Free 
  • Hermes 
  • JB Hi-Fi 
  • La Prairie Art of Beauty Facial Suite 
  • Louis Vuitton 
  • Merino Collection 
  • Moncler 
  • Optus 
  • Prada 
  • Rip Curl 
  • Rolex 
  • Samsonite 
  • Secure Travel 
  • SIM Planet 
  • Sunglass Hut 
  • Think Sydney 
  • Tiffany & Co. 
  • Valentino Garavani 
  • Vodafone 
  • WHSmith 
  • XPENG 
  • Yves Saint Laurent 

What lounges are at Sydney Airport’s international terminal?

The airport lounge is a sanctuary to retreat to before a flight, whether you’re working or simply taking it easy. Lounges offer complimentary drinks, snacks, newspapers and magazines, and all airlines have their own set of guidelines for entry. Access often depends on your flight class or airline membership status, so talk to your Travel Expert before you head off to find out if you’re eligible. 

Qantas Lounges, Level 3 and 4

The two Qantas Lounge options in Sydney’s International Airport both provide the perfect reprieve for eligible travellers between flights. The Qantas First Class Lounge can be found on Level 4 (but you’ll enter via the escalator on Level 3) and the International Business Lounge is on Level 3. Both lounges are open daily between 5:00am and 10:00pm, offering everything from bar services and barista coffees to showers and dining options. The First Lounge is also decked out with business facilities including a library, meeting rooms and a private suite for those keen to get a bit of work done while they wait.  

Air New Zealand Sydney International Lounge, near Gate 59

Air New Zealand Sydney International Lounge is the airline’s flagship lounge in Australia, and offers a number of different areas for travellers who are looking to relax, refresh or log in and work. The bar serves fresh, barista-made coffee by day and New Zealand’s wines and beers in the evening. Travellers who can access the lounge include Airpoints Elite, Gold, Elite Partner and Koru members. All Business Premier passengers departing on Air New Zealand flights can also access the lounge.

Emirates Airlines Lounge, near Gate 58

The Emirates Airlines Lounge at Sydney Airport International Terminal (T1) offers complimentary access to Business Class, First Class or Emirates Skywards Gold or Platinum members.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, near Gate 59

The Singapore Airlines Lounge at Sydney International Terminal (T1) is one of two Star Alliance lounges in the terminal (the other being Air New Zealand’s Koru Club). It’s known for its quiet ambiance and semi-private booths where you can work as you enjoy a meal or snack. Singapore Airlines passengers travelling Business Class, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members are among those eligible to use the lounge. 

Centurion Lounge, near Gates 50-63

Previously the American Express Lounge, the Centurion Lounge offers relaxing workspaces, local menus, shower suites and free Wi-Fi. Access is available to travellers able to present their eligible (physical) American Express Card. 

Pay-to-use lounges 

Not a member with one of the above airlines? Don’t worry! Sydney’s International Airport has several pay-to-use lounge options to help you relax and freshen up between flights including the House, the Skyteam Lounge, the Plaza Premium Departures Lounge and the Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge. Some of these lounges accept walk-up bookings, but if you want to guarantee your spot it's worth booking in advance wherever possible.  

What hotels are near Sydney Airport?

Sydney Airport gives you many airport hotels to choose from, covering everything from the most convenient, budget options to premium places to stay. An airport hotel can be a smart choice for a number of reasons, particularly if you have an early departure and would rather avoid that trip to the airport on the morning you fly.

For help finding the perfect accommodation for your trip, talk to your Travel Expert or browse our Sydney hotel deals online today. Here's an overview of some of the most accessible hotels from Sydney Airport to get you started.

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

Out of all the hotels at Sydney Airport, Rydges is the closest to Sydney International Terminal (T1) being just a few minutes’ walk away from the check-in counters. The 4.5-star hotel is less than 15 minutes to the CBD and provides guests with a whole range of amenities including a 24-hour fitness center, free Wi-Fi, parking, family rooms, as well as restaurant and bar options. Want to make the most of your surroundings or keep the kids entertained? Book an Airport View room for exclusive views of the runway!

Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Airport

The Adina Apartment Hotel is only 1.7km from the Domestic and International terminals, and is designed for travellers. You'll find 123 apartments containing kitchens or kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi and in-room laundry facilities. There's also an onsite gym and massage services available at a cost. 

Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport

The 4.5-star Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport is located just 1km from the Domestic Terminals at Sydney Airport, around a 10-minute walk with light luggage. Catering for the business traveller who likes to stay in comfort, the Stamford Plaza invites you to make yourself at home in one of their soundproofed, air-conditioned rooms offering views over the city, airport and Botany Bay. You'll also find a 24-hour reception, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and fitness centre. Looking for somewhere to hold a work event or conference? Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport has 11 function rooms available, catering to lots of different size events.