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Sydney International Terminal

3.3 (103 reviews)
Open 3:00 am - 11:00 pm

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Baggage Claims
James A.

Arrived into Sydney International Airport on an early Monday morning, and the process to get into the country was stream-lined and well implemented. Delta has 2 late night flights non-stop from LAX to SYD. My brother and I chose the later of the two (departing around 22:30) because it was slightly cheaper, and gets you into Sydney (local time) around 07:00 two days later....it's about a 15 hour flight. Learned that even though it is operated by Delta, the way to get on the upgrade list is by using a global certificate to move up one level. They do have Premium seats, so would have to purchase that to be eligible for the lie-flat Delta One suites (maybe someday). One thing to note was that all seats in Comfort Plus was taken (including middle in a 3-3-3 configuration), but there were entire rows in Economy empty (the plane was probably half full)...so in this case, it would have been better to sit behind in an empty row. The Comfort plus does give you a bit more extra legroom, which is useful when the seat in front of you reclines. When we boarded the plane, we were handed paper custom declaration form to fill out during the trip. Announcements warned us that all food and agriculture products had to be declared, and we were not to take any of the food served to us during the journey. Once we deplaned, we walked to the passport control, which are all automated, with 12 or more kiosks scanning your passport and taking your picture (the line for any kiosk was no more than 3 deep). We had been told to purchase an ETA before our trip, whose approval comes via email. But since it is tied to your passport, we didn't need to have that email, instead passport control confirmed it with a passport scan and picture and handed us a paper slip. we then exited the control area by taking another picture. We then headed to baggage retrieval (all bags must be retrieved here, even if this is only a pass-through). We then exited the baggage claim area, going through customs where we handed the agent the passport slip and our filled out declaration. The entire process took under 25 minutes. Very fast and efficient. The free airport wide wifi was very useful as well.

Gate seating
Donna B.

Coming in early on Saturday morning to make a quick connection. Very quick. I was pretty sure I was going to miss it. There are two domestic buildings and one international. None are within walking distance of each other. My international flight was late arriving. I had to retrieve one checked bag and still clear customs. Now head outside and catch a shuttle bus. The first was too full. Then I had the wait for the next one to be full enough to move on. There's a big difference between Virgin Australia or Quantas. So know before you get on the bus. Departing passengers go in main door but walk up to the second floor to check baggage and get boarding pass. Ground level is for arrivals and picking up baggage. Security wasn't nearly as long as it can be in the states - thank heavens. So I actually made my connection with time to spare. Since I was in a rush the first two times I used, I can't really say much about the place. Third visit to head home I had more time. Check in and loading bags was easy. TSA this time was very long, almost an hour to past through. They take lots of pictures of you coming and going. Seating at gates were large and filled chairs. But recharging stations were hard to find. There's a large duty free shop for last minute purchases. And a few chain restaurants to grab a quick bite at. United has its private lounge. That morning I use The House, a smaller lounge by Priority. It's quite nice.

Histopath Covid Test Facility at Sydney Airport International Departures
Alvin A.

Hallelujah for the Lockdown Gates have reopened! Australia has welcomed traveller's to the Continent Country as of December 2021. All inbound traveller's must be vaccinated and tested prior to entry into the State of NSW. Prior to departure, my employer provided an Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Test Kit. Results appear in 15 minutes or less. Upon arrival into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, you will be walking through Immigration Hall. Use a self service kiosk to print your Passport Ticket. From there, make your way take your picture to clear Customs. You'll be met by an Immigration Officer who will take your ticket and guide you to a queue # depending on what goods/money/etc to declare or not. Everything moves very quickly as many International Carriers arrive all throughout the day. At Baggage Claim, you'd typically find Foreign Currency Exchange, which our USD is very strong right now! Make your way to the 2nd Level and exit Check-In Lobbies. Cross the street and you'll find Histopath Diagnostic Specialists. It's basically a make-shift testing site for all foreign traveller's to bypass a very strict 14 day mandatory quarantine. Because I was here on business, out of pocket this would cost $59.00 (AUD), includes 10% tax. Departing SYD was just as seamless. From Check-in, you must clear Immigration, then security. Walk through aisles and lots of Duty Free Stores, eateries can be found either at check-in Lobby as well as departing gate. Free WiFi available, people movers, clean restroom facilities, and one of the jolliest people operating an airport to make your experience calm and stress-free. Travel tip. Upload your personal contact information into the Covid Service NSW app because every business establishment will require you to check-in. apply.service.nsw.gov.au

ePassport Self Service Kiosks
Jon L.

Having traveled through the two domestic terminals at Sydney Airport, I have to say that the International Terminal is not quite as good. The domestic terminals have a more laid back feel like you are traveling through a smaller airport, whereas the International Terminal is more atypical of the big city airports that I am used to flying out of with tons of people passing through. Australia is a country that requires a visa to enter if you are an US citizen. Though the process to get one is easy by getting a ETA which can be done online. Upon arriving into Sydney, go to a ePassport Self Service kiosk. Try to go to the first ones you see, rather than going to ones further down the arrivals hall. This saved me a lot of time. I found the customs process to be the most intuitive that I have come across and one of the quickest as I think it was only about a half hour to go through everything including collecting my luggage. If you need to change money at the airport, there are a few money changers at this terminal. But in general, I wouldn't recommend it since the exchange rate is bad. I would recommend changing money at an ATM instead. I believe there is one in the arrivals level, but I would recommend going up to the departures level in which there are several near the Australia Post store. If you are taking money out of the ATM, make sure to decline the bank's exchange rate. Used a Westpac ATM at the airport and the difference was $25 USD between the bank rate offered and the current USD-AUD exchange rate for $700 AUD. I do like how close the airport is to Sydney CBD which is about a 15 minute ride into the city via Airport Link. Being so close means it isn't as costly to take a taxi here if you need one. Taking Airport Link to and from the airport is a bit expensive for such a short ride though as there is a $13.40 station access fee added on to the base fare for taking a train to and from the International Airport Station. Making a connection between the two domestic terminals and International Terminal can be a bit of a burden as well. While Qantas and Virgin Australia offer their passengers a shuttle service to connect between the Domestic and International terminals, this isn't offered to all passengers. Hence you need to pay to take the Airport Link, a T-Bus or a taxi to the other terminal. If you want to have a meal here, I would recommend eating at the food court before going through security as there are less options airside. Post-Security is primarily filled with expensive duty-free shops along with a few cafes. If you want something cheap, I did notice that there is a McDonald's after customs. I did find the check-in process to be quite easy despite the airport being busy. And despite the crowds, the security screening process is efficient and moves quickly. It is basically the same process as in the US, except you don't need to take off your shoes. Interestingly, my passport and ticket wasn't reviewed at security but when I got to the flight gate it was checked before I could enter the departure area. I like how close Sydney Airport is to Sydney CBD and how efficient it runs, but there are things like food options after customs that could be improved on. Overall, I do like the International Terminal but can't give it the same score that I gave to Terminal 2 which is more pleasant to travel through. Hence the 3 stars.

Ajay P.

Sydney International Airport is perhaps one of the most efficient airports when it comes to Security and Immigration Clearance! It is like an expensive shopping Mall with Name Brand stores inside but the prices as expected inside any airport it's extremely high even for retail standards! I would not recommend anyone to buy anything in these airport retail stores as they are aimed towards travelers who have a last minute urge to splurge!

Lots of shopping available
Chris S.

Like everything in Australia the airport is super clean. There are lots of expensive brand stores to shop and numerous typical airport restaurants to eat at. It's big bright and sparkling. One of the nicest I've been to.

Bright & Clean.
Guy K.

In A Nutshell: -The Sydney T1 International Terminal needs better wifi. -It also needs more lounges, but it does offer free showers in select bathrooms (they had vending machines w/ soap, etc..I should have took a photo to see if it sold towels, so not sure), you just gotta find them. -For Priority Pass card members, there are no lounges available. -But there are 3 restaurants offering up to $36 AUD in credit for you and your guests. -Only 1 of 3 is located before security, so it's becomes valuable real estate if you need a place to eat/chill. -The train to go from T1 (international terminal) to T2/T3 (domestic terminals) isn't free. -It will cost you $6 AUD to connect. -Follow the yellow "Express Pick-up" signs if you want to use Uber. Overall, this airport can be a challenge, so prep well ahead of time. Doing so will ensure a smoother travel experience.

You stay classy Sydney Airport
Benjamin B.

I mean. Look. If you haven't been to Changi, or Schiphol, or, hell, SFO or Seattle, Sydney Airport is perfectly serviceable. Everything you need, nothing you don't. But if you've been to some of the benchmark airports with their meditation rooms and video game lounges, ours is a bit meh. Pro tip: if you're flying internationally, eat before you go through passport control, the food options on the passenger side are meagre and rubbish, there are heaps more options on the public side. Trying really hard not to mention the outrageous and exorbitant and just plain money-grubbing parking fees, the most expensive in the waking world, that Sydney Airport Charges but I'm just not a big enough man. MAP Airports, the parent company, should be ashamed of their rabid and misanthropic corporate avarice. But they don't care, they're billionaires, why would they?

See....plane and city!

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Sydney International Terminal Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Sydney International Terminal

Sydney Kingsford Smith is also pretty centrally located to the CBD, and is a good entry point for international visitors or Australians coming home.

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Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport

3.5(199 reviews)
0.0 km

I think this must be a very busy airport with some very high income clientele because they had a…read morelarge selection of very expensive luxury brand stores and kiosk everywhere in the main hall. As for lounges, I'm a bit split. I will say that because of the way there terminals are laid out. I think I can appreciate how their lounges are at centralized. One side of the airport has one set of lounges and the other side has their own. Anyways, my issues with the lounges at least the Qantas business lounge and the Amex Centurion lounge was that both were lacking. Where I'm split is, is that really their fault or the fault with those who run the lounge. On that same note, the lounges are part of the airport so it has to be a part of the rating. This is something that I probably shouldn't take issue with but as someone fairly new to international travel I had been looking forward to for a long time. This was also at Auckland Airport in New Zealand by the way, they do smart passport border control whatever they call it these days. You scan your passport, get scanned by a camera and you move through the gate. Efficient? Very. Disappointing? Well for me yes because I had been looking forward to passport stamps.

I fly to SYD airport about once a year, and every year I go through SYD I noticed something change…read more Recently for passports that's valid for SmartGates, they made a formal line to line up to use the kiosks when you arrive at customs. I also noticed there's an entirely new x-ray machines at security out of the international terminal. Getting an Uber is fairly easy. From the international airport, just follow the signs out to the parking structure and it'll guide you to where to the Uber will pull up. There's a train that can take you to the city center in about 15 minutes. You just need to tap your physical credit card, or Apply Pay, or Android Pay to get through the turnstiles. No need for an Opal Card. From a foreigner prospective, if you are going from a international flight to Sydney to connect to a domestic Australian city, it is a hassle. You must collect you luggage when you land at the international terminal, go through customs, take a shuttle or train to the domestic terminal, and re-check your bag at the domestic terminal. If you can avoid any connections via SYD to another AU city, that would be best. Overall, it's an easy airport.

Photos
Sydney Airport
Sydney Airport - International terminal

International terminal

Sydney Airport

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T3 Qantas Domestic Terminal

T3 Qantas Domestic Terminal

4.3(4 reviews)
0.9 km

Having flown over 2 million miles and been to over 200 airports. Rating the terminal and not the…read moreairline. - Parking is a bit of a walk and expensive. Traffic has improved but can be gridlock at times. - its odd when you enter the terminal from parking you enter at baggage claim and the need to to walk to the end of the terminal and all the way back to enter through security. - The only terminal I've entered and they weighed my carryon before security - security was quick, no need to remove anything from my bag! - A range of shops in the terminal offering a great selection of items. - Qantas has 3 lounges, I've used the Qantas Club and Business Lounge. Both offer decent food options and room - Uber pickup is very convenient directly outside baggage claim. - Bathrooms are decent, clean and modern. Compared to other airports, Can I give it 3.5? I'll round up to 4 as a few areas have improved recently.

Quanta's service counter was super helpful after an eventful morning that left me having to…read morereschedule my flight. The gate attendants were less so... overall a Very average experience, I had expected somewhat better for this airline. I find the boarding process very strange with group 4 and 5 boarding before group 3. I do however like the offerings of the terminal (food/shopping) and the bathrooms were clean.

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T3 Qantas Domestic Terminal
T3 Qantas Domestic Terminal - Hahaha hard enough to find the Coconut anywhere let alone Hokey pokey.. ?! Located at the "Newslink".. lol

Hahaha hard enough to find the Coconut anywhere let alone Hokey pokey.. ?! Located at the "Newslink".. lol

T3 Qantas Domestic Terminal

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Virgin Australia Terminal

Virgin Australia Terminal

1.5(2 reviews)
1.0 km

Coper and Katherine are horrible flight attendants which made my flight the worst virgin flight…read moreever. its an interesting one went from a really great experience to a horrible one quick which made me feel like a tiger airways passanger when I was onboard. Not sure if Katherine is a sick flight attendant who really needs a seat. as her voice was horse and croaky and she was really angry when she told us off. Cooper on the other hand was definetly able bodied but really has a horrible attitude Katherine was passive agressive after we got confirmation from the best staff on the plan Natalie that it was ok for us to go back to our original place. Natalie and the lady who checked us in wearing a sapphire diamond crusted was the most lovely lady made us feel like we were a valued customer and treated us well and put us together on what she called a family package all on 31. When we boarded we couldn't board the flight on the same place and got seperated by the staff outside and asked us to check to get seated together once we were on board. Aaron is the manager he is reasonable but definetly wanted to be treated polietly. He wanted to have his staff back hence he talked about following procedure and weight . he is the kind of manager which wanted to be treated with respect if you are nice I will be nice but by then I was really pissed off with 2 passive agressive encounters with cooper and one with Katherine .

Now I know how the owner of Virgin Airlines makes so much money. They allow you only 7 kg for your…read morecarry-on. My bag alone is heavier than that. They charged $90 to check it in. The lady made us take things out and rearrange our bags. What a nightmare and $90??? The thing I like is that they have a special line for those who are late to check in like your plane is going to leave without you and you need to run to catch it. That was really cool. Other than that, I probably will pass on using them in the future.

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Virgin Australia Terminal - Dropping bags off

Dropping bags off

Virgin Australia Terminal
Virgin Australia Terminal

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Airport Link

Airport Link

3.0(1 review)
2.2 km

Airport Link is the Sydney Trains line that connects arriving passengers at Sydney Airport to the…read moreSydney CBD and to the southwest suburbs of Sydney. This airport line is known as T2. It is a convenient way to get to Central Station, in which you can connect to other Sydney Trains lines as well as inter-city train and bus services. This airport line has a stop at the Domestic and International terminals of Sydney Airport. While a couple airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia offer their passengers a shuttle service to connect between the Domestic and International terminals, this isn't offered to all passengers. Hence taking Airport Link would be one option to use if you need to make an airport terminal transfer. The trip takes 2 minutes and there is frequent train service on this line. The airport trains are interesting as they are triple decker. The entrance is located on the second level which has limited seating. This level consists of seating for seniors and disabled passengers. Lower and upper levels is where the general seating is located and with varying numbers of seats. Some rows are three seaters. While these trains are clean, they aren't the most passenger friendly for airport travelers. The general seating areas don't have much space between them. So if you have large pieces of luggage, they may not fit. In that case, you might be better off standing on the second level. I wouldn't recommend taking this service if you have multiple pieces of luggage and would suggest an airport shuttle or taxi instead. I took this line several times to and from Sydney Airport and like the convenience and frequency of services. The train ride doesn't take very long to reach Sydney CBD as it is only about 15 minutes long perhaps. Though the reason for the three stars is for the pricing. Like the airports in Chicago and Vancouver, Sydney charges a station access fee (aka surcharge) on top of the standard fare. But unlike in those cities in which you can buy day passes to avoid the charge, it isn't possible in Sydney. And the surcharge is quite high as it tacks on an additional $13.40 on each fare. This access fee is limited to traveling from and arriving at the Domestic and International Airport stations. So you wouldn't be subject to the charge if you decide to take the train from the next station, Mascot Station to Sydney CBD and vice versa. If you are traveling light and don't mind paying the station access fee, taking Airport Link to the airport is a quick and easy way to get there. However the pricing for an airport shuttle is pretty comparable to taking Airport Link, so that would be a better choice for someone with a lot of luggage or if you are not located close to one of the stations on this line.

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Airport Link
Airport Link
Airport Link

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Sydney International Terminal - airportterminals - Updated May 2026

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