Sydney Airport

Sydney Trains have two stations at Sydney Airport. Domestic station services T2 and T3, and International station serves T1. Each station is connected to its airline terminals via lifts and pedestrian subways.

There is a station access fee applied to all journeys that start and end at both International and Domestic Airport stations. As of Apr 2020, the fee is $14.87 on top of the normal fare, capped at $30.16 in a Monday-Sunday week on an Opal Card. The train fare component is $3.61/$2.52 (peak/off-peak) if you have a reusable Opal card or contactless credit-card, or $4.50 for a single-use Opal ticket.

The train fare component is also subject to the normal day-caps and weekly rewards on a reusable Opal Card or contactless credit-card. So a single-use opal ticket from the airport to the city will be $18.80, with some reductions if you purchase an Opal Card, contactless credit card, travel off-peak, or travel frequently in the same M-Su week. There is a minimum of $35 to purchase or top up an Opal Card at the Sydney Airport stations.

The airport is on the  T8  T8 Airport line and trains run at least every 10 minutes between 0600 and 2200. Passengers for the city centre should take a train from Platform 1, indicated as towards City Circle. From the City, trains leave from Central platform 23, as well as other City Circle stations - check the destination board for a T8 train which calls "via Airport stations".

The trains form part of the commuter rail network, and during peak hours you may not get a seat at the airport stations, but you should still be able to board the first train to arrive. Towards the City, avoid the peak hours (0730-0900) as it can become extremely crowded. If boarding in the city heading towards the airport with baggage, try to avoid Town Hall Station. You may not be able to get on a train with baggage at this station during peak time.

Two public bus routes operate from both terminal precincts. The 400 and 420 buses run to other train stations with connections into the City, and using either bus then transferring onto a train avoids the airport station access fee. The 400 runs towards Bondi Junction, and the 420 runs towards Burwood. If you have a contactless credit or debit card then there is no need to pre-purchase a ticket, simply tap your card onto the Opal card reader when boarding and then tap off when leaving the bus.

If using the 400, take the bus from the stands outside T1 and T3, and alight at the stop after Domestic Airport. Walk towards Bourke Street, turn right, and the entrance to Mascot station is a short distance away. If coming from Mascot station, walk along Bourke Street, cross Coward Street, and the airport-bound stop is on the left. The total fare is $2.24 on the bus, and on the train it's $2.52 (off-peak)/$3.61 (peak) to Central, and a transfer discount of $2 will be applied with an Opal card or contactless card.

From T1, the 420 may be faster due to the constant traffic jams between T1 and Mascot. Take a 420 heading towards Burwood and alight two stops after International Airport for Banksia station, for Illawarra Line trains. This may be more handy heading if heading to Kings Cross. Connections are also available to Hurstville, Sutherland Shire, and Cronulla/Waterfall.

There is limited luggage space on the bus, but if you can manage backpacks or suitcases by yourself, it should not be a problem. Only consider this option if you have ample time to spare, as buses can be infrequent, late or cancelled. Buses are usually at 20-minute frequency and real-time location information is available via Google Maps, Tripview, Arrivo, TransitTimes+ and TripGo smartphone apps.

For the absolute cheapest option to the City, take the bus to Mascot shops (not Mascot station), and from there catch the M20 to the City. Transfers from bus to bus are free if using an Opal Card, so the total amount charged to your card will be only $3.73. It also contributes a trip towards your weekly reward, and value towards the day-cap. On a Sunday Opal Card journeys are capped at $2.80, so that's the most you will pay.

Shuttle buses will drive passengers to the city and deliver them to the door of their hotel. There is no regular scheduled service that you can depend on to leave frequently and on time, and if you are the last drop-off you can count on spending over an hour in the bus. You can buy a ticket for a shuttle bus to your hotel from the information desks for around $15. It can be cheaper to book online in advance, but you're then committed to wait until that particular brand of shuttle turns up. Buying a return ticket is always risky.

The airport is roughly 13 km (8 miles) south of the Sydney CBD via the M1 Eastern Distributor. This road is often heavily congested during peak periods. The M5 South-West Motorway/M5 East links the airport to the South-Western Suburbs of Sydney and onwards to Canberra and Melbourne, it is tolled west of the Marsh Street exit.

There are a variety of vehicle rental companies at all terminals (see Sydney Airport website for current list). After you rent a vehicle, you will be directed to pick it up at a parking space in the adjacent parking garage. You can return the vehicle to any terminal.

Have someone pick you up. You can't pick up kerbside at any of the terminals. At T1 (International) - there is a pickup area within the main carpark. if you complete your pickup and exit with 15 minutes, there is no parking charge, otherwise the extortionate rate of $7 for another 15 minutes and $8 for the next half hour applies. At T2 and T3 there are two pickup areas in two different parking areas. There is a premium pickup around five minutes walk from the terminal, and a free pickup about 10 minutes walk - follow the signs. The charge is $4 for the premium pickup area, and the normal pickup area is free for 15 minutes. Exceeding the 15-minute period will cost $8 for the next 15 minutes. The pickup areas can be complete chaos, with people stopping as soon as they are through the entry gate to load up, blocking queues of traffic behind them. The system (obviously) only works if everyone moves to a parking space before picking up, but if only takes a few people to disrupt the flow. Take your calm pills.

Fines apply for waiting at the arrivals areas or for picking up at the departures areas. Leaving your car is out of the question. The parking officers can photograph your car and licence plate and fine you without warning you to move along. If a wait of longer than 15 minutes is expected at T2 and T3 (perhaps due to a delay), a way to avoid the car park fee is to wait at the nearby McDonalds (Maccas) which has a free carpark near the domestic terminal. Once the passenger is waiting at the pickup area, it takes less than 2 minutes to drive from the McDonald's (Maccas) to the pickup if there is no congestion.

Dropping off passengers for all terminals can be done at the kerbside, and is free of charge.

Taxis to the city centre should cost approximately $40 (including tolls), and more to other Sydney destinations (The Rocks $40-45, North Sydney $45, Manly $50, Parramatta $80-100, etc.) You can expect to pay a $4.10 airport taxi levy and a $7.09 M1 Eastern Distributor toll on top of the metered fare. If you are arriving on a Friday evening, you may face a long queue for taxis. Asking the driver to take O'Riordan Street is a little slower but shorter and cheaper than the M1 Eastern Distributor tollway which frequently experiences traffic congestion during peak times. Mini-van taxis are available and can carry up to 7 people. Fare may reach $90 to city centre during rush hour. Maxi-Taxis are also available on request from the taxi rank attendance. They can carry up to 11 people, and charge a 50% surcharge over a normal taxi.

For about three travellers, the cost of the taxi is about the same as the equivalent train tickets. During rush hour a train into the CBD will probably be quicker than taking a taxi, although you may not get a seat on the suburban train.

Ridehailing drivers pickup in the premium pickup area at Domestic (T2/T3) and the Express Pickup at International (T1). Use the app in the normal way and a $4 airport access fee will be added automatically.

Walk and train from T1. T1 (the international terminal) is less than 2 km from Wolli Creek Station, from where a train to the city costs $2.36 off-peak, $3.38 peak. The walk isn't signposted all the way and may be very quiet after dark. It is all surfaced, has no steps, and takes in some nice scenery by the Cooks River. Exit straight from the international terminal (T1), follow the pedestrian path signposted from Level 1 of the multistory car park following the cycleway sign, and continue on the overbridge until it returns to ground level next to the canal. Follow the path ahead, and then 'up to your right' around back up to the Marsh Street bridge. Cross the Cooks River on the footpath on the right of the bridge and then proceed along the cycleway next to the Cooks River (signposted to Tempe), keeping the river on your right. When you reach the Princes Hwy (6 lane road), cross at the pedestrian crossing lights, and continue straight on, past the apartment blocks, to the roundabout with the funny green artwork, then turn right up to Wolli Creek Station. The walk will take about 20 minutes and will save you $13.40 (gatepass fee) on the train fare. Trains from Wolli Creek are even more frequent than from the airport since East Suburbs & Illawarra line trains also stop there. There is a vending machine at Wolli Creek station that sells Optus SIM cards, travel plugs, and charging cables.

Walk and train from T2 & T3. The Domestic terminals (T2 and T3) are about 1.7 km from Mascot train station. The walk along suburban pavements takes about 20 minutes. Follow the road out of the domestic terminal and on to O'Riordan Street. Follow O'Riordan Street and then veer left onto Bourke Street. Cross Coward Street and then John Street, Mascot train station is on your right. A single adult fare to the city (Central) from Mascot is $2.36 off-peak, $3.38 peak, with no airport station surcharge. This walk is mainly through industrial precincts, and you'll probably pass a few flight crew shunning the staff bus to walk to and from local hotels.

Walk. It's around an 8-km walk to central station, and the walk is easily accomplished in 2 hours. If you're fit, broke and have time on your hands, load up your navigation app, and hop on shank's pony.

The western airport cycleway runs in front of the carpark to T1. Bicycle parking is located on Level 1 of the main carpark, at the end of the cycleway/pedestrian footbridge. Inside the terminal, luggage storage will hold your bike for $25 per 24-hour period. Follow the cycleway west and over the canal to Wolli Creek and eventually to Sydney Olympic Park. Follow the cycleway east to Mascot and the City. There are showers in T1 as described below.

T2 and T3 are more problematic for bicycle access, because of the busy multi-lane road that loops the terminals with buses, taxis and cars dodging and vying for road space. Bourke Road gets you within 400 m of the terminals, and there is footpath from there to the bike parking to walk or ride if you are with a child under 12 years. Bicycle parking is in the main carpark, next to the pickup area, on the opposite side of the carpark to T2. There is no luggage check option, and no showers in the terminals.

No planes arrive or depart between 2300 and 0530 due to an airport curfew.

The domestic terminals (T2 and T3) close after the last flight has cleared (around 11PM) are scheduled to reopen at 4AM, but often it can be a little later before the doors actually open. The terminal is cleared and locked after the last flight arrival, and you can't pass through security after the last flight departure.

The international terminal T1 also closes around 2300 and reopens at 0400 - but there is a small transit area with basic facilities that you can remain in if you are already in the terminal (landside). This is located on level 1 near the entrance to the train station. There are limited seats and it fills up quickly when security starts herding people out of the terminal. The last train service departs at 11:45PM.

• Qantas has lounges in T1 and T3. In Terminal 1 (International) there is a Qantas First Lounge in addition to The Qantas Club. The T3 lounge gets incredibly busy with business travellers at the beginning and end of the working day, with people in suits swarming over sausage rolls and pastizzi like seagulls around chips. The Qantas lounge in T2 closed when Qantaslink flights moved to T3, but eligible people can still use the T3 lounge when flying Jetstar from T2. You can check-in in the T3 lounge for domestic Qantas flights, but you have to check in in T2 at the Jetstar counters for Jetstar flights (if you haven't checked in online before arrival). Access to the Qantas lounges is only for Qantas Club members, those members with appropriate status, or those travelling business or first class. Reciprocal benefits apply, but there is no paid admission or equivalent scheme.
• Virgin Australia has a domestic lounge in Terminal 2. If you're travelling Virgin then paid admission is an option for you.
• Rex Airlines has a lounge in Terminal 2.
• Air New Zealand has a lounge in Terminal 1 near gates 50 - 63. Paid access is available for $55 for up to 4 hours.
• Singapore Airlines has a SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 1 near gates 50 - 63.
• Emirates Airlines has a lounge in Terminal 1 near gates 50 - 63. Passengers flying on Qantas International business or first class may use this lounge.
• Etihad Airways has a lounge in Terminal 1 on the way to gates 50 - 63.
• American Express. It's lounge in Terminal 1 near gate 24 and is accessible to those with select AMEX cards. The type of card will determine how many visits and how many guests. With a $0 annual fee card, you'll definitely be left standing outside. Inside, you can get a cooked breakfast, or a basic buffet style lunch or dinner. Free drinks including alcoholic. 
• Skyteam has a Plaza Premium managed lounge in Terminal 1 near gate 24. Paid access is priced at $77 for two hours and $132 for five hours.

There is a large food hall in the central area before going through security - as this is your best choice for diversity and lower prices.

• Beqaa. Daily 6AM - 10PM. Lebanese Pizzas and falafels (updated Jan 2020)
• Toby's Estate. Daily 6AM - 10PM. Toby's Estate is a popular coffee roaster in Australia, & this roaster has multiple cafes in the terminals. Decent coffee, all done with a smile. (updated Jan 2020)
• Chicken Confidential, ☏ +61 2 8023 7600, enquiries@trippaswhitegroup.com.au. Daily 6AM - 10PM. It's Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan's take on an Australian staple - the suburban chicken takeaway. He mixes it with a wide number of international cuisines. Chicken and Chips, as well as Chicken Burgers & Wraps. $17-$20 lunches, $13-$17 breakfasts. (updated Jan 2020)
• Mach2 (Right of the gates), ☏ +61 2 9114 6558, mach2@theairport.com.au. Daily 6AM - 10PM. A cafe subsidiary of the Machiavelli's restaurant in the city centre. Decent a-la-carte food, and a reasonable price for an Italian restaurant in an airport. A bit nicer than the food court. $15-25 mains. (updated Jan 2020)
• Taste of Thai, ☏ +61 2 9700 8975. 9AM - 8:30PM. Typical Thai cuisine that you would get a food court, but done at a high quality. They also have ample seating. $14.50 for most dishes. (updated Jan 2020)

If you're looking for a place to sit a bit longer to farewell friends and family with higher quality food, there are a couple of cafes too.

• Oliver Brown (near Check-in H), ☏ +61 2 9669 1188. Daily 6AM - 7PM. Popular Chocolate cafe chain. $5-8 for a drink, $7-$15 for a meal. (updated Jan 2020)
• Ooosh Oregano Bakery (Arrivals Hall Exit A). Daily 6AM - 10PM. Specialises in Lebanese breads & Pizzas. (updated Jan 2020)
• 🌍 Casa By Schibello (Outside Arrivals, near the crosswalk to Car Park P7). Daily 6AM-8PM. If you need some fresh air & a good coffee after the flight & customs, this cafe outside Arrivals has alright coffee from a specialty roaster. Simple meals, cakes & Breakfast also available. $7-$12 for coffee & cake. (updated Jan 2020)

Airside after security there are a couple of bars, cafes and restaurants in the atrium area after duty free. There is a McDonald's fast-food outlet in the terminal link area, next to the travelator, offering the cheapest coffee and food airside.

• Better Burger (near Gate 10). Daily 6AM–9PM. Burger Joint with both American favourites (Double cheeseburger & Philly Steaks) and Australian classics (Angus Burger with Beetroot). $15-$21. (updated Jan 2020)
• Bridge Bar (near Gate 8), ☏ +61 2 8023 7600. Daily 6AM - 10PM. Popular Pub food with a bit of an international twist. $18-$24, Tap Beer from $10. (updated Jan 2020)
• Campos Coffee (near Gate 24). Daily 6AM - 7PM. Like Toby's Estate landside, Campos Coffee is a very popular coffee brewer in Australia; you can't really go wrong with it! The food served here however might be just ok. Coffee $4.60-$5.30, Sandwiches around $12.50. (updated Jan 2020)
• Coast Café (near Gates 50 - 63), ☏ +61 2 8023 7600. Daily 6AM - 10PM. A slightly smaller cafe and bar, with a similar menu to Bridge Bar (as they're run by the same group with the same chef!) but seating has USB charging ports. $18-$24, Alcoholic beverages from $10. (updated Jan 2020)
• Heineken House (near Gate 10). Daily 6AM - 10PM. Named after the famous Dutch beer, the large tower of wine and beer bottles is worth seeing. (updated Jan 2020)
• Luxe Bakery (near Gate 56). Daily 6AM - 10PM. High quality sourdough sandwiches and burgers. Some savory baked goods as well. (updated Jan 2020)
• Starbucks (near Gate 56). Daily 6AM - 7PM. If you somehow missed all the Australian coffee brewers & heading to Gates 50-63, then this well known chain is there. (updated Jan 2020)
• SumoSalad Green on Green (near Gate 24). Daily 6AM - 9PM. Custom & pre-made salads & wraps. Slightly different configuration compared to their shopping center stores. (updated Jan 2020)
• Sushia (near Gate 30). Daily 6AM - 10PM. Sushi with Asahi Beer on tap. Up to $14.50. (updated Jan 2020)
• Terrace Chinese Kitchen (near Gate 30), ☏ +61 2 9693 4210, sydterrace@plaza-network.com. Daily 6AM - 10PM. Chinese classics from many different provinces. Allow ample time before your flight if you want to enjoy your meal. $15-$25 breakfast, $20-$40 dinner. (updated Jan 2020)
• The Bistro by Wolfgang Puck (near Gate 10). Daily 6AM - 10PM. Casual Dining, although upmarket. (updated Jan 2020)

T2 has a large food and shopping area, with a large food court located airside to the right after you go through security. Some locations are near gates.

• Bistro 2020 (Food Court), ☏ +61 2 9114 6551. Daily 6AM - 10PM. Bistro with Australian Cafe classics (updated Jan 2020)
• Brasserie Bread (Food Court), ☏ +61 2 9114 6551. Daily 5AM - 9PM. Baked Goods and sandwiches. (updated Jan 2020)
• Chur Burger (Food Court). Daily 6AM - 10PM. Burger joint (updated Jan 2020)
• Hokka Hokka (Food Court), ☏ +61 2 9669 0759. Daily 6AM - 9PM. Wide range of Southeast Asian cuisine. (updated Jan 2020)
• MoVida (near Gate 32), ☏ +61 2 9114 6550. Daily 5AM - 9PM. It looks like another Bar and Bistro on the Virgin side of the terminal, but they also have Spanish tapas and raciones, as well as bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches). (updated Jan 2020)
• Pete’s Pies (Food Court). Daily 6AM - 9PM. Gourmet Pies (updated Jan 2020)
• Quikshots Coffee (Food Court), ☏ +61 2 9114 6552. Daily 6AM - 9PM. Cafe in the Food Court, but is defined by its slick decor with a big moving propeller in the background. The Coffee is alright. (updated Jan 2020)

T3 (Qantas domestic) has an expensive food hall airside with a variety of food and coffee. Chinese is available for around $20 or Hungry Jacks for normal prices. Sumo Salad, sushi and a few cafes are also available.

• Bar Corretto (near Gate 8-14). Daily 4AM - 9PM. A variety of pizzas and baguettes, with also decent coffee along the west end of the terminal. Open also the earliest than most cafes. $14-$20. (updated Jan 2020)
• Bar Roma (near Gate 3), ☏ +61 2 9317 2945. Daily 6AM - 9PM. Italian restaurant, with ample seating for small groups. $20-$25 for mains. (updated Jan 2020)
• Black Cafe & Bar (Before Security). Daily 6AM - 9PM. Moderate selection of usual Australian cafe food and drink, but not as expansive as the cafes past security. Coffee $5, mains $10. (updated Jan 2020)
• NRG Express (Food Court). Daily 6AM - 9PM. Juice Bar with frozen yogurt. Don't let the cheesy decor get you, the smoothies and juices are actually alright. $7-10. (updated Jan 2020)
• Velocity Espresso & Bar (Food Court), ☏ +61 2 9317 2945. Daily 6AM - 9PM. Quite good bar for Breakfast, with a moderate bar open for the afternoon. (updated Jan 2020)
• Wok On Air (Food Court), ☏ +61 2 9317 2945. Daily 6:30AM–9PM. Wide collection of Asian cuisines. $25-30 for dish & drink. (updated Jan 2020)

When arriving, there are some liquor and perfume stores before customs. For departure, once you check in and get past customs, you are funneled through a large maze like duty-free shop selling alcohol, cigarettes, perfume and electronics, but there's a small shortcut at the side to bypass the shopping. You can buy every type of spirit here, some wines, and no beer. Prices are usually around 30% of Sydney street prices - but you can check the price of everything (and even order online) before you arrive.

Cigarettes are sold in a walled-off section in departures. Duty free allowance for cigarettes is very limited.

Currency exchange offices can charge around 20% more than the best rates in the city. (see the Currency exchange section).

There are also gift shops, bookshops and some clothing stores. There are nice views over the tarmac from the eating area. There are ATMs before and after security. Everyone is able to go through security, regardless of whether they are travelling or not.

There are a smaller range of shops in T3 than the other terminals, but you'll still find the usual newsagents, cafes, pharmacy and gift stores to browse. As with T2, everyone is able to go through security, whether travelling or not.

• 🌍 Rydges Sydney Airport, 8 Arrivals Court, Sydney International Airport (in front of Terminal 1), ☏ +61 2 9313 2500, reservations_rydgessydneyairport@evt.com. The hotel is a 2-minute walk from the International Terminal T1 and includes a restaurant, bar and cafe in addition to a 24-hour gym. They also offer day use stays. There is also a free shuttle bus to the T2/T3 Domestic Terminals for hotel guests. from $260. (updated Feb 2020)
• 🌍 Novotel Sydney International Airport (Formerly Mercure Sydney Airport), 20 Levey Street, Wolli Creek (Take the pedestrian overpass from T1 carpark. Turn right and then right over the March St Bridge. Follow the footpath for around 500 m), ☏ +61 2 9518 2000, h5603-re1@accor.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Only 1km from Terminal 1, facilities include a pool and gym open between 6:30AM to 9:30PM, a restaurant and a bar. A taxi to the international terminal costs about $10-12, there is also a shuttle bus which costs $8.50. from $255. (updated Feb 2020)
• 🌍 CKS Sydney Airport Hotel, 35 Levey Street, Wolli Creek, ☏ +61 2 9556 1555, fax: +61 2 9567 1309, cksinfo@ckssydneyairport.com.au. A little down the road from the Novotel (100m), this economy hotel is around a 20-minute walk from the International Airport. It has a bar, restaurant and guest laundry facilities. A shuttle bus can drop you off for a cost of $8. from $179. (updated Feb 2020)

• 🌍 Mantra Hotel at Sydney Airport, 3 Ross Smith Avenue, Mascot, ☏ +61 2 8398 0700, toll-free: +1 800 13 15 17, sydneyairport.res@mantra.com.au. This hotel is the closest to the domestic terminals. There's departure information displays for Terminal 2 around, and great views of the Airport Tarmac. From $160, From $190 for a view of the airport. (updated Feb 2020)
• 🌍 Hotel Ibis Budget Sydney Airport, 5 Ross Smith Ave, Mascot, ☏ +61 2 83391840. Check-in: noon, check-out: 10AM. Closest hotel to the domestic terminals T2 and T3, this is a basic budget hotel with access to 24-hr Krispy Kreme and McDonald's next door. From $135. (updated Feb 2020)
• 🌍 Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport, 2-12 Sarah Street, Mascot, ☏ +61 2 9428 9500, toll-free: 1800 007 697. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. 1km from the T2/T3 Domestic Terminals, this basic hotel has mostly everything you need for an overnight layover. With a Fitness center, laundry and free breakfast. From $135. (updated Feb 2020)
• 🌍 Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel, Cnr O'Riordan & Robey Streets, Mascot, ☏ +61 2 9317 2200. A short walk north from the domestic terminals T2 & T3. This is a well-appointed 4-star hotel. Ask for an upper-level airport view room: it's one of the best outside the control tower! Also has a decent restaurant and bar, if you have some time to kill and feel like a walk out of the airport. From $150. (updated Feb 2020)
• 🌍 Quest Mascot Apartments, Sydney Airport., 108–114 Robey Street, Mascot, ☏ +61 2 9366 3900. Within walking distance to the T2/T3 Domestic Terminals. This hotel allows for a number of chargebacks to local restaurants, pantry shopping, and room service, making it easy to pay on one invoice. From $175. (updated Feb 2020)
• 🌍 Citadines Connect Sydney Airport, 121 Baxter Rd, Mascot, ☏ +61 2 8303 8888, frontoffice.ccsa@the-ascott.com. With views of the airport and runways, the property offers 150 pet friendly rooms all equipped with a television with Netflix, grab and go dining options, heated outdoor terrace and a rooftop cinema. From $180. (updated Feb 2020)