Before you even get to exploring Sydney, the adventure of a visit to Sydney Airport awaits you. Sydney Airport is rated in the top five airports of the world by many frequent flyers. It's also gained a reputation for some unclear signage, so make sure you arrive in advance! To get the best experience from your trip to Sydney Airport -- or just to get out of it quickly and hassle-free -- read our easy-to-follow guide.
Arriving at Sydney Airport
You will arrive in Terminal 2 or 3 if you're arriving from Brisbane, Melbourne, or other domestic flights to Sydney. Terminal 3 receives Qantas passengers, and Terminal 1 is for international flights.
An attractive and modern airport, Sydney Airport is the perfect place to end your flight to Sydney. You'll enter the Sydney Airport building on the Arrival Level, which display some signs to the baggage reclaim halls. There's no need to rush to claim your luggage: like anywhere, it can take some time to appear. It is recommended however that you follow your nose (i.e. your fellow passengers) to your assigned luggage carousel, as there are a few turns on the way.
Once all is reclaimed, you can catch public transport or hire transport from the Arrival Level, or keep making your way to the Concourse Level, filled with shops and a food court.
If you need cash funds, the best ATM to head for is a multi-bank terminal that stands between the accommodation booking desk and the Travelex currency exchange booth on the Arrivals Level.
Food Court
The food court has a good range of health and fast food options. Higher than average prices are common for airports, but the tables here are kept clean and there's plenty of leg-room to stretch out. A hot drink and cake will set you back -10 AUD, and a meal for lunch or dinner can be -25 AUD. The bathroom facilities here are well signed, and can generally be found in the corners of the mall area.
Shopping in Sydney Airport
International visitors and resident Aussies alike find can start shopping in Sydney straight away, with clothing brands such as Bonds, French Connection and Witchery. There are also bags, music, kids toys, a chemist and mobile phone outlet. Internet access is available from public computer terminals on a pay-per-minute basis.
Inter-terminal Transport
It's only a short walk between domestic Terminals 2 and 3.
The shuttle service for transport between Terminals 1-2 is called T-Bus. A 10-minute one-way trip costs AUD, with the service running frequently during morning peak hours then half-hourly until 8 pm. The Terminal 2 stop is Bay 3, near luggage carousel 6.
Taxis cost AUD -12 one-way between any two terminals, which can take 10 minutes or more, depending on the time of day your flight is arriving.
If you need to get to another terminal quickly, the Airport Link Train service takes just two minutes. The one-way trip costs .40 AUD per adult.
Qantas Domestic Flight passengers, check your eligibility to use the Qantas Seamless Transfer Service.
Transport from Airport to Sydney city
To reach your Sydney accommodation fast or to get sightseeing right away, you can take a train, bus, taxi or hire car from Terminals 2 or 3.
If hailing a taxi, have ready an extra .50 (surcharge) along with your fare. The following amounts provide a rough guideline on prices you can expect for a one-way fare to the following main areas of Sydney: City or North Sydney (-32.50 AUD), Manly ( AUD), Parramatta ( AUD), Liverpool ( AUD) or Cronulla ( AUD). Pick any of the comparable six cab operators at the shared taxi ranks directly outside the Airport doors: there's a hefty fine for getting a taxi outside a rank, and the flow of taxis here is constant, so there's really no need to look elsewhere. As throughout Australia, tipping is appreciated, but not an institution.
Trains take around 15 minutes to Sydney City, with an integrated bus/train/ferry ticket available from the driver. An all-day, any-mode-of-transport ticket is around AUD. View train timetables at stations in the Arrivals area of Terminals 2 and 3.
Buses operate only from Terminals 1 and 3. If you do arrive in Terminal 2, a AUD T-Bus ticket can get you to a public city bus service in 10 minutes.
Hire cars are available form a range of operators, including names you'll recognise (Hertz Rental Cars, amongst others), from the Arrival Level of Terminals 2 and 3. Most Sydney hotels offer valet or off-street parking, making rental car costs an affordable convenience.
Once you find your way out of Sydney Airport -- whether you're grabbing luggage and going, or shopping for hours -- smile: you will have started your visit to Sydney in one of the busiest and brightest airports in Australia and the world.
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