Sydney Airport Passengers Info

Welcome to Sydney Airport (SYD). Sydney Airport is Australia’s busiest hub, serving both domestic and international flights through three main terminals, and this guide will help you plan your trip and move through the airport smoothly.​

Before your flight

Check-in procedures

• Online check-in: Most airlines flying from Sydney offer online or mobile check-in, usually opening 24–48 hours before departure, allowing you to choose seats and download or print boarding passes.​
• Airport counters: Airline check-in counters generally open at least 2–3 hours before international departures and around 1–2 hours before domestic flights; always confirm exact times with your airline.​
• Self-service kiosks: Many carriers provide kiosks in the departure halls where you can check in, select seats and print bag tags before using staffed or automated bag‑drop points.​

Baggage information

• Carry-on luggage: Typical cabin baggage limits are one small suitcase plus one personal item, with size and weight rules set by each airline, so it is essential to review your carrier’s specific allowance before travelling.​
• Checked baggage: Allowances depend on route and fare type; economy passengers usually have at least one checked bag included, while premium cabins or frequent flyers may receive higher limits.​
• Oversize and special items: Sports equipment, musical instruments and other bulky items generally require advance arrangements and may incur additional charges, so contact your airline well before departure.​
• Prohibited items: Australian aviation rules restrict dangerous goods and certain sharp objects in both cabin and checked baggage, and detailed lists are available via airline and government travel security resources.​

Security screening and border control

Security procedures

• Screening checkpoints: After check-in, all passengers must pass through security screening where people and cabin bags are checked; arriving early helps you manage queues comfortably.​
• What to expect: You may be asked to remove laptops and large electronics from bags, place items in trays, and cooperate with random explosive trace detection tests conducted by security officers.​
• Liquids and LAGs: For international departures from Terminal 1, standard limits apply to liquids, aerosols and gels in cabin baggage, while most purely domestic flights from Terminals 2 and 3 are not subject to these volume restrictions.​

Passport and visa requirements

• Travel documents: International passengers must carry a valid passport and, when required, an appropriate Australian visa or electronic authorisation, which should be obtained before travelling to the airport.​
• Additional checks: On international routes you must clear Australian Border Force control and may undergo biosecurity inspections by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry when arriving in Sydney.​

At the airport

Terminal layout and transfers

• Terminals: Sydney Airport has three terminals: T1 International, and T2 and T3 for domestic flights; terminal allocations depend on the airline and route, so checking your ticket or airline website is important.​
• Moving between terminals: Transfers between T1 and the domestic terminals are possible by train, bus, taxi or rideshare services, with travel time typically under 15 minutes depending on the option chosen.​
• Accessibility: Lifts, ramps and dedicated assistance services are available across all terminals, and passengers needing help should notify their airline in advance or contact airport assistance points on arrival.​

Facilities and services

• Dining and shopping: All terminals offer a mix of cafes, fast‑food outlets, bars, and sit‑down restaurants, along with duty‑free and specialty stores in T1 and convenience and travel‑essential shops in T2 and T3.​
• Wi‑Fi, charging and lounges: Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout most public areas, there are charging points near many seating zones, and numerous airline and pay‑per‑use lounges operate in both international and domestic terminals.​
• Banking and other services: ATMs, currency exchange counters, information desks, shower facilities and baggage services are available in key locations across the terminals, particularly in T1 International.​

Tourist information and popular flights

Tourist information

• Sydney highlights: The city is famous for landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, and efficient train, bus and ferry networks make it easy to reach major attractions from the airport and city centre.​
• Visitor resources: Official tourism websites and information desks in the arrivals areas can help with maps, tour bookings and guidance on exploring Sydney and New South Wales.​

Popular routes from Sydney

Shopping at Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport has various shops and retails with different products. The different terminals have a wide offer and passengers can buy a souvenir or a gift before leaving Sydney or when arriving at the city.

Selection of shops at Terminal 1

• Duty Free: Heinemann Tax and Duty Free, 
• Stores and accessories: A Little Something, Amcal Pharmacy, Australian Way, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry Bvlgari, Cartier, Celine, Dior, Gentle Monster, Gucci,  Hermes, Katmandu, Louis Vuitton, Merino Collection, Moncler, Optus, Prada, Rip Curl, Rolex, Rolling Luggage, Secure Travel, Sunglass Hut, Tiffany and Co, Valentino Garavani, Vodafone, Versace, WHS Smith, Yves Saint Laurent. 
• Cafeterias: Campos Coffee, Hudsons Coffee, Oosh Oregano Bakery, Tobys State, Veloce Espresso, Viaggio Espresso + Bar.
• Fast food: Betty Burger, Coopers Alehouse. Hungry Jacks, KFC, McDonald’s, Oporto, Subway.
• Restaurants: Grand Cru, Heineken House, Hero Sushi, Kitchen by Mike, Lilong by taste of Shanghai, Mach2, Olive Brown, Papparich, Peroni Bar, Sahara Grill, Sharetea, Soul Origin, Sumosalad green, Sushia, Taste of Thai, The Bistro.
  
  

Selection of shops at Terminal 2

• Duty Free: Heinemann Tax and Duty Free, 
• Food: Chocolate Box.
• Stores and accessories: Amcal Pharmacy, Bonds, Dior Beauty, JB Hi-Fi, Lego Kaboom, Merchant, Newslink, Oakley, Origani, Oxford, Peter Alexander, Relay, Rip Curl, Seed Kids, Stateside Sports, sunglass Hut, Surf and Drive, Travelex, Wine Selectors, 
• Cafeterias: Campos Coffee, Mrs Fields Bakery Coffee, Pete’s Pies, Toby’s State, Velocce Espresso, 
• Fast food: Betty Burger, Coopers Alehouse. KFC, Krispy Kreme, Loop Bagels, Mad Mex, McDonald’s, Oporto
• Restaurants: Beer Deluxe, bistro 2020, Brasserie Bread, Fat Yak, Inbound Café, Pulp+ Grind, Roll’d, Sahara Grill, Soul Origin, Taste of Thai, Yo! Sushi. 
• To go: Coopers Rolled In, Liv Eat.

Selection of shops at Terminal 3

• Stores and accessories: Camila, Carolina, ECCO, Heinemann, Hub Convenience, Koko Black, L’Occitane, M. J. Bale, Mecca, MIMCO, NewsLink, Ninewest, Oxford, Peter Alexander, Seed Kids, Seed Woman, Sunglass Hut, Travelex, Unison, Witchery, Watermark Books. 
• Cafeterias: Bar Coretto, Bear and The Beard, Hungry Jacks, Krispy Kreme, Toby’s State, Velocity Espresso & Bar, Viaggio Espresso + Bar, 
• Fast food: Red Rooster, NRG Express, 
• Restaurants: Luke’s Bistro and BAr, Mad Mex, Sumo Salad, Wok on Air.