SYD

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) Flights & Information

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Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) Flight Information

Find helpful information about Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to aid in your flight search on Cheapflights.

Airport code

SYD

Daily departures

10,046

Daily arrivals

10,156

Most popular destination

LAX (Los Angeles)

Cheapest destination

AVV (Melbourne)

Average flight price

$2,026
Average number of daily flights departing from SYD
Average number of daily flights to SYD
Average for round-trip flights in July 2025

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Guide

John Walton
September 19, 2024

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), close to Australia’s largest city, is a major hub for flights to Australia, New Zealand and Oceania. It’s also a major hub for national airlines Qantas and Virgin Australia, with domestic flights from low-cost Jetstar and regional Rex, plus flights from dozens of international carriers serving Australia.

Sydney Airport is a little unusual in its layout, though, so read on for all the details and top tips for getting there and for connecting across its domestic and international terminals.

Sydney Airport’s domestic and international terminals

The key point to understand about Sydney Airport is that it’s split into domestic and international areas. These are on opposite sides of its main runway, have separate stops on the airport train and no way to walk between them.

I always, always doublecheck which terminal my flight is using – some domestic flights use the international terminal so it’s critical to confirm before heading out. Make sure to check again just before arriving in case there have been late changes to your gate.

Terminal 1 is the international terminal for all airlines including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia. A small number of domestic flights, mainly those with onward international connections at another airport, also use this terminal. In these cases, check-in times and ID requirements are likely to follow international guidelines.

Terminal 2 is the domestic terminal for all airlines that aren’t Qantas. Terminal 3 is the domestic terminal for most Qantas and all QantasLink flights, plus some Jetstar flights.

Getting between terminals

Before security, you can walk between Terminals 2 and 3 in the domestic area in about 5 to 10 minutes, but you’ll need to take some form of transportation to reach Terminal 1.

The easiest way is the free T-Bus shuttle operated by the airport. There’s a bus stop outside each terminal, and it takes about 10 minutes with buses running every 15 minutes from 05:30 am to 10:30 pm.

Outside those hours, you could take the airport train between the international and domestic stops (which runs from 05:00 am to midnight), but you’ll need to pay. You can also take a taxi or rideshare, although in my experience drivers get upset if your request this very short ride.

Connecting domestic to international at SYD

For domestic to international connections, what you need to do depends on whether you have checked luggage that has been tagged through to your final destination. Ask at your first check-in and verify the final airport on your bag tag.

If you’re arriving on a Qantas domestic flight at Terminal 3 connecting to an international flight from Terminal 1 – and if you either have no checked bag or if your checked bag has been checked through to your destination – Qantas offers an airside transfer from Gate 15.

For all other passengers, if your bag is checked through to your final destination, you won’t need to collect it. Head straight to the international terminal. For everyone else, including Qantas passengers who need to collect their bags at Sydney, head for the baggage carousels then transfer to the international terminal as above.

Connecting international to domestic at SYD

If you’re arriving in Australia on an international flight and connecting to a domestic flight, you’ll arrive at Terminal 1. Go through immigration and customs, collect your bag, re-check it and make your way to your onward domestic flight – most likely (but not always) in a different terminal.

Getting to and from SYD by public transit

After immigration, collecting your luggage and going through customs, you have a few options for getting into central Sydney. The easiest way is to use the train. Regular commuter trains on the T8 Airport & South Line (green on the map) serve the separate stations at the international and domestic terminals.

These whisk you to several stops in the central business district in around 15 to 25 minutes, and there are multiple connecting points for the rest of the network. Pay for your fare using the local Opal transit card, a contactless credit/debit card or your phone’s digital wallet.

Be aware that these are regular double-decker commuter trains with no specific luggage areas and with limited seats on the entry level. If I have more than one bag, I use a rideshare app instead. There are also a couple of bus routes, with the most useful for visitors likely to be the one to Bondi Junction.

How to get to and from SYD by car

Taxis are available at the terminal stands and are pretty reliable, although there are long lines at peak times so you might find it makes more sense to take the train closer to your destination and pick up a cab there.

Taxi drivers may well complain if your destination is close to the airport, so be prepared for an argument. Get help from the taxi rank marshal if you have issues. If arriving at peak times, consider prebooking a taxi.

There are also several shuttle companies that serve the airport. I’ve tried a few but wouldn’t recommend them – they’re not much cheaper than the rideshare apps and can be a bit of a hassle.

Sydney has several rideshare apps, including GoCatch (taxis only), InGoGO (taxis only), Ola, Shebah (for women drivers and passengers only) and Uber. All work pretty well and are generally my preferred way for getting into and around the city if I’m not using public transport.

Sydney Airport hotels

Central Sydney is so close to the airport that you don’t really need an airport hotel, but they’re available. With no free shuttles, the price of the train and walking not really being an option, I strongly recommend just staying in Sydney, but you do have options.

The Rydges hotel is directly across the street from the international terminal and the Aerotel is within the terminal. I’ve stayed at the Rydges often and found it decent.

Most of the other airport hotels are located to the north of the domestic terminal in the suburb of Mascot. There are no free shuttles. Instead, the Sydney Super Shuttle runs on a fairly regular basis, but it’s expensive for what it is.

Unfortunately, taxi drivers really dislike taking people on short rides to local hotels, so I’ll either just stay at the Rydges by the international terminal or pick a hotel close to Mascot station, the next stop on the train line into town from the domestic airport station. It’s still pricey to take the train, but it’s better than the shuttle.

Security lines and fast track at SYD

Security and passport control at Terminal 1 at SYD are both generally pretty swift, and the airport posts current wait times online. At Terminal 1, passengers in business and first class, as well as frequent flyers, may be eligible to use the Express Path fast-track. This is a little hidden between check-in counters C and D, but make sure to seek it out if you’re entitled to it.

At Terminal 2, business class passengers and frequent flyers with Virgin Australia with carry-on baggage only can speed through the special Premium Entry curbside lane. At Terminal 3, the security checkpoint near the Qantas priority check-in desks is often the quietest, in my experience.

Lounges at SYD

Sydney Airport has more than a dozen lounges across its 3 terminals. Terminal 1 is home to airline lounges from Air New Zealand, Emirates, Qantas and Singapore Airlines, plus the American Express Centurion Lounge for cardholders and the SkyTeam alliance lounge.

In Terminal 1, the independent Plaza Premium Lounge (near Gate 25) and The House lounge (near Gate 50) are both solid, while Plaza Premium also has an arrivals lounge on Level 1, Arrivals B. All three are part of the Priority Pass network, as are the Mach 2 restaurant before security and the Peroni Bar after security, where Priority Pass members get discounts.

Terminal 2 is home to the Virgin Australia and Rex airline lounges. Priority Pass members can use the Rex Lounge or the Fat Yak and Bistro Bar 2020 restaurants.

Terminal 3 has the Qantas Business Lounge and Qantas Club. Priority Pass members can visit Wok On Air or Luke’s Bistro & Bar, both of which are after security.

This Cheapflights-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.

Find flight deals to Sydney

Cheapest flights to Sydney
Explore the most affordable flight options available to Sydney. Find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on July 2, 2025.

Tue 9/2310:50 pmDFW - SYD
1 stop21h 55mFiji Airways
Mon 10/134:40 pmSYD - DFW
1 stop39h 50mFiji Airways
Deal found 7/1$734
Wed 8/66:45 pmSEA - SYD
1 stop19h 20mAlaska Airlines
Tue 8/269:10 amSYD - SEA
1 stop26h 15mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 7/1$739
Wed 8/66:09 pmSEA - SYD
1 stop20h 21mQantas Airways
Thu 8/289:10 amSYD - SEA
1 stop29h 23mQantas Airways
Deal found 7/1$781
Sat 8/98:45 pmLAX - SYD
1 stop24h 55mMultiple Airlines
Fri 10/175:20 pmSYD - LAX
1 stop24h 39mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 7/1$786
Sun 8/105:15 pmLAX - SYD
1 stop21h 05mAir Canada
Mon 10/1310:20 amSYD - LAX
1 stop21h 08mAir Canada
Deal found 7/1$789
Mon 8/111:20 amLAX - SYD
1 stop24h 55mANA
Sun 8/2411:50 amSYD - LAX
1 stop24h 20mANA
Deal found 7/1$800
Mon 9/1511:05 pmLAX - SYD
Nonstop15h 00mQantas Airways
Mon 9/299:10 amSYD - LAX
Nonstop13h 50mQantas Airways
Deal found 7/1$802
Mon 8/116:45 amSEA - SYD
1 stop31h 15mUnited Airlines
Mon 8/259:30 amSYD - SEA
2 stops28h 24mUnited Airlines
Deal found 6/29$803
Tue 8/1210:00 amSEA - SYD
1 stop28h 20mAir Canada
Tue 8/197:30 amSYD - SEA
2 stops18h 51mAir Canada
Deal found 7/1$804
Sat 8/25:59 pmSEA - SYD
1 stop20h 31mMultiple Airlines
Sun 8/249:30 pmSYD - SEA
1 stop17h 42mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 6/30$816
Thu 7/243:38 pmSEA - SYD
1 stop22h 17mAmerican Airlines
Wed 8/135:45 pmSYD - SEA
1 stop20h 48mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 6/29$819
Tue 8/511:55 pmLAX - SYD
1 stop18h 50mFiji Airways
Fri 8/151:15 pmSYD - LAX
1 stop16h 40mFiji Airways
Deal found 7/1$820

Search for flights from Sydney

Cheapest flights from Sydney
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Sydney. Find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on July 2, 2025.

Wed 7/166:00 amSYD - MEL
Nonstop1h 40mJetstar
Wed 7/165:30 pmMEL - SYD
Nonstop1h 30mJetstar
Deal found 6/28$106
Fri 11/73:00 pmSYD - MEL
Nonstop1h 35mVirgin Australia
Fri 11/146:15 amMEL - SYD
Nonstop1h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 6/29$139
Fri 7/117:15 amSYD - MEL
Nonstop1h 35mMultiple Airlines
Wed 7/167:15 pmMEL - SYD
Nonstop1h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 7/1$155
Wed 8/64:20 pmSYD - HNL
Nonstop9h 30mJetstar
Wed 8/138:20 amHNL - SYD
Nonstop10h 20mJetstar
Deal found 6/30$326
Sun 7/276:00 amSYD - HNL
1 stop12h 10mMultiple Airlines
Sun 8/38:20 amHNL - SYD
Nonstop10h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 6/29$506
Tue 7/156:15 amSYD - HNL
2 stops24h 25mFiji Airways
Thu 7/2410:55 pmHNL - SYD
2 stops20h 25mFiji Airways
Deal found 6/30$590
Thu 9/189:40 pmSYD - HNL
Nonstop10h 00mHawaiian Airlines
Thu 9/251:00 pmHNL - SYD
Nonstop10h 45mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 6/30$638
Thu 8/149:40 pmSYD - HNL
Nonstop9h 45mAlaska Airlines
Thu 8/211:00 pmHNL - SYD
Nonstop10h 45mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 6/30$639
Thu 8/141:15 pmSYD - LAX
1 stop16h 40mMultiple Airlines
Thu 8/2111:05 pmLAX - SYD
Nonstop15h 00mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 6/30$709
Fri 8/11:15 pmSYD - LAX
1 stop16h 40mFiji Airways
Fri 8/811:55 pmLAX - SYD
1 stop29h 15mFiji Airways
Deal found 6/30$711
Thu 9/259:20 amSYD - LAX
1 stop25h 38mAir Canada
Thu 10/235:15 pmLAX - SYD
1 stop21h 05mAir Canada
Deal found 6/30$728
Thu 8/2111:50 amSYD - LAX
1 stop18h 30mAir New Zealand
Sun 9/1410:10 pmLAX - SYD
1 stop19h 25mAir New Zealand
Deal found 6/30$752

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) flight status

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Reviews of airlines servicing Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)

Read reviews of airlines servicing Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to or from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). Reviews last updated July 2, 2025.
8.4
Very good
892 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Food

7.7

Overall

8.4

Comfort

8.2

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 10
The flight with ANA was fantastic. Huge plane but was boarded swiftly and efficiently with a lot of crew members engaged to expedite the process. The onboard crew was polite and considerate and constantly doing things to serve passengers. The plane was new and in great working order-- definitely more spacious than the Alaska plane we took from SLC. Food was solid, not great. Lots of movie options.
8.4
Very good
892 reviews
8.4
Very good
892 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Food

7.7

Overall

8.4

Comfort

8.2

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 10
The flight with ANA was fantastic. Huge plane but was boarded swiftly and efficiently with a lot of crew members engaged to expedite the process. The onboard crew was polite and considerate and constantly doing things to serve passengers. The plane was new and in great working order-- definitely more spacious than the Alaska plane we took from SLC. Food was solid, not great. Lots of movie options.
8.3
Very good
1,504 reviews
8.4
Very good
892 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Food

7.7

Overall

8.4

Comfort

8.2

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 10
The flight with ANA was fantastic. Huge plane but was boarded swiftly and efficiently with a lot of crew members engaged to expedite the process. The onboard crew was polite and considerate and constantly doing things to serve passengers. The plane was new and in great working order-- definitely more spacious than the Alaska plane we took from SLC. Food was solid, not great. Lots of movie options.
8.3
Very good
747 reviews
8.4
Very good
892 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Food

7.7

Overall

8.4

Comfort

8.2

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 10
The flight with ANA was fantastic. Huge plane but was boarded swiftly and efficiently with a lot of crew members engaged to expedite the process. The onboard crew was polite and considerate and constantly doing things to serve passengers. The plane was new and in great working order-- definitely more spacious than the Alaska plane we took from SLC. Food was solid, not great. Lots of movie options.
8.2
Very good
450 reviews
8.4
Very good
892 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Food

7.7

Overall

8.4

Comfort

8.2

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 10
The flight with ANA was fantastic. Huge plane but was boarded swiftly and efficiently with a lot of crew members engaged to expedite the process. The onboard crew was polite and considerate and constantly doing things to serve passengers. The plane was new and in great working order-- definitely more spacious than the Alaska plane we took from SLC. Food was solid, not great. Lots of movie options.
8.0
Very good
202 reviews
8.4
Very good
892 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Food

7.7

Overall

8.4

Comfort

8.2

Crew

8.7

Boarding

8.5

Reviews

1 / 10
The flight with ANA was fantastic. Huge plane but was boarded swiftly and efficiently with a lot of crew members engaged to expedite the process. The onboard crew was polite and considerate and constantly doing things to serve passengers. The plane was new and in great working order-- definitely more spacious than the Alaska plane we took from SLC. Food was solid, not great. Lots of movie options.

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