- Sydney Airport Fast Facts
- How Long Does It Take to Get to Sydney Airport?
- Getting Between Sydney Airport Terminals
- Getting to and From Sydney International Airport
- Taxis and Rideshares
- Public Transit
- Airport Link
- Bus
- Parking and Car Rentals
- Preparing for Your Australia Trip
Sydney Airport Fast Facts
- Name: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
- Code: SYD
- Terminals: Three (Terminal One: international; Terminals Two and Three: domestic)
- Airlines: 59
- Services: Currency exchange, dining, shopping, ATMs, WiFi, accommodations, lounges, tourist-tax refund
How Long Does It Take to Get to Sydney Airport?
Located in the suburb of Mascot on Botany Bay’s northern shore, Sydney Airport is roughly six miles south of downtown Sydney. By car, getting to the city center takes about 20 minutes, but it can take longer during morning or evening rush hour.
Getting Between Sydney Airport Terminals
The international terminal (Terminal One) is set apart from the domestic terminals (Two and Three). The complimentary T-Bus shuttle connects the two, running approximately every half hour. The ride between terminals takes about 10 minutes. Sydney Airport shuttle service starts at 5:30 am, departing from Terminal One, and the last shuttle leaves Terminal One at 9:30 pm.
Another option is the Airport Link, which connects the international and domestic terminals between 5:00 am and midnight every day of the week. A one-way ticket costs AU$8.60, and the ride only takes a couple minutes.
If you’re in a hurry or it’s outside operating hours for the Sydney airport shuttle or link, you can still connect between terminals via taxi or bus. These services do cost, though, starting around AU$1.60 for the bus and AU$17 for a taxi. (More details on both below.)
Getting to and From Sydney International Airport
Options for Sydney Airport transfers span a variety of transportation modes, from budget-friendly public transit to fast and efficient taxi services.
Public Transit
There are several mass-transportation options for a Sydney Airport transfer to the city center or surrounding suburbs.
Airport Link
The best way to get between the airport and the city center is the Airport Link train. Departing from a station at the northern end of the international terminal, the Airport Link connects the airport to downtown. Trains run every 10 minutes and take about 13 minutes to reach the city center. A Gate Pass costs AU$16 for adults, with discounts for Opal cardholders (the contactless payment card for mass transit in the Sydney area).
Bus
There is no direct bus line from Sydney Airport to the city center. However, Route 420 from Sydney Buses passes through Terminal One and Terminal Three, with bus stops on the arrivals level. This route heads out to the Burwood suburb.
Parking and Car Rentals
For international travelers, parking is available at the Terminal One–adjacent to the P7 parking structure, starting at AU$9.90 for 15 to 30 minutes of parking. Domestic travelers can park close to Terminals Two and Three in the P2 and P3 parking areas. Rates start at $9.90 for half an hour. At both international and domestic car parks, rates go up to seven or more days. Valet and business parking are also available.
For domestic travelers, budget-friendly parking can be found at the Blue Emu car park, starting at AU$25 for one to two hours. A seven-day stay at Blue Emu costs AU$160, compared to AU$300 or $400-plus at the other car parks.
In all three terminals, you’ll find rental-car services, like Hertz, Avis, and Budget. Pickup and drop-off locations vary by terminal.