If you’re landing at the International or one of the Domestic terminals and are transferring to another flight, here’s some useful information that should help you prepare.
Getting between terminals
Our T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals are located a short ride away from each other. There are several ways you can transfer between the terminals, depending on your flight details and how much time you have to make your connection. Check with your airline for advice on the best transfer options for you.
Please be aware that it is not possible to walk between the Domestic and International terminals.
Transport options between terminals: by bus, train, rideshare and taxi
Terminal Transfer Bus
The Terminal Transfer Bus, our complimentary shuttle bus between T1 International and T2 and T3 Domestic terminals, runs every 15 minutes between 05:30 and 22:30. The trip takes 10 minutes.
T1 international – On the Arrivals level outside of Arrival Hall B. Follow the signs for T2 Domestic Transfer. See our T1 International arrivals map for location information.
T2 and T3 domestic – On the Arrivals level outside each terminal. See our T2 Domestic arrivals map and T3 Domestic arrivals map.
Train
The Airport Link is a train service that runs between the T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals.
Frequent services run between 5am and midnight, 7 days a week. The trip takes 2 minutes and costs $8.50 one way (peak) and $7.30 (off-peak), per person using an Opal card. Contactless debit or credit cards and devices can also be used.
Taxi
Taxi ranks are conveniently located outside of each terminal.
Rates are approximately $17–$22 for a taxi one way. The trip takes approximately 10 minutes.
Sydney Buses Route 420
Sydney Buses Route 420 runs between the T1 International and T2/T2 Domestic terminals.
The bus stops are located on the Arrivals level outside of each terminal.
The fare is approximately $1.60 off-peak or $3.20 one way per person. Visit Transport NSW website for the latest information.
FAQs for travellers in transit
I'm a passenger in transit at Sydney Airport with a long wait until my outbound flight departs. Am I able to leave Sydney Airport, then return to catch my outbound flight?
It may be possible to leave Sydney Airport and return for a connecting flight, depending on your circ*mstances. However, it's your responsibility to ensure you meet all potential requirements in order to board your connecting flight. These include:
- meeting all security, biosecurity, Customs and border protection requirements for entering and exiting Australian borders (e.g. appropriate passport, visa, outbound flight documentation as required)
- satisfying all specific requirements of the airline providing the connecting flight
- ensuring you have sufficient time to return to Sydney Airport and complete all steps in order to board your flight on time, including check-in, Customs and security screening
- ensuring you make appropriate arrangements for any luggage
Can I buy duty free items if I'm transferring from one international service to another?
You're advised to defer your purchase until after you pass through security screening and into the Departures area. There are restrictions in place for taking powders, liquids, aerosols and gels (PLAGs) into the Departures area.
You can buy duty free items at the Heinemann Tax and Duty Free stores and other shops on the Departures level.
How do I request assistance for a terminal transfer?
Airlines offer differing levels of service and ‘special assistance’ to passengers. Check with your airline before you book your flight, to check that their inclusion and accessibility policies, procedures and services meet your needs.
What quantity of duty free items can I take with me if I am leaving Australia?
You need to check the duty free allowances for all destination countries that you are travelling to, as duty free allowances vary depending on where you're going.
To check the duty free allowances for your destination, visit one of our Heinemann Tax and Duty Free stores.
How do I find my check-in counter at T1 International?
Check-in counters are positioned in sequential order from A to K. To find out which check-in counter you need , use the flight information display screens on the Departures level, and then follow the signs in the terminal.
You can also visit our terminal maps page to help locate your check-in counter.
How can I find the Departure gate for my flight?
If you're not sure which Departure gate your flight leaves from, check your flight details on the flight information display screens located throughout our terminals.
Once you know your Departure gate, signage inside the terminal will help direct you to your gate.
I am in the Departures area after Security Screening at the International Terminal (T1). Is there somewhere I can have a shower?
Shower facilities are available at the general check-in area near check-in counters A and K on the departures level.
There are also shower facilities located airside (passenger only access) near Gate 31, Gate 51 and Gate 24 (male only) on the departures level.
You will need to supply all provisions for the use of the shower. These provisions may also be purchased at some of our retail outlets.
Are there eating and drinking options after passport control at T1 International?
There's a large range of eating and drinking options both before and after passport control at T1 International, including cafes, bars and casual dining options.
To view the range and location of eating and drinking options at Sydney Airport and for opening times, please visit our eat and shop page.
What airline lounges are located at Sydney Airport?
There are several airline lounges located at Sydney Airport that service passengers and also some passengers of partner airlines.
For specific information on Lounges and eligibility requirements, please contact your airline.
The House and Skyteam lounge at T1 International offer pay to use access.
T1 International
- Air New Zealand Lounge
- Emirates Lounge
- The House
- Qantas Club Lounge
- Silver Kris Lounge
- American Express Lounge
- Skyteam Lounges
T2 Domestic
- Virgin Australia Lounge
- The Rex Lounge
T3 Domestic
- Qantas Club Lounge
Are there any smoking areas at Sydney Airport?
NSW legislation states it is an offence to smoke within four metres of a pedestrian entrance or exit of a public building. NSW Health Inspectors are responsible for enforcement and can issue $550 fines to people who do not comply with the law.
Smoking is not permitted inside the airport terminals.
To accommodate smokers, we provide designated smoking areas outside our terminals. If you are a smoker, we ask that you please ensure you use the designated smoking areas provided and do not smoke in the marked smoke-free areas. Our designated smoking areas can be found on our terminal maps.
There are no smoking areas for passengers transiting through T1 terminal.
