Your Complete Guide To Sydney Airport
The main gateway to Australia‘s largest city, Sydney Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the country. With over 150 shops for dining, entertainment and medical purposes, private airline lounges, hotels, parking areas, a business centre and two conference rooms, the Sydney Airport is renowned worldwide for its high standards in terms of services and customer satisfaction.
Located 10 km from the city and just 15 minutes away from Sydney’s downtown, the airport has justly received a four-star rating. If you ever find your way into the famous Sydney Airport, then here is some useful information that will help you navigate this airport.
Travelling to Sydney from the UK? Book your UK airport transfer with our preferred UK partner Select Coach Hire and enjoy low cost, reliable transport at both your starting location and your destination.
Terminal information
The Sydney Airport includes three terminals that serve all major domestic and international carriers: T1 is the international terminal, whereas the T2 and T3 Qantas are the domestic terminals. Irrespective of whether you are Australian or a foreigner, you will have to undergo a security check-up once you arrive at either of the terminals.
Take note that for the T1 terminal, passengers will have to undergo immigration verification in the addition to the standard security one. While you might be worried that you dont have anything on you to prove you have a visa, rest assured that the immigration officers will run your passport through the computer and confirm your visa.
Facilities and shopping
As you would expect from an international airport of this calibre, the Sydney Airport is home to numerous tax and duty free product stores. Regardless of whether you want to buy your best friend a Bulgari or DIOR perfume, or you are interested in purchasing Apple or Sony electronics as a last minute gift for a nephew, you can find them all at the SYD Airport Tax & Duty Free. In case you don’t find anything you like in the duty free shop, then rest assured the airport includes a plethora of other outlets where you can do your shopping.
Overnight laws and accommodations
Even if it sounds wacky, the Sydney legislation forbids the departure and arrival of planes between 11 pm and 5:30 am. Both T2 and T3 terminals close immediately after the last plane lands, usually around 11 pm. As far as the T1 terminal is concerned, it also closes at 11 pm. However, T1 includes a small transit area that allows you to remain there for a little while longer, if you are already inside. In case you miss the last train service to Sydney that departs at 11:45 pm, then your best option is to spend the night at one of the nearby hotels.
If you decide to spend the night at one of the many hotels around the Sydney Airport, then there are high chances that some people may approach you and try to convince you to spend the night at their facility. While your first impulse would be to call the airport security, in most cases these people are hostel managers who donÂt want to pay for advertisement. Frankly, unless you are on a very tight budget, you should refuse their offer, as most of these hostels offer mediocre accommodation options at best.
Eating and drinking
If your flights are not far apart and you have an hour to spare, then this would be the perfect opportunity to grab something to eat. The Sydney Airport accommodates all types of diners and restaurants, including healthy eating bistros, family restaurants, casual dining and numerous places where you can get a delicious snack.
Local Sim Card
You can buy a local sim card with either Vodafone or Telstra in their outlets at the Arrivals Hall. Both providers offer good packages for tourists and short term visitors.
The Gold Ambassador Desk
Passengers who are having troubles getting around the Sydney Airport can always rely on the Golden Ambassadors to offer them directions. You can identify the Golden Ambassadors by their bright yellow jackets. While their role is to provide a better experience for all visitors, take note that they cannot show you around the airport, nor do they provide meet and greet services.
Transportation to Sydney
In case this is your first time visiting Sydney, then it would be wise to have an airport service with a chauffeur pick you up from the airport. If you didnt plan ahead, then rest assured that there are other options to get into the city, namely:
- By taxi – Taking a taxi to Sydney is a viable option if you are travelling with less than three more passengers.
- By local bus You can find bus stops outside of all three terminals; even though the tickets are cheap, take note that the luggage space is limited.
- By shuttle bus If you schedule your trip ahead of time, then you have the chance to buy a ticket for a shuttle bus to the front door of your hotel.
- By train While its more expensive than taking the local bus, getting to Sydney by train has the advantage of convenience. To be more precise, the rail stations are connected to the airline terminals to which you can get via pedestrian subways and lifts. However, it can be uncomfortable to travel on the train if you have a few pieces of luggage.
Airport transfers
The recommended way to get to downtown Sydney is using an airport transfer, regardless whether you are arriving in the Sydney airport for a business meeting or you are coming into Sydney on a family vacation. Your concerns about luggage capacity, safety and comfort will be well met with our airport transfer services. Buscharter.com.au can provide all vehicle types from Sedans to minibuses to full size coaches.