Sydney Airport (SYD)

Passengers entering Australia are required to provide arrival, customs and biosecurity information.

As of August 2026, the standard process for most passengers remains the paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC).

Australia is introducing a digital Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) as an alternative to the paper Incoming Passenger Card. However, this is being progressively rolled out and is not yet the standard option for every passenger.

The Australian Border Force has announced that the Australia Travel Declaration is expected to be introduced across Australia's international airports and seaports before the end of 2027.

Passengers should therefore follow the current instructions provided by their airline and Australian Border Force when travelling.

Travellers must answer Australia's customs and biosecurity questions accurately.

Australia has strict controls relating to items such as:

When unsure whether an item must be declared, travellers should declare it and allow Australian border officials to assess it.

Most non-Australian citizens require an appropriate visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia.

The visa required depends on factors including:

Passengers should check their individual requirements through the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs before booking or travelling.

Terminal 1 (T1) is Sydney Airport's international passenger terminal.

International passengers arriving in or departing from Sydney normally use T1.

Facilities include international check-in, border processing, baggage services, shopping, dining, lounges and ground transportation connections.

The International Airport railway station provides direct train access from T1 to Sydney's rail network.

Terminal 2 (T2) handles domestic flights within Australia.

The Domestic Airport railway station serves the T2/T3 precinct.

Passengers can access the station from the arrivals level of the domestic terminals.

Terminal 3 (T3) also handles domestic flights within Australia.

T2 and T3 are located close to each other.

Passengers can walk between T2 and T3 using the pedestrian path through the P1 car park, with Sydney Airport currently estimating the walk at approximately five minutes.

Passengers connecting between international flights should follow the appropriate transfer signs and airline instructions.

Whether passengers need to collect baggage or complete additional border procedures depends on their itinerary and airline arrangements.

Passengers should confirm:

before travelling.

Passengers arriving internationally and continuing on a domestic flight generally need to complete Australian arrival formalities before travelling to the domestic terminal precinct.

The process may include:

Passengers should allow sufficient connection time because T1 and T2/T3 are in separate airport precincts.

Passengers arriving on a domestic flight and connecting to an international service may need to transfer from T2 or T3 to T1.

Passengers should:

Passengers should allow sufficient time for the terminal transfer and international departure formalities.

An important point for travellers is that T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic are separate terminal precincts.

It is not possible to walk between the International and Domestic terminals.

Available transfer options include:

Sydney Airport advises that eligible passengers travelling with certain airlines may have access to an airline-operated transfer service. Passengers should confirm eligibility directly with their airline.

Passengers can walk between T2 and T3.

The pedestrian route through the P1 car park currently takes approximately five minutes.

Travellers connecting through Sydney may require an Australian transit visa depending on:

Passengers should not assume that a short transit automatically means that no Australian visa is required.

Travellers should check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs requirements for their individual circumstances before travelling.

Sydney Airport is connected directly to Sydney's rail network.

Train stations are located underneath the airport terminals:

The stations are served by the T8 Airport & South Line.

Train services provide convenient access towards central Sydney and connections with the wider Sydney public transport network.

Passengers can pay using:

Passengers using contactless payment should tap on and tap off using the same card or device.

An additional airport station access fee applies when using the airport railway stations. Because fares and fees can change, passengers should check current Transport for NSW information before travelling.

International Airport Station – T1

Domestic Airport Station – T2/T3

Opal card

Contactless debit or credit card

Digital wallet

Eligible train ticket

Public bus services connect Sydney Airport with surrounding areas.

Route 420 currently serves both the T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminal precincts and provides connections through surrounding suburbs.

Passengers should check current routes and schedules through Transport for NSW before travelling.

Taxi ranks are available at each Sydney Airport terminal.

Taxis provide direct transportation to:

Travel time and fares vary depending on traffic, destination and time of travel.

Sydney CBD

Hotels

Residences

Business districts

Tourist areas

Greater Sydney destinations

Uber and other rideshare services operate at Sydney Airport.

Pickup locations vary by terminal.

Passengers should follow airport signage and the instructions displayed in their rideshare application to reach the appropriate pickup zone.

Because pickup arrangements may change, it is better not to rely on an older saved pickup location.

Shuttle services operate between Sydney Airport and selected hotels and central Sydney locations.

These can be useful for passengers who prefer pre-arranged transportation.

Routes, schedules and booking requirements depend on the operator.

Private transfers can be arranged in advance.

They can be useful for:

Families

Groups

Business travellers

Travellers with significant luggage

First-time visitors

Passengers requiring direct transportation

Car rental companies operate at Sydney Airport, with facilities available in the international and domestic terminal areas.

Hiring a car may be useful for travellers planning to explore destinations outside central Sydney.

International visitors should ensure they meet applicable Australian and New South Wales driving requirements before renting a vehicle.

For travellers staying mainly in central Sydney, public transport may be more convenient than driving.