Sydney Airport Arrivals & Departures

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Getting ready for your journey to or from Sydney Airport? Or perhaps you are awaiting the arrival of a loved one? Whatever it may be, we have you covered on essential details about flights, terminals, and commonly asked questions when it comes to Sydney Airport arrivals & departures. For specific flight-related information, take a look at the flight tracker below, and keep reading for more information on what you should know for a seamless airport experience.  

SYD Departures
 
 

How long does it take to get through Sydney Airport arrivals? 

 

Upon landing in Sydney, you should be able to get through customs & immigration between 30 minutes - 1 hour. Please keep in mind that if you have items to declare, or are travelling with small children, it may take longer as your customs clearance will have to be manually processed. 

Please additionally be advised that certain passengers may use the Smart Gate customs clearance, which will lessen wait time considerably. Passengers can use Smart Gate if they have an eligible e-passport; are citizens or non-citizens 16 years or older; or an Australian citizen between the age of 10-15 and are travelling with 2 or more adults. Unsure if your passport is an e-passport? Rest assured, it is if it has a small camera symbol located at the bottom of the front cover. 

 

Where to pick up domestic & international arrivals at Sydney Airport? 

 

International passengers can be picked up by drivers outside T1. There is a pick-up bay available outside the terminal. Please be advised that drivers must remain in their car at all times and can not stay for more than 1–2 minutes, or they will be instructed to leave by an attendant. Domestic passengers can be picked up from Sydney Airport outside T2 or T3, in the designated pick-up zones in the forecourt. There are also accessible pick up and drop off bays available near the main terminals that are signposted on the pavement. 

For longer pick-up arrivals at Sydney Airport, there are priority pick-up zones and express pick-up zones, however, rates do apply. 

 

Is terminal 2 domestic or international at Sydney Airport? 

 

Terminal 2 is part of Sydney domestic airport and is thus designated for those flying specifically on Virgin Australia, REX, and Jetstar. 

 

How long does it take to get from the domestic to the international terminal in Sydney? 

 

To get between the domestic and international terminals in Sydney Airport - otherwise known as T1 and T2/T3 - you will need to take a 10-minute shuttle drive. Shuttle buses at Sydney Airport are complimentary and run every 30 minutes. To take the bus, head outside the arrivals level outside each terminal and proceed to the bus station. 

 

How long do I need to be at Sydney Airport before an international flight? 

 

Flyparks highly recommends being at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight. Doing so gives you enough time to park your car at Sydney Airport, check your bags, clear security, and have time for a snack or relax a bit before taking off! If you plan to park your car at an airport car park located a short shuttle ride away, we recommend arriving at the car park at least 30 minutes before you need to check in at the terminal. Pro tip: check in to your flight opens 3 hours before its designated departure.

If you are looking for a secure, reputable car park to park your car in whilst away, consider those mentioned below, and, to learn more about the rates and features of each car park, click on their blue links. 

 

Is 1 hour enough for connecting flights in Sydney?

 

Passengers with international flight connections will need at least 2 hours for a successful connection at Sydney Airport. However, if a passenger is connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, an hour and a half will suffice.

 

 

Please note that the information above is provided for reference only, and does not constitute travel advice. For the most recent and relevant information about Sydney Airport, you should check their official website.

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