Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Sydney Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
The Sydney airport no longer has an overnight sleeping area in the international terminal. Since COVID, they have started closing the entire airport from 11-2:30 and kick you out even if you have a flight the next morning. – a traveller
SYD Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Sydney Airport.
What to Expect
Sydney Airport (code: SYD) is spread across three terminals: Terminal 1 (T1, international), Terminal 2 (T2, domestic), and Terminal 3 (T3, domestic, primarily Qantas). The Airport Link underground train connects the T1 with T2 and T3 for AUD 20.28-21.54 per adult, and the ride takes about 15 minutes. The terminals are spacious, so expect a lot of walking.
With slow security and immigration queues, arrive early for peace of mind. Once inside Security, food and shopping are decent, but none stay open 24 hours. Some travellers have pointed out that the amenities are disappointing, considering this is Australia’s largest airport. Additional features include free WiFi and showers (BYO soap and towel). Economy class passengers can pay to enter some airport lounges for a more comfortable layover.
Sleeping in Sydney Airport
SYD enforces a curfew (Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995), closing the terminals overnight: T1 (11:00 PM–2:30 AM), T2/T3 (11:00 PM–4:00 AM). No indoor airport sleeping is allowed, so passengers will be directed to a seated waiting area near T1’s train station. Expect metal benches and cold temperatures.
Otherwise, when the airport is open, the amount of seating here is OK, but most benches are equipped with armrests. You’ll either want to contort yourself or stretch out on the floor. Travellers report chilly temperatures throughout the various terminals. Extra layers, a sleep mat, or a sleeping bag will provide the necessary cushion on the concrete ground.
For uninterrupted sleep, there’s a hotel at the International Terminal and another at Terminals 2 and 3, and nearby hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore our Sydney Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 2:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Terminal 1) • 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Terminal 2 and 3). If you have a valid ticket for a flight the following day, the airport staff may direct you to a seated area near the train station at the international terminal.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones, but a few informal spots with padded seats are scattered around the terminals. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
Sydney Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Within 5 minutes from the airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those who are looking to sleep at Sydney Airport in comfort. The Aerotel, located inside Terminal 1, offers short stay rates from 3 hours. One hotel is within walking distance of Terminals 2 and 3, as well as many more nearby options with free and paid airport shuttles.
Inside the Airport
- Aerotel Sydney – Compact rooms (7-11 sqm) with a twin or double bed and private bathroom with shower. Location: T1, Arrivals, Level 1. The entrance is located inside the Arrivals hall between 0230-2300 hrs. The after-hours entrance is located outside the terminal, opposite the taxi rank. Ring the bell to let reception know you have arrived. » Check Rates
Hotels located at Sydney airport
- Mantra Hotel Sydney Airport – A few minutes walking distance from T2 (800m) and T3 (900m) domestic terminals. No airport shuttle. Day rooms are available. » Check Rates
- Rydges Sydney Airport – Located across from the International Terminal. Free shuttle service to the Domestic Terminal on the airport’s free T-Bus service, depending on the time. Day-use rooms are available from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Ibis Budget Sydney Airport – 5-minute walk from the Domestic Terminal. The airport shuttle is available for AUD 10 per person each way. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Sydney Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal 1
- Air New Zealand Lounge – Location: Airside, towards Gates 59-63. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Centurion Lounge – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate 50-63. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Locations: International Departures, Airside, near Gate 24 and International Arrivals. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • American Express cardholders.
- The House – Location: Airside, Pier C towards Gates 51 – 63. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- SkyTeam Lounge operated by Plaza Premium – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate 24. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
Terminal 2
- REX Lounge – Location: Domestic Departures, Airside, near Gate G2. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door (with REX Airlines ticket) • Lounge membership programs.
- Virgin Australia Lounge – Location: Domestic Departures, Airside, near Gate 47. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door with proof of Virgin Australia Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 3
- Qantas Club – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate 10. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Terminal 1, Airside: Emirates Lounge • Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class Lounge • The House, Home of Etihad Airways and other Leading Airlines Lounge.
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Water bottle refill stations are available free of charge. Locations: various locations and outside most washrooms.
Food & Drinks
You will find many options available both Landside and Airside; however, at the time of this update, no 24-hour food or beverage concessions were available. Some restaurants open as early as 4:00 AM, and most close between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Location: SmarteCarte – Terminal 1, arrivals level, opposite Blooming Trails Florist (hours: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM) • SmarteCarte – Terminal 2, arrivals level, near carousel 6 (hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM). Rates per item: starting at $9.00 (small items) or $12.00 (suitcases) per 24 hours.
Mobile Charging
Mobile charging stations can be found on the airside, near the gates. Cables are provided for both Apple and Android phones.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Free showers are available, but you must bring your own soap and towel. Location: Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate 31, Gate 51 and Gate 24 (male only) on the departures level. Landside, you will find showers at the general check-in area near check-in counters A and K on the departures level. A sleepinginairports reader, shaneaeiou, tells us there is a free shower in the domestic terminal, 2nd floor (administration level), near gate 14. (April 2023)
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Sydney Airport. Connect to the “FreeWifi@SYD” network. A survey will appear. Answer the questions, read the terms and conditions and click “Proceed.”
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Sydney Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – If you are travelling with an infant, Baby change facilities are located throughout the airport. In Terminal 1, a nursing area including a sink and microwave can be found in baggage claim. In Terminal 2, Parents’ Rooms can be found both landside and airside.
- Children’s Play Areas – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Locations: Terminal 1, Airside: At Gate 10 • Gate 50, McDonald’s Play Area • Gate 53, Interactive Kids Zone.
- Children’s Cinema – The Kid’s Cinema provides a comfortable area for kids to watch kid friendly tv shows. Location: Terminal 1 – Airside, near Gate 33.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit one of the airport information desks for assistance. Locations: Terminal 1 (Departures, Landside, at Check-in Counters G & H • Departures, Landside, opposite Check-in Counter D • Departures, Airside, opposite Duty Free • Arrivals, Landside, opposite Exits A & B) • Terminal 2 (Arrivals, Landside, opposite Baggage Carousel 2). Hours: 6:00AM – 6:00PM (Terminal 2 locations) • 8:00AM – 8:00PM (Terminal 2 locations). Additionally, airport ambassadors sporting bright blue jackets are stationed throughout both terminals.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available. Rate: AUD $4 for departing passengers. Once you pass through security, smaller trolleys are available free of charge. Arriving passengers will find free trolleys available in the baggage claim area.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Available at Secure Travel. Locations: Terminal 1, Landside, near Check-in D and near Check-in H. Hours: 4:30AM – 8:30PM.
Massage – Mandarin Massage offers reflexology, massages and more relaxing services. Location: Terminal 1, Airside, near gate 34. Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM every day.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – If you feel unwell or injure yourself, the Sydney Airport Medical Centre is located on level 3 of the International Terminal (T1). Hours: 8:00AM – 5:00PM.
- Pharmacy – Airport Guardian (T2, Airside, near the food court. Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM) • Amcal Pharmacy (T2, Airside, near Gate 51. Hours: 6:00AM – 9:00PM) • T3 Pharmacy (T3, Airside, near Food Court. Hours: 6:00AM – 9:00PM).
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Machines are operated by ANZ Bank, Travelex and Westpac. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Terminals 1 and 2. Travelex has 33 multi-currency ATMs throughout the airport.
- Banking Services – ANZ Bank provides full banking services. Location: International Terminal, Level 2, near Check-in J. Hours: 5:30AM – 9:00PM.
- Currency Exchange – Available in all 3 Terminals. Services provided by ANZ Bank, Global Exchange and Travelex. Hours vary at each location, you will find one open at 5:30AM and one which closes at 10:00PM.
Observation Deck – Relax and watch planes taking off and landing from the vantage point of the airport’s observation deck. Location: Terminal 1 – walkthrough Terrace Bar or use the passageway near check-in counter B to access the stairs leading up to the deck.
Post Office – Australia Post – You can purchase stamps and mail products such as postcards and envelopes, send/receive money transfers (Billpay, Bank@Post, Western Union), purchase insurance and more. Location: International Terminal (T1), Landside, opposite the pharmacy. Hours: 6:15AM – 8:00PM.
Prayer Room – Location: Terminal 1, airside, Level 3 (Hours: 5:00AM – 10:00PM). A second prayer room is available landside near the taxi holding area, mainly for use by taxi drivers.
Shopping – Duty free is available in addition to a variety of other shops both landside and airside.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking – There are designated smoking areas in the Terminal 1 Terrace Bar (landside). If you are a transit passenger, there are no designated smoking areas, so you better travel with a patch or lots of gum.
Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Sydney and need local arrangements or help planning a really last minute trip abroad, there is a Flight Center travel agency (T1, Airside, Level 2, near Check-in G) with offices at the airport that can probably be of assistance.
Bus
Sydney Bus route 400 offers a scheduled service between Bondi Junction and Eastgardens, stopping at designated bus stops on the Arrivals Level of Terminals 1 and 3 along the way. A paper ticket or reusable Opal card is required for boarding. You can visit the Sydney Buses website for more information on this bus route and other Sydney Buses.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies operate onsite at the Arrivals level of both terminals: Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
Some nearby hotels provide airport shuttles (free or for a fee): Ibis Budget Sydney Airport ($) • Citadines Connect Sydney Airport ($) • Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport ($) • The Branksome Hotel & Residences • Ibis Sydney Airport ($) • Holiday Inn Sydney Airport • Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Airport • CKS Sydney Airport Hotel • Veriu Green Square.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
Terminals 2 and 3 are within walking distance of each other, but transportation is necessary to transfer between Terminals 1 and 2/3. There are a few different ways to travel between the terminals: T-Bus, Airline Transfers, taxi or train. If you would like more information, you can visit the Sydney Airport website.
Limousine
By law, limousines cannot pick up passengers from the airport without a pre-arrangement. Passengers who have not pre-booked a limousine prior to arrival can hire one at the Royale Limousines desk in Terminal 1 Arrivals.
Shuttles
Redy2Go and Mozio provide door-to-door shared ride or exclusive ride service between the airport and the Sydney metropolitan area. Services can be pre-booked on the respective websites or requested at any Sydney Airport Travel Desk located in the Arrivals area of Terminals 1 or 2.
Taxi
Sheltered taxi ranks are located outside each terminal, with different types of taxis readily available to accommodate passengers needing baby capsules, wheelchair-accessible vehicles or multi-passenger “maxi taxis.” “Kerbside Supervisors” are on hand to direct taxis and assist passengers in finding a suitable cab for their needs. At the time of this update, the average fare from the airport to central Sydney is AUD 45 – 55 one way.
Train
Trains from SYD airport (both Terminals) connect to the City Circle line in central Sydney. Tickets and Opal cards are sold at train stations, with Opal cards offering discounted fares on Sydney trains, buses and ferries. Go to the Airport Link website for more details. For information on Sydney’s city and regional trains, go to the Transport Sydney Trains website.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.