Sleeping in Airports

Sydney Airport Guide

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.

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. The Airport Link underground train connects the International Terminal (T1) with the Domestic Terminals 2 and 3 for about $6.70 AUD per person 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 are free WiFi and free showers (BYO soap and towel). For a more comfortable layover, economy class passengers can pay to enter some airport lounges. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and rates.

Sydney Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of a guest traveller / 17Nov2017)

Sleeping in Sydney Airport

According to a July 2022 post-Covid review, the entire airport closes from 11:00PM – 2:30AM.  If you are in the public area of the Domestic or International terminals you will be kicked out.  Daytime sleepers can expect to rest on the cold hard floor, so bring something soft and extra layers to combat the chilly temperature. Explore our guide to sleeping in Sydney Airport or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.  For uninterrupted sleep, there’s a hotel at the International Terminal and another at Terminals 2 and 3, and nearby hotels offer free airport shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.

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. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.  For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Sydney Airport Guide.

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.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

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 to also find out how you can gain lounge 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 LoungeTemporarily Closed – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate 50-63.  Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
  • Plaza Premium Lounge Temporarily Closed – Location: International Departures, Airside, near Gate 24. Lounge Access: 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.

Related Pages: Sydney Airport Lounges

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 is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Sydney Airport in comfort.   One hotel is with walking distance of Terminals 2 and 3, while there are many more nearby hotel options with free and paid airport shuttles.

Hotels located at Sydney airport

  • Mantra Hotel Sydney Airport – 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 8:00AM – 5:00PM.  » Check Rates

Hotels near the airport

  • Ibis Budget Sydney Airport – 5-minute walk from the Domestic Terminal.  Airport shuttle is available for a fee, 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 WiFi/Internet

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, connect to the “-FREE SYD WiFi-” network.

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

Communications

  • 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.
  • SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
  • WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.

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.

Food & Drinks

  • 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 there were no 24 hour food or beverage concessions available. You will find some restaurants open as early as 4:00AM and most close between 9:00PM and 10:00PM.

Information

  • 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.
  • 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.

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 – Location: SmarteCarte – Terminal 1, arrivals level, opposite Blooming Trails Florist (hours: 6:00AM – 9:30PM) • SmarteCarte – Terminal 2, arrivals level, near carousel 6 (hours: 5:30AM – 9:00PM). Rates per item: starting at $9.00 (small items) or $12.00 (suitcases) per 24 hours.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Available at Secure Travel. Locations: Terminal 1, Landside, near Check-in D and near Check-in H. Hours: 4:30AM – 8:30PM.

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).

Mobile Charging

  • Mobile Charging – Charging stations can be found throughout T1. Cables are provided for both Apple and Android phones. At the time of this update, we are not aware of charging stations in T2 and T3.

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.

Prayer

  • 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.

Rest & Relaxation

Shopping

  • Duty Free & Shopping – Duty free is available in addition to a variety of other shops both landside and airside.

Showers, Salon & Spa

  • Massage – Mandarin Massage offers reflexology, massages and more relaxing services. Location: Terminal 1, Airside, near gate 34. Hours: 6:00AM – 10:00PM every day.
  • Showers – Free showers are available, but you need to 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 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)

Smoking

  • 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.

Things to do & see

  • Observation Deck – Relax and watch planes taking off and landing from the vantage point of the airport’s observation deck. Location: Terminal 1 – walk through Terrace Bar or use the passageway near check-in counter B to gain access to the stairs leading up to the deck.

Airport Hours

The airport is 3:00AM – 11:00PM (Terminal 1) • 4:00AM – 11:00PM (Terminal 2 and 3). If you have a valid ticket for a flight the next morning the airport staff may direct you to a seated area near the train station at the international terminal.

Airlines

Sydney airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Air China • Air India • Air New Zealand • Air Niugini • Air Vanuatu • AirAsia X • Aircalin • All Nippon Airways • American Airlines • Asiana Airlines • Atlas Air • Beijing Capital Airlines • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • Cebu Pacific • China Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Emirates • Etihad Airways • Fiji Airways • FlyPelican • Fly Corporate • Garuda Indonesia • Hainan Airlines • Hawaiian Airlines • Japan Airlines • Jetstar Airways • Korean Air • LATAM • Malaysia Airlines • Malindo Air • Philippines Airlines • Qantas • Qatar Airways •  Samoa Airways • Scoot • Sichuan • Singapore Airlines • Thai Airways • Tianjin Airlines • United Airlines • Vietnam Airlines • Virgin Australia • Xiamen Air.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

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. For more information on this bus route and other Sydney Buses, go to the Sydney Buses website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies operate onsite in 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 ($) •  The Branksome Hotel & ResidencesIbis Sydney Airport ($) • Holiday Inn Sydney AirportAdina Apartment Hotel Sydney AirportCKS Sydney Airport HotelVeriu 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. For more information, visit the Sydney Airport website.

Limousine

By law, limousines are not allowed to pick up passengers from the airport without a pre-arrangement. Passengers who have not pre-booked a limousine prior to arrival can hire a limousine 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 areas of Terminals 1 or 2.

Taxi

Sheltered taxi ranks are located outside of 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” available on hand to direct taxis and assist passengers in finding the right taxi 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: 2022-10-28

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, are 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 web sites. 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.