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.
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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
Sydney Airport is not open 24 hours.
- Terminal 1 (International): 2:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Terminals 2 & 3 (Domestic): 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
If you arrive late at night or have an early-morning flight, overnight access is limited. Travellers with a valid ticket for a flight the following day may be directed by staff to a seated waiting area near the train station at the international terminal, but access is not guaranteed and conditions can change.
Sydney Airport enforces a night curfew and regularly clears terminals after closing hours. Plan accordingly if you are arriving very late.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no designated sleeping areas, quiet rooms, or rest zones. Seating is available throughout the terminals, including some padded benches, but most seats have armrests. 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
For travellers who prefer a proper bed rather than trying to sleep at Sydney Airport, there are several convenient hotel options. Aerotel is located inside the international terminal and offers short-stay rooms, while multiple hotels are within walking distance of the domestic terminals or reachable by shuttle.
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 -About 800 m from T2 and 900 m from T3. No airport shuttle. Day rooms are available. » Check Rates
- Rydges Sydney Airport – Located opposite the International Terminal. Transfers to domestic terminals may be available via the airport’s T-Bus service, depending on operating hours. Day-use rooms available. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Ibis Budget Sydney Airport – About a 5-minute walk from the Domestic Terminal. Airport shuttle available for a fee. » 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.
Air New Zealand Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, International Departures, Level 2. Hours: Temporarily closed (check Air New Zealand website for reopening). Showers: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Air New Zealand Koru Club members • Star Alliance Gold members • No paid access.
Emirates Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate 58. Hours: 04:00 AM – 08:15 AM and 05:10 PM – 09:15 PM daily. Showers: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Paid access for Emirates economy passengers (US$125 for Skywards members, US$155 for non-members), Emirates First and Business Class passengers • Emirates Skywards Platinum/Gold members • Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One/Platinum/Gold or Chairman’s Lounge members travelling on Emirates/Qantas.
The House – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Pier C, towards Gates 51–63. Hours: 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily. Showers: Yes (free with three-hour lounge pass). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from A$75 pre-booked online) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Etihad premium passengers.
Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate 24. Hours: 05:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily. Showers: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • American Express cardholders • Lounge membership programs.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals) – Location: Terminal 1, Arrivals B, non-restricted area (inside Aerotel). Hours: 05:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily. Showers: Yes (additional cost). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes (3-6 hour passes) • Lounge membership programs.
SkyTeam Lounge (operated by Plaza Premium) – Location: Terminal 1, International Departures, Airside, near Gate 24. Hours: Varies by SkyTeam flight schedules. Showers: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from A$71) • SkyTeam First and Business Class passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members • Prepaid lounge passes.
REX Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Domestic Departures, Airside, near Gate G2. Hours: Varies based on REX Airlines flight schedules (typically 05:30 AM – 09:00 PM). Showers: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (with REX Airlines ticket) • Lounge membership programs.
Virgin Australia Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Domestic Departures, Airside, near Gate 47. Hours: Varies based on Virgin Australia flight schedules (typically 05:00 AM – 09:00 PM). Showers: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of Virgin Australia Airlines ticket • 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.
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, International Departures. Hours: 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM (varies based on flight schedules). Showers: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Singapore Airlines First and Business Class passengers • Star Alliance Gold members.
Qantas International Business Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 3 via escalators. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Qantas Club members • Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One/Platinum/Gold • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald • Business/First Class on Qantas or oneworld flights • single-entry pass • complimentary invitation.
Qantas International First Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Level 4, past immigration. Hours: Varies based on flight departures (e.g., QF67 to New Delhi, QF81 to Singapore, QF1 to London, QF11 to Los Angeles; typically 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM). Showers: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Qantas First Class passengers • Qantas Platinum/Platinum One Frequent Flyers • Oneworld Emerald members • Emirates First Class passengers.
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Free water bottle refill stations are available throughout the terminals, including near most washrooms.
Food & Drinks
Food and drink outlets are available landside and airside, but there are no confirmed 24-hour dining options at the time of this update. Some venues open as early as 4:00 AM, while most close between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Tip: Late-night arrivals should eat before coming to the airport or bring snacks.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
SmarteCarte offers storage services and baggage lockers:
- Terminal 1: International, arrivals level, Exit A (hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
- Terminal 2: Domestic departures, near Gate 49 (hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Terminal 3: Domestic, arrivals level (hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
Services are not available overnight, which may affect late-night or early-morning travellers.
Mobile Charging
Charging stations are available airside near the gates. Some stations include built-in cables for Apple and Android devices, but availability varies by area.
Showers
Free showers are available, but you must bring your own toiletries and towel.
Confirmed locations include:
- Terminal 1 (International), Airside: near Gates 24 (male only), 31, 51
- Terminal 1, Landside, Level 3
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 – Baby changing facilities are available throughout the airport. Terminal 1 offers a nursing area with basic amenities, while Terminal 2 has Parents’ Rooms located both landside and airside.
- Children’s Play Areas – Children’s play areas and interactive zones are available in Terminal 1, airside, giving kids a chance to burn off energy before a flight.
- Children’s Cinema – Terminal 1 features a small children’s cinema where kids can relax and watch family-friendly TV shows.
Information Desk – Airport information desks are available to assist travellers in Terminals 1 and 2. You may also see airport ambassadors in bright blue jackets throughout the terminals who can help answer basic questions.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Baggage trolleys are available throughout the airport. Fees may apply before security, while smaller trolleys airside and trolleys in baggage claim are generally free.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protective luggage wrapping services are available in Terminal 1.
Massage – Massage and reflexology services are available airside in Terminal 1 for travellers looking to relax before a flight.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – A medical clinic is located in the International Terminal and provides treatment for minor illnesses and injuries during daytime hours.
- Pharmacy – Several pharmacies operate airside across Terminals 2 and 3, selling over-the-counter medications and travel essentials.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available in Terminals 1 and 2. Fees may apply depending on your bank and card type.
- Banking Services – Full banking services are available in the International Terminal.
- Currency Exchange – Currency exchange counters are available in all terminals, with operating hours varying by location.
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 – An Australia Post outlet in the International Terminal offers postal services and basic financial transactions.
Prayer Room – A prayer room is available airside in Terminal 1. A second prayer space is located landside near the taxi holding area and is mainly used by drivers.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping and a range of other retail stores are available 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 – Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor smoking areas at Terminal 1. There are no smoking areas for transit passengers airside.
Travel Agencies – A Flight Centre travel agency operates airside in Terminal 1 and may be able to assist with last-minute travel arrangements.
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.
Related Pages: 7 things to do on a layover at Sydney Airport
Last updated: 2025-12-15
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.