Sydney Airport Departures

SYD Airport Live Departures

Checking in at Sydney Airport

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is a large international hub with three passenger terminals. So the first step when checking in is to know which terminal you need to go to.

Terminal 1 is for international flights, Terminal 2 is for domestic flights and Terminal 3 is reserved for Qantas domestic flights. They are all connected via a free terminal transfer bus. 

Next, you need to find your airline’s check-in desk. You can check the screens at the entrance of each terminal. Our Sydney Airport departures board above may also help.

Terminal 1 – Departures is located on Level 1.

Terminal 2 – Departures is located on the ground floor.

Terminal 3 – Departures is located on the ground floor.

Once you’ve found the right check-in desk, the process depends on your airline. Some allow you to check in online. In that case, all you need to do is show your boarding pass and drop off your bags. 

Others have self-service check-in machines to streamline the process. Whether you go to a manned check-in desk or a self-service machine, there will always be staff available to assist you.

When to arrive at Sydney Airport?

The best time to arrive at Sydney Airport depends on where you’re flying to. Sydney International Airport departures from Terminal 1 should arrive at least 3 hours before their flights. 

If you’re flying domestically from Terminal 2 or 3, aim to arrive 1 hour before your flight if you’re just travelling with hand luggage. If you’re checking in luggage, it’s best to arrive 2 hours before your flight.

What’s next?

After checking in, head to the security checkpoint with your hand luggage. 

To streamline your transit through security, follow these guidelines: 

• Place any personal belongings into your hand luggage, including your watch, wallet or purse. 
• Take your liquids bag out of your hand luggage. Your bag of liquids should be a clear plastic bag with any liquids, gels and aerosols in individual 100 ml vessels. Place the liquid bag into a tray.
  If you’re carrying baby food, baby milk or medication over 100 ml, speak to a screening officer.
• If you have any containers with powders, separate them from the liquids bag and place them into a separate tray.
• Put any electronics and metal items into the tray, including laptops, keys, coins, and so on.
• Remove your outerwear and place it into a tray. “Outerwear” includes jackets, hats, scarves, coats, and sometimes shoes. Consult the security staff if in doubt. 
• Place your hand luggage onto the conveyor belt. 
• If you have any medical devices, implants or aids, speak to the screening officers before going through the metal detector. 
• Walk under the metal detector and reunite with your belongings on the other side.

Tip: You can find the live security wait times on the homepage of the Sydney Airport website.

Once you’re through security, feel free to enjoy the Sydney Airport departures lounge until you board your flight.

What to do in Departures at Sydney Airport?

What awaits you in Departures at Sydney Airport? It depends on which terminal you’re flying from. That said, all three of the departure lounges are fully equipped with charging points, toilets, baby and adult changing facilities, free WiFi, and seating.

International travellers at Terminal 1 have a wide range of shops including designer favourites like Balenciaga, Burberry and Cartier. The Heinneman Duty-Free provides a selection of tax-free luxury and local goods. When it comes to restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s everything from fast food and coffee shops to premium sit-down establishments. 

You can also receive a tourist tax refund from the TRS office, near the duty-free. 

The Sydney Domestic Airport Terminal 2 departures lounge is equally impressive. The food court has bars, bistros and quick bites galore. The shops predominantly sell high-end clothing and travel essentials. 

Terminal 3 is the smallest terminal servicing only Qantas flights. Despite its size, it still has a wide array of shops and restaurants to entertain you before your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to Sydney Airport?

The easiest way to get to Sydney Airport is by taxi. That way, you’ll have the flexibility to depart from anywhere without carrying your luggage. For an even more personalised ride, you can book your private airport taxi from Welcome Pickups. Alternatively, the Airport Link train offers fast, reliable service to and from Sydney Airport Terminal 1 and 2 departures.

How early should I arrive at Sydney Airport?

If you’re taking an international flight from Terminal 1 at Sydney Airport, you should arrive at least 3 hours before your flight.

Sydney Domestic Airport Terminal 2 departures and Qantas Terminal 3 departures should arrive no later than 1 hour before their flight. If you are brining luggage to check, arrive 2 hours before.

How do I check in at Sydney Airport?

To check in at Sydney Airport, first identify which terminal you need to go to. All international flights fly from Terminal 1, Qantas domestic flights fly from Terminal 3, and all other domestic flights fly from Terminal 2. Next, find your airline’s check-in desk with your luggage and ID. Consult your airline for the exact process.

How long does it take to get through security at Sydney Airport?

Security wait times at Sydney Airport depend on the time of day. It can take 30 minutes to one hour during busy periods. The Sydney Airport website posts live security wait times on the homepage.