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Check procedures with your airline

If you're transferring to another flight at Sydney Airport, ask your airline for advice on transferring to your onward connecting flight.

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Getting between terminals

Our domestic and international terminals are located a short ride away from each other. There are several ways you can transfer between the terminals, depending on your flight details and how much time you have to make your connection. Check with your airline for advice on the best transfer options for you.

Getting between terminals

Security screening for travellers in transit

If you're transiting on arrival in Australia, you'll be re-screened at Sydney Airport before re-boarding your aircraft and departing for your final destination. Any liquids, aerosols and gels you have that do not meet the quantity restrictions or pass screening won't be allowed through the screening point. This includes duty-free items.

What you cannot take onboard International flights

Clearing security

Duty free for travellers in transit

If you're in transit, you must wait until after passing security to purchase duty free items. There are restrictions for taking liquids, aerosols and gels through security and any items that do not meet the quantity restrictions or pass screening will not be allowed through the screening point. Once you have passed through security, you can purchase duty free items at the shops located on the departures level.

Shop now and collect later at Heinemann stores

What you cannot take onboard International flights

FAQs for travellers in transit

Are there any smoking areas at Sydney Airport?

NSW legislation states it is an offence to smoke within four metres of a pedestrian entrance or exit of a public building. NSW Health Inspectors are responsible for enforcement and can issue $550 fines to people who do not comply with the law.

Smoking is not permitted inside the airport terminals.

To accommodate smokers, we provide designated smoking areas outside our terminals. If you are a smoker, we ask that you please ensure you use the designated smoking areas provided and do not smoke in the marked smoke-free areas. Our designated smoking areas can be found on our terminal maps.

There are no smoking areas for passengers transiting through T1 terminal.

I am in the Departures area after Security Screening at the International Terminal (T1). Is there somewhere I can have a shower?

Shower facilities are available at the general check-in area near check-in counters A and K on the departures level.

There are also shower facilities located airside (passenger only access) near Gate 31, Gate 51 and Gate 24 (male only) on the departures level.

You will need to supply all provisions for the use of the shower. These provisions may also be purchased at some of our retail outlets.

I'm a passenger in transit at Sydney Airport with a long wait until my outbound flight departs. Am I able to leave Sydney Airport, then return to catch my outbound flight?

It may be possible to leave Sydney Airport and return for a connecting flight, depending on your circumstances. However, it's your responsibility to ensure you meet all potential requirements in order to board your connecting flight. These include:

meeting all security, biosecurity, Customs and border protection requirements for entering and exiting Australian borders (e.g. appropriate passport, visa, outbound flight documentation as required)
satisfying all specific requirements of the airline providing the connecting flight
ensuring you have sufficient time to return to Sydney Airport and complete all steps in order to board your flight on time, including check-in, Customs and security screening
ensuring you make appropriate arrangements for any luggage

Can I buy duty free items if I'm transferring from one international service to another?

You're advised to defer your purhcase until after you pass through security screening and into the Departures area. There are restrictions in place for taking Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) into the Departures area.

You can buy duty free items at the Heinemann Tax and Duty Free stores and other shops on the Departures level.

How can I find the Departure gate for my flight?

If you're not sure which Departure gate your flight leaves from, check your flight details on the flight information display screens located throughout our terminals.

Once you know your Departure gate, signage inside the terminal will help direct you to your gate.

What time do the shops, eating and drinking outlets open?

Specific opening and closing times vary, however the standard trading times for most retail stores at both T1 International and T2 Domestic are 6am-10pm daily.

Visit the Shop section for opening times of specific retailers.

Is there a pharmacy or chemist at Sydney Airport?

There are Airport Guardian Pharmacies at both T1 International and T2 Domestic. For more information, visit our Airport Guardian Pharmacy page.

What airline lounges are located at Sydney Airport?

There are several airline lounges located at T1 International and T2 Domestic. Please contact your airline for information on lounges available to you.

T1 International

After Customs on the airside Departures mezzanine level, via escalators

The Qantas Club - Qantas Airways

Qantas First Lounge - Qantas Airways

After Customs on the airside Departures level near gates 50-63, via lift or escalators

Air New Zealand Lounge - Air New Zealand

Silver Kris Lounge - Singapore Airlines

Emirates Lounge - Emirates Airlines

American Express

Etihad

Skyteam Lounges

T2 Domestic

After Security

The Qantas Club - Qantas Airways

The Lounge - Virgin Australia

The Rex Lounge - Rex Airlines

What quantity of duty free items can I take with me if I am leaving Australia?

You need to check the duty free allowances for all destination countries that you are travelling to, as duty free allowances vary depending on where you're going.

To check the duty free allowances for your destination, visit one of our Heinemann Tax and Duty Free stores.

What are the restrictions for powders, liquids, aerosols and gels (PLAGs) in carry-on baggage?

For your safety, restrictions apply to the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) you can take on flights into and out of Australia. These rules also apply when transiting on international flights within Australia.

For further information on PLAGs restrictions, visit Travel Secure.

How do I find my check-in counter at T1 International?

Check-in counters are positioned in sequential order from A to K. To find out which check-in counter you need , use the flight information display screens on the Departures level, and then follow the signs in the terminal.

You can also visit our terminal maps page to help locate your check-in counter, or enter your flight details in the free Sydney Airport app for iPhone and Android before you arrive.

Are there eating and drinking options after Customs at T1?

There's a large range of eating and drinking options both before and after Customs at T1, including cafes, bars and casual dining options.

To view the range and location of eating and drinking options at Sydney Airport, please visit our Eating and Drinking page.

Please note that the liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) restrictions for carry on baggage applies through security screening at T1 and this may also apply for specific flights to security-heightened destinations.