Guide To Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

Sydney Airport has the smallest land area of any major Australian airport, but sees the heaviest flight traffic in all of Australia. Learn how to navigate through the 28th busiest airport in the world quickly and easily.

Terminal 1

This is the terminal most international passengers will see when they land. Also known as the International Terminal, it replaced an old Overseas Passenger Terminal in 1970. It has been continually updated since its opening, and is now the major destination for travel into Sydney.

There are 29 gates in total on two concourses, B and C, as well as additional remote bays. Some major routes through this terminal include Singapore (via Singapore airlines), London via Singapore (Quantas), Los Angeles (Quantas), Dubai (Emirates), and Auckland (Emirates.) Of course, there are also other minor routes and smaller international flights.

This terminal is well equipped with shopping and lounges for each of the airlines that fly from Sydney. The location of the airport itself is beautiful, sitting right on Botany Bay.

Finding Your Way from Gate to Bags and Back

If you are flying out from Terminal 1, then you may be able to bypass the long transfer time between terminals. You will be able to collect your bags within your terminal, rather than having to wait for transit to another terminal. In addition, on your return trip you will be able to check in within your own terminal, rather than taking a rather long walk or paying for a bus ride.

Do be careful with time if you are traveling domestically or transferring; the other terminals (2 and 3) at Sydney service domestic flights and require some time to get to from the International Terminal as they are separated by a runway.