Information and Travel Guide for Sydney Kingsford-Smith International Airport
Sydney Kingsford-Smith International Airport (SYD)

Sydney Airport, also known as Kingsford-Smith Airport, is located in the suburb of Mascot, which is located near Botany Bay. Kingsford-Smith is six miles from Australia's largest city and main commercial hub, Sydney. The airport saw over 35.9 million passengers in 2010 alone. It is efficient, clean and well-maintained. With an abundance of options for travelling to and from the airport, it is also the ideal travel gateway for those looking to enter Sydney or other Australian destinations.History

Kingsford-Smith is one of the oldest airports in the world and was originally created by a wartime pilot by the name of Nigel Love. The area has its first departing flight in 1920, which was performed by Love himself. In 1921, the Australian federal government purchased 161 acres in the Mascot area to create a public airfield and when Love's lease expired, the entire area was purchased for the public space. Flights began to regularly take off and arrive in the Kingsford-Smith airport in 1924.

Services and Amenities

Sydney Airport offers travellers:

  • Financial Services - ATMs and currency exchange centers are located throughout the airport.
  • Luggage - Travellers can pick up lost and found luggage at the information desk.
  • Business Services - Terminal 3 offers a few meeting rooms and rental space for conferences to hold up to 22 people. Terminal 1 and 2 offer larger conference rooms with capacities over 1,000.
  • Internet - Paid Wi-Fi is available in all terminals.
  • Shopping - Travellers can take advantage of over 150 stores as well as duty-free outlets.
  • Eateries - Travellers can take advantage of restaurants that include Hungry Jack's, Subway, McDonald's, China Grand Restaurant and Aromas.
  • Other Amenities - Travellers can find public shower rooms, prayer areas, medical facilities, pharmacies and daycare facilities.

Parking

Terminal 2 is meant for domestic flights and offers multi-story car parking, long-term parking and valet services. International terminals currently offer long-term and short-term parking in a multi-story facility, but there are no valet services for international travellers. Parking is available 24/7/365, but valet is not.

Security

Sydney Airport offers smooth check-in and baggage claim services for business and personal travellers. Customs and security offer a smooth transition that is relatively painless as long as travellers follow the basic guidelines for international and domestic travel. Travellers are recommended to arrive at least two hours prior to their flight during peak travel hours and an hour during red-eye flights.

Surrounding Places to Stay

Since the Kingsford-Smith Airport is located only six miles from Sydney, Australia, travellers can find local hotels, overnight accommodations and luxury five-star stays within the city of Sydney. Kingsford-Smith Airport offers a shuttle service that runs between all three terminals, long-term parking and short-term parking areas. Travellers can utilize the train, taxi or bus services to get into the Sydney area.

Contact Information:

Sydney Kingsforf-Smith Airport
Airport Code: SYD
Location: 6 Miles South of Sydney, Australia
Telephone: +61 (0)2 9667 9111
Time Zone: UTC/GMT +10:00