Getting to Sydney: SYD, the new WSI airport, trains and cruise ships

Sydney Airport (SYD)

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, about 8 km south of the CBD, handles almost all international and most domestic flights. The international terminal (T1) and the domestic terminals (T2 and T3) are on opposite sides of the runways; transfers by train, bus or shuttle take around 10–20 minutes, so allow time.

Allow plenty of time on arrival for immigration, customs and biosecurity: Australia has strict rules on food, plants and animal products, and anything you are unsure about must be declared.

From SYD to the city

The Airport Link train (T8 line) runs from both terminal areas to Central in about 13–15 minutes, continuing to Town Hall, Wynyard and Circular Quay. Tap on with a contactless card or Opal. The fare includes a station access fee (A$17.92 for adults from July 2025; check the current amount), which is not counted towards the daily and weekly caps — though it has its own weekly cap.

Taxis and rideshare take about 20–40 minutes to the CBD depending on traffic; expect roughly A$45–80, more with tolls and at peak times. Public buses are cheaper but slower; the nearby Mascot station avoids the airport access fee if you do not mind a short walk or bus.

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI)

Sydney's second airport, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, opened to passengers on 25 October 2026 at Badgerys Creek, about 50 km west of the CBD. The first flight was a Jetstar service to the Gold Coast. Air New Zealand flights to Auckland started on 26 October, and Singapore Airlines plans daily flights to Singapore from 23 November 2026; QantasLink services are scheduled from 2027. The schedule is still small, so check which airport your ticket uses.

There is no train to WSI yet: the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line is expected to open in 2027. Until then, a fare-free WSI Link bus connects the terminal with St Marys station about every 30 minutes, with other bus routes to Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown. From St Marys, T1 trains reach the CBD in roughly an hour. Allow about 1.5–2 hours door to door to the city and check Transport for NSW for the latest timetables.

By train, coach and car

NSW TrainLink XPT trains run overnight and daytime services from Central to Melbourne and Brisbane, and regional trains serve the Blue Mountains, the Hunter, the South Coast and beyond. Long-distance coaches also arrive at Central. Driving from Melbourne (around 880 km) or Brisbane (around 920 km) takes a long day or two; tolls apply on many Sydney motorways.

By cruise ship

Cruise ships berth at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay — right next to The Rocks and the Opera House — or at White Bay in Rozelle, a short taxi or bus ride from the city. Larger ships cannot pass under the Harbour Bridge and use the Circular Quay terminal.

Visas and arrival

Almost every visitor needs an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), eVisitor or visa before boarding; apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs channels. Duty-free allowances and the Tourist Refund Scheme are explained on the Australian Border Force website.