Sydney Airport

Recently flew domestically into SYD and had to transfer to an overseas flight. It is inconceivable to me that going from one terminal to another could be so inefficient and costly. There is no tram that runs between domestic and international terminals. Option #1 is a shuttle bus (called T Bus) that runs every 30 minutes (and not on a schedule). Passengers were queued up for this service and it isn't even free - there is a A$5.50 charge for what amounts to an inferior unreliable service. Option #2 is a city train (called Airport link) which also charges A$5 for transport between terminals. Option #3 is a taxi which we chose because of a reasonably tight connection. Fare was A$15 and after generous tip cost me A$20. I cannot think of another major airport in the world that does not offer high quality reliable comfortable free transport between terminals. Sydney should be ashamed of this and it is a clear disincentive to use SYD to change planes from domestic to international flights.

Recently flew domestically into SYD and had to transfer to an overseas flight. It is inconceivable to me that going from one terminal to another could be so inefficient and costly. There is no tram that runs between domestic and international terminals. Option #1 is a shuttle bus (called T Bus) that runs every 30 minutes (and not on a schedule). Passengers were queued up for this service and it isn't even free - there is a A$5.50 charge for what amounts to an inferior unreliable service. Option #2 is a city train (called Airport link) which also charges A$5 for transport between terminals. Option #3 is a taxi which we chose because of a reasonably tight connection. Fare was A$15 and after generous tip cost me A$20. I cannot think of another major airport in the world that does not offer high quality reliable comfortable free transport between terminals. Sydney should be ashamed of this and it is a clear disincentive to use SYD to change planes from domestic to international flights.

Coming through immigration was a pleasure. Efficient and polite officials bags on the line a few minutes after landing and short queues for customs. An inspector questioned us while in the queue and sent us straight out. Unfortunately on leaving things were less well organised. The security system was awful. Only two machines operating so the fastrack was merged with the other line which caused resentment quite rightly from other passengers who had queued longer. The staff seemed to be doing their best but the fact that only two lines were operating was totally inadequate. This mess completely revised my earlier impression of SYD and had this been my first experience here I would have been very unhappy.

Coming through immigration was a pleasure. Efficient and polite officials bags on the line a few minutes after landing and short queues for customs. An inspector questioned us while in the queue and sent us straight out. Unfortunately on leaving things were less well organised. The security system was awful. Only two machines operating so the fastrack was merged with the other line which caused resentment quite rightly from other passengers who had queued longer. The staff seemed to be doing their best but the fact that only two lines were operating was totally inadequate. This mess completely revised my earlier impression of SYD and had this been my first experience here I would have been very unhappy.

Never had issues in the domestic terminals (T2 and T3). Both are very easy to use and get around with plenty of facilities and lounges to keep one busy should there be a flight delay (given how busy it gets there is potential for this to occur). In particular the food court in T2 (Virgin Blue Jetstar and regional NSW flights) has a great range of outlets with good views of planes moving around. For aircraft aficionados there are plenty of spots throughout this terminal for viewing planes taking off and landing. T3 is pleasant and is open throughout. It's easy to travel through yet doesn't have the same range of shops as T2. Staff are friendly and there is an interesting Qantas Heritage Museum located near Gate 14. Transfers between these terminals is easy through a subway that also goes to the railway station. T1 the international terminal has just been refurbished and is rather pleasant with a large range of shops to rival other airports worldwide. Going through customs etc. to leave the country is often a speedy process with queues minimal. However re-entering the country is a lot more difficult with queues for customs taking a while baggage taking its time to arrive on the carousel and immigration taking a while to screen everyone and their respective goods. I understand that they're trying to be scrupulous with who and what to allow in the country but surely there must be some way to speed up the process. A word of advice is to not arrive on a flight between 5am and 9am when most large long-haul aircraft arrive meaning particularly long queues for all arriving passengers. In general however it's an easy airport to use with all facilities that one could need. I've never had to transfer between domestic and international services although I wouldn't imagine it would be an easy task.

Never had issues in the domestic terminals (T2 and T3). Both are very easy to use and get around with plenty of facilities and lounges to keep one busy should there be a flight delay (given how busy it gets there is potential for this to occur). In particular the food court in T2 (Virgin Blue Jetstar and regional NSW flights) has a great range of outlets with good views of planes moving around. For aircraft aficionados there are plenty of spots throughout this terminal for viewing planes taking off and landing. T3 is pleasant and is open throughout. It's easy to travel through yet doesn't have the same range of shops as T2. Staff are friendly and there is an interesting Qantas Heritage Museum located near Gate 14. Transfers between these terminals is easy through a subway that also goes to the railway station. T1 the international terminal has just been refurbished and is rather pleasant with a large range of shops to rival other airports worldwide. Going through customs etc. to leave the country is often a speedy process with queues minimal. However re-entering the country is a lot more difficult with queues for customs taking a while baggage taking its time to arrive on the carousel and immigration taking a while to screen everyone and their respective goods. I understand that they're trying to be scrupulous with who and what to allow in the country but surely there must be some way to speed up the process. A word of advice is to not arrive on a flight between 5am and 9am when most large long-haul aircraft arrive meaning particularly long queues for all arriving passengers. In general however it's an easy airport to use with all facilities that one could need. I've never had to transfer between domestic and international services although I wouldn't imagine it would be an easy task.

A mixed bag. Transfer between terminals is a joke and a travesty. Take your pick between a laughably unreliable and poorly marked shuttle service or a long hike to pay 5 dollars for a 2 minute ride on the train. On the other hand staff (including immigration) was generally helpful. One of the most pleasant immigration/customs experiences I've had going into a foreign country. Shopping is good all around but dining is pretty weak outside of the pre- security food court in the International Terminal. One thing that would be a big and easy improvement -- MAPS! There are almost no terminal maps to be found anywhere in the airport making navigation (or figuring out whether to grab a bite before or after security) a bit of a gamble. One would think they'd be on top of that in a country that has its roots in one of the great exploration and mapping expeditions of all time!

A mixed bag. Transfer between terminals is a joke and a travesty. Take your pick between a laughably unreliable and poorly marked shuttle service or a long hike to pay 5 dollars for a 2 minute ride on the train. On the other hand staff (including immigration) was generally helpful. One of the most pleasant immigration/customs experiences I've had going into a foreign country. Shopping is good all around but dining is pretty weak outside of the pre- security food court in the International Terminal. One thing that would be a big and easy improvement -- MAPS! There are almost no terminal maps to be found anywhere in the airport making navigation (or figuring out whether to grab a bite before or after security) a bit of a gamble. One would think they'd be on top of that in a country that has its roots in one of the great exploration and mapping expeditions of all time!

Flying to Hong Kong from Sydney at the boarding gate it was extremely crowded and dull very few seats but otherwise decent.

Inefficient overpriced poorly designed airport is the main gateway. The terminals are a few km apart and serviced by infrequent buses or a city train that's more reliable but a long walk toting baggage. Add in slow baggage handling times the inevitable customs and immigration wait and long walks to the gates and you'll have to allow at least two hours transit here. I've done this farce too many times on the way to/from Melbourne. Never again.