How Early Should I Get To The Airport? A Detailed Guide

Nearly 50 million passengers used the Sydney airport each year and that’s why it’s one of the busiest airports in the world. So, to catch the flight comfortably you should arrive at the airport early after accomplishing all the pre-works properly. And this version is applicable for domestic flights, and more importantly for international flights.

So, follow these guidelines as much as possible to enjoy a hassle-free & convenient flight. Remember, after the COVID Pandemic airports all over the world (Sydney airport too) has updated their rules and regulations to keep their passengers safe.

Prepare yourself for getting to the airport
Besides your luggage and other necessities, you should have a valid visa for travelling to a foreign country, and for some countries, you must have the visa valid for six months (at least).

For domestic flights, you should check the luggage limits before carrying luggage with you. Some items are prohibited for international flights- you’ll see this mentioned on the Sydney airport website.

Before finally starting your journey to the airport, check whether your travel insurance is okay or not.

Some extra measures after COVID pandemic
If you want to go on an international flight TGA recognised COVID-19 vaccinating is mandatory and it has been started from 1 November 2021. And COVID testing is available at Histopath testing clinic and you’ll see this clinic is at T1 International Departures level concourse.

So, get double-dose vaccinated first if you want to leave Australia through the Sydney airport. Even wearing a face mask is mandatory at the airport area and for flights- so keep in mind this issue.

If all these things are okay then you’ll not have to face any extra hassle in the Sydney airport.

Choose the right transport option
Transport option to get to the Sydney airport is a matter to be considered as you shouldn’t be exhausted before arriving at the airport. For different less than one-hour destinations in Sydney or Sydney CBD, taxi service is the most comfortable transport option to many.

To get to the airport this is also applicable- suppose, you want to go to the Sydney airport from Pymble that’s only 30.5 KM away from the airport.

If you search Google with “taxi service near me” and hire a taxi it will land you directly at the airport. That’s the most convenient & time-saving option for travellers and this is really a wise option for the safety of your luggage.

How early should you arrive?
For domestic flights, you should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before the scheduled time. And for international flights, you should arrive there before more than three hours.

Some regular pre-work (before flight) may require some extra time- so you should start your journey keeping this fact in mind.

Suppose, you’re in Lindfield right now which is only 24.1 KM away from the Sydney airport. By taxi, it will take nearly half an hour and that’s why you should start your journey from Lindfield to Sydney airport at least 3 and a half hours before the scheduled time of flight.