Check in time for layover at Sydney airport
I am flying Bangkok to Christchurch, NZ. I have a 6 hour layover in Sydney so I have a visa to go out and explore for an hour or two. Both flights are Qantas so I don't need to check my luggage out.
- What time do I need to check myself back in before my flight?
- How long does it take to get through security/passport control and out of the terminal at SYD?
Best Answer
Sydney airport varies, if you're fast (run!) to immigration, you can get through pretty fast if no other flights are arriving at the same time.
From there, it's a train ride to the city. Takes about 25-30 minutes to Circular Quay (where the Opera House etc is).
Coming back, for a flight to Christchurch you have to be checked in at the latest 90 minutes before hand (source: I flew from Sydney to Christchurch last night, and do it often). However there's sometimes a queue, so aim for 2 hours to give yourself a buffer.
Getting through immigration to exit Australia is pretty fast, it's the security area last night that took me about 20 minutes - bit of a line at the x-ray machine. After that it's 5-15 minutes to your gate. I was at Gate 60, probably the furthest from security.
If you can, check in online for your flight, that'll save you time when you're back at the airport.
As an aside, in Christchurch run as well. 3 planes arrived last night at the same time, and while passport and baggage were quick, the customs line took a good while...
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Do I have to go through Customs for a connecting flight in Sydney?
For those arriving internationally and connecting to a domestic flight: You will need to clear customs and immigration, which can take upwards of an hour if busy. You will need to transfer on the airside bus, which can take ten minutes when it arrives.What time does Sydney Airport open for check-in?
Sydney Airport opening times are: T1 International is open every day from 2:30AM to 11:00PM (0230 to 2300). Customs opens for departures passenger processing at 4AM daily (0400). T2 Domestic and the T3 Domestic Qantas terminal open every day from 4AM to 11:00PM (0400 to 2300).Do I have to go through security again for connecting flight domestic?
For most domestic layovers, you won't have to go through security again. However, some airports have separate security checkpoints for each terminal, so if you land in one terminal and your next flight is in another, you would have to go through security again.Can you leave the airport during a layover in Sydney?
If you are an international passenger in transit and would like to leave Sydney airport, you will need a visa to enter Australia. There are a few options; a free transit visa is available to travellers from some countries that will let you into Australia for up to 72 hours.STOPOVER AT SYDNEY AIRPORT | NEW ZEALAND EPISODE 2 | JENSEN RARAMA
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