By Air in Sydney

By Air

Sydney's main airport is Kingsford-Smith International, 8 km (5 mi) south of the city. Luggage carts are available in the baggage area of the international terminal. You can convert your money to Australian currency at the Travelex offices in both the arrival and departure areas. These are open daily from about 5 AM to 10 PM or later, depending on flight times.

Tourism New South Wales has two information counters in the arrival level of the international terminal. One provides free maps and brochures and handles general inquiries. The other books accommodations and tours, and sells travel insurance. Both counters are open daily from approximately 6 AM to 11 PM.

Kingsford-Smith's domestic and international terminals are 3 km (2 mi) apart. To get from one terminal to the other, you can take a taxi for about A$12 or use the Airport Shuttle Bus for A$4.

Transfers

AirportLink rail service reaches the city in 13 minutes. Trains depart every 5 to 10 minutes during peak hours and at least every 15 minutes at other times. A one-way fare is A$12; a group ticket (three people) costs A$27. The link meshes with the suburban rail network at Central Station and Circular Quay Station. You take an escalator down to the platform, but, even so, taking the train can be a bit difficult for travelers with anything more than light luggage. Trains do not have adequate stowage facilities, and for two traveling together a taxi is more convenient and costs only slightly more.

Taxis are available outside the terminal buildings. It's about A$35 to city hotels, and A$31 to Kings Cross.

A chauffeured limousine to the city hotels costs about A$80. Waiting time is charged at the rate of A$72 per hour. Astra Chauffeured Limousines has reliable services.

Airport

Kingsford-Smith International Airport (02/9667-9111. www.sydneyairport.com.au).

Airlines

Air Canada (1300/655767). Air France (1300/399-0190). Air New Zealand (13-2476). Air Pacific (1800/230150). Austrian Airlines (18/064-2438). British Airways (1300/767177). Cathay Pacific (13-1747). Emirates (133/303777). Garuda (1300/365330). Japan Airlines (02/9272-1111). Jetstar (13-1538). Malaysia Airlines (13-2627). Pacific Blue (13-1645). Qantas (13-1313). Regional Express Airlines (13-1713). Singapore Airlines (13-1011). Thai Airways (1300/651960). United Airlines (13-1777). Virgin Blue (13-6789).

Transfers

AirportLink (13-1500. www.airportlink.com.au). Astra Chauffeured Limousines (1800/819797. www.astralimousines.com.au). Transport Info Line (City Rail) (13-1500).