Kingsford Smith International Airport
About 31 million people use Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney each year. The busiest airport in Australia, it has a large, modern international terminal known as T1, and two domestic terminals known as T2 and T3. Already well equipped with services and facilities, these terminals will continue to grow and expand under a planned multi-million dollar upgrade to cater for the expected increase in the number of people using Kingsford Smith International Airport over the next few years.
The Self Drive Approach
Sydney's Kingsford Smith International Airport is located in the suburb of Mascot, about eight kilometers from the city's central business district. If you plan to drive to the airport from the city, you will find all major traffic routes are clearly marked with airport signs to keep you traveling in the right direction: just look for a sign with an airplane symbol. They will take you to both the international and domestic terminals by the most direct route. For people who plan to rent a car on arrival at Kingsford Smith International Airport, car rental services are available in both the international and domestic arrivals halls.
For those who want to drive to Kingsford Smith International Airport a variety of car parking options are available. Long-stay areas make it possible to leave your vehicle, ready to be collected when you return. Short-stay areas provide you with convenient locations for picking up or dropping off passengers. International and domestic travelers can also take advantage of valet parking.
In addition to a large, outdoor parking area that can accommodate almost 2000 cars, undercover parking will soon be a reality at Kingsford Smith International Airport. Construction of an eight-storey car park is now under way, with the work expected to be completed by the end of 2008. This will provide undercover spaces for another 3000 vehicles.
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Using Public Transport
Getting to Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney is no problem for public transport users. Both bus and train services offer easy and convenient modes of travel, at prices that won't break the budget. A number of hotels offer complimentary pick up and drop off services to Kingsford Smith International Airport, ensuring a hassle-free beginning and end to your stay in Sydney. Various shuttle bus companies from both Sydney and regional areas offer transport to and from the airport, with pre-booking required. The international and T3 domestic terminals at Kingsford Smith International Airport are also on the public bus route operated by Sydney Buses, with pick-up points located at the arrivals levels.
For those who prefer to travel by train, there are rail stations at both the international and domestic terminals at Kingsford Smith International Airport: both are accessible from the arrivals levels. The train trip to Sydney takes about 13 minutes, with trains running about every 10 minutes. You can buy a train ticket at the terminal rail stations and travel to Central Station in Sydney, from where you can connect to suburban train services.
Feel like treating yourself to a taxi instead? It's easy to find the taxi ranks at the Kingsford Smith International Airport terminals. You can be sure of a smooth ride with the help of curbside supervisors, who will also assist you with special requirements such as group taxis, larger vehicles for lots of luggage and taxis suitable for wheelchairs.
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From Terminal To Terminal
Once you have arrived at Kingsford Smith International Airport you may need to make your way to one of the two domestic terminals in the airport complex. While the T2 andT3 domestic terminals are just a short walking distance from each other, you will need transport to take you between them and the international terminal; several options are available.
The time available to you between your international and domestic flights will help you to decide on the type of terminal transfer you choose at Kingsford Smith International Airport. An inter-terminal train journey by Airport Link, for example, takes only two minutes, with services running frequently. If you have more time you may prefer to take a taxi, with the trip between terminals taking about 10 minutes. Those with at least 10 minutes to spare can also consider a ride on the T-Bus shuttle service that runs between the international terminal and the T2 domestic terminal. The T3 domestic terminal is a short walk from T2 with clear signage to help you find your way. Whatever option you choose, you will find it easy, convenient and comfortable to travel between terminals at Kingsford Smith International Airport.
Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303
Eating Out At Kingsford Smith International Airport
Filling in time is not a problem at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney. Finding time to sample all the services available is the only issue for airport visitors. A diversity of facilities and services for people of all ages is on tap, making sure that your needs are met and that you enjoy your time at Kingsford Smith International Airport.
One of the most pleasant ways to pass the time is by enjoying a drink, a snack or a meal at one of the many eateries available in the international and domestic terminals at Kingsford Smith International Airport. You can enjoy a quiet beer or glass of wine in one of the bars, linger over coffee and cake at a café or sample a tasty snack from one of the internationally known takeaway outlets in the terminals. Whether you fancy Asian food, European cuisine or good old Aussie fish and chips, you'll find it. For quick service try the great range of cuisine at a food court or, if you have time to wait, sit back and relaxing at the Observation Deck Café and Bar from where you can also enjoy impressive views of the airfield at Kingsford Smith International Airport.
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Kiddies' Corner
Traveling is tiring for children as well as adults. When you find yourself with weary youngsters and time on your hands at an airport terminal, you may sometimes find it difficult to keep them amused until it is time for your next flight. At Kingsford Smith International Airport, however, you'll find more than enough entertainment to keep young people busy and happy.
Those who need to work off energy before boarding a plane will be able to make the most of the children's play areas at Kingsford Smith International Airport. They can play on slides, explore play tubes, and try their hand at climbing equipment and other apparatus, ensuring they will sleep well later on their flight. If they are still active before boarding they can also make the most of the mini play areas near the check-in and departure gates.
Passengers who have enough time to sit down and rest for a while at Kingsford Smith International Airport can take their children to the Kids' Cinema near Gate 33. There they can sink back in comfortable seating and watch a selection of television programs suitable for youngsters. You can relax and enjoy the shows with them while unwinding from your busy travel schedule. If you feel like a snack while watching, there are plenty of food and beverage outlets at Kingsford Smith International Airport where you can find whatever you and your children want.
Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303
Ask The Gold Ambassadors
For many people, especially those traveling for the first time, an international airport can be a confusing place. Transferring from one flight to another, locating services, arranging cars and accommodation or even finding your way to the exit is sometimes stressful, particularly if jet lag is a factor. At Kingsford Smith International Airport, however, there is plenty of help available for you.
A team of volunteers who are more than willing to provide you with information staffs the international terminal at Kingsford Smith International Airport. Look for the bright gold jackets worn by these friendly people, known as the Sydney Airport Gold Ambassadors. As well as walking around the airport, ready to offer assistance to airport visitors, they also staff the information desks that are clearly marked throughout the terminal. The Gold Ambassadors at Kingsford Smith International Airport can answer your questions about check-in, point you in the direction of transport to suit your needs, and tell you where the airport facilities such as shops and rest rooms are located. If there is anything they don't know, they will find someone who can help you.
Visitors to Sydney will also benefit from calling in at the Sydney Visitor Centre, located on the arrivals level at Kingsford Smith International Airport. Staff at the centre can provide you with maps and information about things to see and do in Sydney, as well as accommodation and transport. The visitor centre at Kingsford Smith International Airport can also help with bookings for tours you want to make during your stay.
Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303
Shopping At Kingsford Smith International Airport
With more than 150 stores offering a great diversity of products, Kingsford Smith International Airport provides its visitors with a memorable and enjoyable shopping experience. Travelers can make the most of tax and duty free shopping, with Australian and international brands available. If you know you won't have much time to spare for shopping before your departure, you can order your duty free purchases ahead, and collect them when you arrive at Kingsford Smith International Airport.
From luxury to low priced items you'll find everything you want among the shops at Kingsford Smith International Airport. Treat yourself to fragrances, jewelry, liquor or cosmetics, update your computer software, add to your wardrobe with some fashion wear from a trendy boutique or buy some toys to keep the children occupied on the flight. Books, food, gifts and souvenirs are all available at the Kingsford Smith International Airport shops in both the international and domestic terminals at the airport.
If you've forgotten some last minute travel items, don't worry. You'll be able to buy them at Kingsford Smith International Airport before boarding your flight. Need sunglasses, sunscreen, or even a toothbrush? These items, and many more, are all available at the shops at Kingsford Smith International Airport.
Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303
Home Away From Home
Whether you're traveling along, as a member of a family or with a business group, you'll find the services and facilities at Kingsford Smith International Airport make it a home away from home. Need to provide yourself with some cash before setting off on your trip? There are ATM machines throughout the terminal, in convenient locations. Traveling with a baby? Parents can use the baby change rooms on both the arrivals and departure levels; as well as providing change tables they are also equipped with microwaves in which you can warm up food and formula to ensure your baby is well fed as well as comfortable before the flight.
If you're on a business trip and need to check emails or look up information on the internet, free Internet kiosks are available for your use in the international terminal at Kingsford Smith International Airport. For anyone who needs media facilities or wants to arrange a meeting, the international terminal offers a media centre and a selection of VIP rooms where you can hold a business meeting without having to leave the airport.
Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303
Meeting Your Needs
As well as offering stylish shopping for its visitors, Kingsford Smith International Airport also provides facilities for looking after the more basic needs of life. Rather than rush around doing last minute chores before leaving for the airport, you can take advantage of the time and amenities available after check-in to complete them. At Kingsford Smith International Airport you can do your banking at one of the free internet kiosks, send and receive emails, mail a letter at the Australia Post shop and rent a pre-paid, rental or post-paid mobile phone to keep you in touch while you are away.
Need a script filled? Don't worry about stopping off at a pharmacy on the way to or from Kingsford Smith International Airport. You can get it done there, and browse around the Airport Pharmacy's large selection of products while you wait. If you're planning to stay in Sydney for a while and need some groceries to get you started, you'll find what you want at the Airport Convenience Store. Armed with your provisions you can hop in a taxi, bus or train, or head for your car, knowing you can go straight home and relax without having to stop and shop along the way, thanks to the range of services available at Kingsford Smith International Airport.
Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303
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