How to Get from Sydney Domestic to International: Terminal Transfer Guide

If you’re flying to Sydney to pick up an onward overseas flight, you’ll need to check out your options for Sydney airport transfer domestic to international. Arriving without enough time to transfer and get ready for your connection may mean missing your international flight - not the start anyone wants on a trip.

This guide walks through domestic to international transfer at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, with a complete guide to logistics for getting from Sydney domestic to international terminal including speed, cost and eligibility. You can also learn more about the Wise card, an easy way to stretch your dollars when paying in foreign currencies.

Sydney airport: Domestic to international transfer options

Sydney airport has T1 International and T2 or T3 Domestic terminals, which means you may need to transfer between connecting flights. There are several Sydney airport terminal transfer options which are open to all - including the bus, train and rideshare services. There’s also a Qantas domestic to international transfer in Sydney which is only for customers on eligible connecting Qantas flights.

So - how do I transfer from Sydney domestic to international, or vice versa? Here are your options side by side - plus we’ve also got more information right under the table.

*Details correct at time of writing - 28th October 2025

T-Bus

Great for: Free service, open to all, with extended service through to 10:30pm

Costs and payment: No fee

The Terminal Transfer Bus, also called the T-Bus, is a complimentary transfer option for all passengers transiting through Sydney airport. Buses run every 15 minutes between 05:30am and 22:30pm, and the journey takes 10 minutes.

How to transfer from Sydney domestic to international by T-Bus

Look for the T-Bus stop outside the domestic terminals T2 or T3. There’s no charge to get on the bus, so you can simply hop on and ride.

T8 Airport Train

Great for: Super fast transfers for customers in a hurry

Costs and payment: $8.50 one way (peak) and $7.30 (off-peak). Pay with an Opal card, contactless debit or credit card, or smart device with a wallet like Apple Pay

The Sydney Airport link train runs all week, with extended hours from 5 in the morning through to midnight. There are fees for this service, but it’s a super quick option if you’re in a hurry. If you’re a Sydney local and have an Opal card you can use that to pay, but regular cards and contactless payment methods are also available if you’re just passing through.

How to transfer from Sydney domestic to international by T8 Airport Train

The airport train is clearly signed in both terminal 2 and 3, although you may need to use the lifts or escalator to reach it. Look out for the train symbol on the arrivals hall signage, or ask for directions if you’re in a hurry. Pay on board with a bank card, contactless device, or your Opal card.

Qantas Terminal Transfers

Great for: Qantas customers heading from Sydney T3 to T1 or vice versa.

Costs and payment: Complimentary service for eligible Qantas passengers connecting through Sydney

Qantas Terminal Transfers are offered for customers arriving on a Qantas domestic flight, connecting to a Qantas international flight, and vice versa. Or if you’re coming into Sydney from abroad and connecting to a Qantas domestic flight, you can also use the service if you’re arriving on a codeshare, partner or non-Qantas partner international flight². Ask Qantas staff if you’re not sure about your eligibility for this service.

How to transfer from Sydney domestic to international by Qantas Terminal Transfers

The Qantas transfer service runs from close to Gate 15 in the Qantas domestic terminal, T3. Head to the pick up point, and hop on the next service - there’s no fee as long as you’re eligible based on your flight details.

Rideshare

Great for: Quick transfer if you have a lot of luggage

Costs and payment: Dynamic pricing on rideshare apps means costs can vary - pay using your preferred app

If you can’t use the bus or train you might prefer using an app like Uber to get from domestic to international at Sydney airport. This allows you to order a car big enough for your party and your luggage, so you can continue using a luggage trolley right up to the pick up point if you need to.

How to transfer from Sydney domestic to international by Rideshare

In the Sydney airport domestic terminals you’ll need to look for the green rideshare signs and head to the pick up point³. You can then order your car through your preferred app like Uber. Availability of cars may depend on the time of day and other factors.

Sydney Buses Route 420

Great for: Cheap and handy transfer between terminals 1 and 3 - better if you have limited luggage

Costs and payment: $3.20 one way (peak) and $1.60 (off-peak). Pay with an Opal card, contactless debit or credit card, or smart device with a wallet like Apple Pay

Sydney Buses Route 420 runs from T1 to T3, from around 5am to 11:30pm daily, depending on direction and pick up point⁴. Transfers take 10 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day.

How to transfer from Sydney domestic to international by Sydney Buses Route 420

Head to the public bus stops which are on the Arrivals level outside terminals 1 and 3. The bus stops are clearly signed in the airport. When your bus arrives you’ll need to tap on with a card, or a contactless device, and then tap off again when you get off. The journey only takes about 10 minutes.

Maximise your AUD abroad: Bring the Wise card along on your international travels

The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 7x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up AUD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in AUD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

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FAQs

Can you walk from T2 to T1 Sydney airport?

No, you can not walk between the international and domestic terminals at Sydney airport. However, there are several alternatives including bus, train and rideshare.