The Friendly Guide to Sydney Airport Arrivals: How to Pick Up Friends or Family Without the Stress

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The Friendly Guide to Sydney Airport Arrivals: How to Pick Up Friends or Family Without the Stress
By Simon Kalipciyan
June 6, 2025

Meeting someone at the airport can be exciting, but Sydney Airport arrivals — with all its terminals, road loops and parking zones — can feel a little overwhelming. If you’re heading there to collect a friend, family member or loved one, here’s your step-by-step guide to make it simple and smooth.

✈ Terminal 1 — International Arrivals

This is where passengers from overseas will land. Here’s how to pick them up stress-free:

Step-by-Step:

  1. Track their flight — Use the Sydney Airport arrivals board online to confirm the arrival gate and time.
  2. Head to the P7 Parking — Located right next to T1, it’s the closest car park to the terminal. Short stay available.
  3. Meet them inside — Head to the arrivals hall. There’s a “Meeting Point” just outside Customs, near McDonald’s and a café.
  4. Need to wait a bit longer? There’s a free Express Pick-Up zone 8 minutes away via walking path or you can loop back after a short wait.

📝 Tip: If your guest has a lot of luggage or is elderly, park and meet them inside. The arrivals area can be overwhelming for first-time travellers.

🛬 Terminal 2 — Domestic Arrivals (Jetstar, Virgin, Rex, etc.)

Domestic passengers usually come through here unless they’re flying Qantas.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Check the flight number — Just search Sydney Airport arrivals with the airline name.
  2. Park at P1 or P2 — Both are right next to T2 and offer short-term rates.
  3. Go to Arrivals Hall — Look for the “Meeting Point” near the baggage claim exit, or wait at the glass exit doors.
  4. Express Pick-Up Zone — Located on Keith Smith Avenue, less than 5 mins walk from the terminal.

📝 Tip: Flights may arrive early. Aim to arrive about 15 minutes after the plane lands to give time for bags and exit.

🛫 Terminal 3 — Domestic Arrivals (Qantas Only)

All Qantas domestic flights use T3.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Confirm the terminal — If it’s Qantas, it’s Terminal 3.
  2. Park in P3 Car Park — Closest and most convenient to the terminal.
  3. Meet at Arrivals Zone — Inside, just past the baggage claim is the main arrivals hall.
  4. Quick pick-up? Use the T3 Express Pick-Up on Sir Reginald Ansett Drive.

📝 Tip: T3 is usually calmer than T2. If you’re running late, use the short-term parking to avoid fines in the pick-up zone.

Skip the Parking Stress with Cars on Demand

If the whole idea of Sydney Airport arrivals sounds like more stress than it’s worth — don’t worry. At Cars on Demand, we make airport pickups simple, seamless, and stress-free.

  • We track flight arrivals in real-time
  • Our chauffeurs assist with luggage
  • We offer a meet and greet service
  • All bookings are pre-arranged so there’s no waiting

Whether it’s a visiting family member or a high-profile corporate guest, our professional Sydney airport transfer service ensures they arrive relaxed and ready.