Getting there and around

Travelling to Sydney

Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport is Australia’s busiest airport and the main gateway to Australia. More than 50 airlines fly in and out of Sydney Airport with daily flights linking Sydney to key destinations around the world. The international terminal (T1) handles all international flights, and the domestic terminals (T2 & T3) handle all domestic flights. 

There are numerous ways to get to the city from the airport, either by bus, taxi and Uber.  

Bus

Public buses depart from bus stops outside T1 and T3 (but not T2). Route 350 operates between Bondi Junction and Sydney Airport.  

Taxi

There are sheltered taxi ranks outside of each terminal, with supervisors available during peak time. A meter must be used for all other taxi journeys. Flat fares are being trialed for uninterrupted taxi trips from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD with $60 for a standard taxi and a wheelchair accessible taxi or $80 for a requested maxi taxi. 

Some taxi companies that service the airport include: 

Rideshare

Ubers and other ride shares will pick you up from the Priority Pick-Up Zone of your terminal. Ensure you select the correct terminal upon booking.  

Car hire

Seven rental car companies are available at all terminals: 

The following companies have a desk at the airport: 

Getting around Sydney

In the heart of Sydney, ICC Sydney is located in the active precinct of Darling Harbour on Cockle Bay, with a prime waterfront location. The Sydney Airport is 8kms from ICC Sydney, with an average drive time of 25 minutes. Whether you prefer public transport, driving, cycling, or walking, it’s easy to get around Sydney. You’ll love the range of experiences on offer and they’re all closer than you think. 

Public transport

Before you ride

Before you ride, Opal is the ticketing system used to pay for Sydney’s public transport systems. 

It offers a range of simple payment options. You can tap or scan your preferred option at the validators, such as Mastercard, Visa card, or an Opal travel card. 

The easiest way to pay for your adult fare is by simply tapping on and off with your physical bank card or a bank card in your digital wallet on your smart phone or smart watch. 

However, creating an account offers benefits like personalised settings, increased ways to pay, managing concessions, transaction history and journey notifications. 

For those who do not want to use the digital features of Opal, a physical Opal travel card is available for purchase at retail outlets (including concession travel cards). 

To help customers, the Opal Travel app and account are available online. Visit transportnsw.info/tickets-fares/opal for details on how to create an account on the Opal Travel app

Buses

Transport NSW operates the public bus and light rail network, a convenient and cheap way for visitors to get around.  

Transport NSW’s fleet includes accessible buses for people with reduced mobility. These buses are marked with the wheelchair symbol displayed on the front. They have lower floors, wide doors, wide aisles and there are no steps in the front half of the bus. Other features include handrails, accessible stop buttons and highly visible LED destination signs on the front of the bus. Accessible buses have designated areas with folded seats that are designed to fit mobility aids such as wheelchairs and ride-on scooters. These areas are also used for prams and strollers. However, wheelchair users and people with limited mobility always have priority. 

Use the real time Trip Planner to find out just how easy it is to get around Sydney. 

Light rail

Light rail services generally operate seven days a week from 5am to 1am the following morning. See Sydney light rail services service times and frequency for more information. 

Driving

Navigating Sydney by car can be a convenient way to explore the city, especially if you're travelling between suburbs or heading to waterfront precincts, beaches, or venues outside the CBD. However, Sydney does experience regular congestion, particularly during peak hours—and many major routes include toll roads. Planning ahead by setting your GPS to “avoid tolls” or checking live traffic updates can help streamline your journey. 

Parking availability varies across the city. While street parking can be limited in central areas, Sydney offers a wide range of secure parking stations, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many major venues—including the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) in Darling Harbour—provide on‑site or nearby parking options with direct access to the precinct. Height restrictions and capacities vary, so it’s best to check details for your chosen car park in advance. 

For parking rates at ICC see here

Key dates

9 February - Call for proposals opens

20 March - Call for proposals closes

April - Registration open

June - Program released

31 July - Super early bird registration closes

18 September - Early bird registration closes

27 - 30 October – AIEC 2026