Before you start exploring Sydney, the adventure of a visit to Sydney Airport awaits you. Sydney Airport is rated as one of the top five airports in the world by some frequent flyer's. It has also gained a reputation for some unclear signage so make sure you arrive in advance. To get the best experience out of your trip to the Sydney Airport, or just get out of it quickly and hassle free, read this easy to follow guide.

Arriving at Sydney Airport

You will arrive in Terminal 2 or 3, having flown from Brisbane, or on any domestic flight to Sydney. Terminal 3 is for Qantas passengers and Terminal 1 receives international flights.

Sydney Airport is an attractive and modern place end your flight to Sydney. You will enter the Sydney Airport building on the Arrival Level above, which display some signs to the baggage reclaim halls. There is no need to rush to claim your luggage as it can take some time to appear. It is recommended however to follow your nose (i.e. your fellow passengers) to your assigned luggage carousel, as there are a few turns on the walkway.

Once all is reclaimed, you can catch public transport or hire transport from the Arrival Level, or keep making your way to the Concourse Level, filled with shops and a food court. If you need cash funds, the best ATM is a multi-bank terminal that stands between the accommodation booking desk and Travelex currency exchange booth on the Arrivals Level.

Food Court

The food court has a good range of health and fast food options. Higher than average prices are common for airports, but the tables are kept quite clean and there is plenty of leg room to stretch-out. A short stop can be more worthwhile if your Sydney accommodation is more than half an hour away - Sydney traffic is also very busy! A hot drink and cake will be AUD$7- 10, and a meal for lunch or dinner can be AUD$10 - 25. The toilet facilities are well-signed, and are generally located in the corners of the mall area.

Shopping in Sydney Airport

International visitors and resident Aussies a like find can start shopping in Sydney straight away, with clothing brands such as Bonds, French Connection and Witchery. There are also bags, music, kids toys, a chemist and mobile phone outlet. Internet access is available from public computers terminals, paying in time increments.

Inter-terminal Transport

It is a short walk between Terminals 2 and 3. The shuttle service for transport between Terminals 1-2 is called T-Bus. A 10 minute trip is AUD $5 one-way, running frequently in morning peak hours and then half hourly until 8 pm. The Terminal 2 stop is Bay 3, near luggage carousel 6. Taxis cost AUD $8-12 one-way between any two terminals, which can take 10 minutes or more, depending on your arrival time.

If you need to get to another terminal quickly, the Airport Link Train service takes a mere two minutes and is AUD$13.40 one-way, per adult.

Qantas Domestic Flight passengers, check for your eligibility to use the Qantas Seamless Transfer Service.

Transport from Airport to Sydney

To get to your Sydney accommodation, or start sightseeing right away, you can take a train, bus, taxi or hire car from Terminals 2 or 3. If hailing a taxi, have an extra $2.50 surcharge ready, plus these average amounts (AUD$) for a one-way fare to the following main areas of Sydney: City or North Sydney, 25-32.50; Manly, 50; Parramatta, 85; Liverpool, 55; Cronulla, 45. Pick any of the comparable six cab operators at the shared taxi ranks directly outside the Airport doors. There is a hefty fine for getting a taxi outside a rank and the flow of taxis is quite constant. As throughout Australia, tipping is appreciated, but is not an institution.

Trains take around 15 minutes to Sydney City, with an integrated bus/train/ferry ticket available from the driver. An all-day, any mode of transport ticket is around AUD$15. Catch a train and view the timetables at stations in the Arrivals area of Terminals 2 and 3. Buses operate from Terminal 1 and 3, so if you do arrive in Terminal 2, the AUD$5 T-Bus ticket can get you to a public city bus service in 10 minutes.

Hire cars are available form a variety of operators, such as Hertz Rental Cars, from the Arrival Level of Terminals 2 and 3. Prices vary according to distance, but most Sydney hotels offer valet or off-street parking, making any hire car costs an affordable convenience.

Once you find your way around Sydney Airport, whether after collecting luggage or shopping for hours, you will have started your visit to Sydney in one of the busiest and brightest airports in Australia and the world.