Airport Lounges

Sydney Airport Lounges: The Complete Guide (16 Lounges)

In this Sydney airport lounges guide we will review every single lounge available to passengers at the airport – from airline and alliance lounges to independent paid-for entry lounges.

Sydney Kingsford Smith airport (IATA code: SYD, ICAO: YSSY) has 3 terminals and is the busiest airport in Australia. It is located in the suburb of Mascot on Botany Bay about 8km south of the Sydney CBD.

If you are looking for lounges from major airlines or a paid-for-entry lounge at Sydney then please read on…

We will explain access rules for each Sydney lounge. The lounges are also marked by alliance and whether entry is possible by payment, via the Priority Pass or DragonPass annual lounge access programs or directly by American Express Platinum cards.

qantas first lounge departures board
Qantas International First Lounge Sydney – Departures board

We will look at the lounges for each Sydney airport terminal:

Terminal 1 – This is the T1 international terminal which serves all international departures and arrivals.

Terminal 2 – This is a domestic terminal which was formerly the home of the old Ansett Australia. It serves the likes of Jetstar and Virgin Australia.

Terminal 3 – This is a domestic terminal used by Qantas and Qantas Link flights.

See here for detailed official maps of the airport by terminal.

Sydney T1 Lounges

There are 10 lounges at Sydney T1:

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) Sydney T1 [Book]
  • Sydney Airport The House (Aspire)
  • Air New Zealand Sydney International Lounge
  • American Express Centurion Lounge Sydney
  • Qantas International Business Lounge T1
  • Qantas International First Lounge T1
  • Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge
  • Emirates Lounge
  • Skyteam Lounge [Book]
  • Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge Sydney T1 [Book]

Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) Sydney T1

[PAID][PRIORITY PASS][DRAGONPASS][AMEX PLATINUM] – Plaza Premium Group has a compact, stylish lounge at Sydney (opened in 2020) for international departures which seats 70 guests. It offers designer seats with plenty of natural light and runway views, fully tended Aero Bar, buffet/food station and showers.

plaza premium lounge sydney terminal 1
Plaza Premium lounge at Sydney Terminal 1

The lounge is available to paying passengers (from A$63 for 2 hours), Priority Pass/DragonPass members and American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders.

It is located opposite Gates 25/26 in Pier B.

Open 0700-2200 daily.

Book the Plaza Premium Sydney T1 lounge at a reduced rate here – Select ‘Terminal 1 International Departures’

Sydney Airport The House (Aspire)

[PAID][PRIORITY PASS][DRAGONPASS] – This is the former Etihad lounge which was operated by No1 Lounges – in 2021 it was taken over by Aspire (Swissport).

the house lounge sydney
The House lounge at Sydney

This elegant lounge has a la carte dining with full waiter service, bar and buffet, barista coffee plus fresh juices/smoothies, children’s playroom, shower facilities, business area, newspapers/magazines and free WiFi.

Paid access is available from A$75 pre-booked online. Access is still granted to Etihad premium passengers.

Priority Pass and DragonPass members get complimentary access – though there is a A$20 surcharge to upgrade the stay for premium alcohol/a la carte dining/showers.

The lounge can be found after security at pier C, follow signs for gates 51-63.

Open 0500-2200 daily.

Air New Zealand Sydney International Lounge

[STAR ALLIANCE] – This modern and spacious lounge facility is 1,450m² and seats 300.

It features different spaces including a ‘food theatre’ station, cocktail/espresso bar, business area, quiet zone, kids area, shower suites, newspapers/magazines and some views of the runway/apron. There are plenty of charging points for devices.

Access is granted to Business Premier passengers on Air New Zealand and business class/first class passengers on Star Alliance carriers.

air new zealand lounge sydney
Air New Zealand Lounge Sydney

Entrance is also granted to Air New Zealand Airpoints Elite/Gold and Star Alliance Gold members travelling on Air New Zealand or any Star Alliance airline.

Air New Zealand Koru members also get access if flying on Air New Zealand. Air Canada Maple Leaf Club (worldwide) and United Club members can also access if departing on a Star Alliance flight.

The lounge is located near gate 59 on the mezzanine level above the departure gates, next to Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge.

Open 0600-2100 daily.

American Express Centurion Lounge Sydney

[AMEX PLATINUM/CENTURION] – This contemporary lounge (opened 2014, renewed and expanded in 2019) is operated by Plaza Premium Group.

The 600m² lounge features a range of comfortable seating, long work tables, a full service bar, barista coffee, a food buffet with live cooking station, dining area, 3 shower suites, free WiFi and newspapers/magazines.

american express lounge sydney
American Express Lounge Sydney

Access is generally granted to Australian and international American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders. Card members can bring up to 2 guests plus children 0-17.

Other selected high-end Australian-issued Amex cards (such as Qantas Ultimate Card and Velocity Platinum Card Card) offer 2 lounge visits per year.

The lounge is located near gate 55, on the mezzanine level above the departure gates.

Open 0600-2100 daily.

Qantas International Business Lounge T1

[ONEWORLD] – The Qantas lounge features a bar, barista coffee, dining area with waiter service, gelato station, children’s playroom, showers, business area, newspapers/magazines, free WiFi and restricted views of the apron.

The lounge does look a little bit dated – however, Qantas plans a full rebuild and expansion to 600 seats, due over 2024-25.

Access is available to business and first class customers flying Qantas, Qantas codeshare flights or Oneworld carriers and Jetstar Business Max passengers.

Qantas Gold/Platinum/Platinum One get access if flying Qantas, Jetstar, Emirates, China Eastern or Oneworld airlines. Qantas Club members get access if flying Qantas or Jetstar.

Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elite members get access if flying on any Oneworld carrier on the day.

The lounge is located on level 3 (one floor above departures) near Gates 9/10 with entry via escalators.

Open 0500-2200 daily.

Qantas International First Lounge T1

[ONEWORLD] – This is the Qantas premium flagship lounge at Sydney – although opened back in 2007 it remains one of the world’s best airline lounges.

The lounge has a real retro feel with marble and wooden (American oak) separators and an old-fashioned large mechanical departures board. Floor-to-ceiling angled windows provide lots of natural light and great apron views.

qantas international first lounge sydney
Qantas International First Lounge at Sydney T1

Facilities include a LaGaia Spa (complimentary 20 minute treatments can be booked), 8 shower suites, bar and Rockpool restaurant, office area/meeting rooms, library, children’s corner, newspapers/magazines and free WiFi.

Access is granted to first class passengers on Qantas, Emirates and Oneworld carriers. Access is also available to Qantas Platinum/Platinum One Frequent Flyers, Chairman’s Lounge and Oneworld Emerald members.

The first class is located on level 4 (one floor above the Qantas international business lounge) – accessible by escalator.

Open 0500-2200 daily.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge

[STAR ALLIANCE] – The lounge offers bar/buffet with Western and Asian options, a barista coffee bar, comfortable seating, private work cubicles, 2 shower suites, some limited apron/runway views and free WiFi.

The lounge was refreshed in August 2024 with new carpets and furniture.

There is a small section for First Class passengers which has a bar/buffet and an a la carte dining service.

Access is available to the following passengers departing from Sydney on Singapore Airlines or Star Alliance carriers:

  • First Class or Suites Class (+1 guest allowed)
  • Business Class (no guests)
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer elites – Elite Gold, PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club (+1 guest allowed)
  • Star Alliance Gold card holders (+1 guest allowed)
  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide and United Club members (+1 guest allowed)
  • Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum/Gold/Beyond on Singapore Airlines flights only (+1 guest allowed)

Note, the first class section is only accessible to First/Suites Class passengers and Solitaire PPS Club members.

The lounge can be found after security on the mezzanine level near gate 59.

Open 0530-1800 daily.

Emirates Lounge

[EMIRATES][PAID] – Emirates has a comfortable and functional lounge including a bar and buffet, dining area, rest area, newspapers/magazines and shower facilities. The beige decor is perhaps not be to everyone’s taste(!)

Access is granted to business and first class passengers on Emirates/Qantas.

Entry is also available to Emirates iO, Emirates Skywards Platinum/Gold and Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One/Platinum/Gold or Chairman’s Lounge members travelling on Emirates/Qantas.

Paid access is possible for Emirates economy passengers – access costs a hefty US$125 (Skywards members), US$155 (non-members) plus local GST.

The Emirates Sydney lounge is located in the departures area near gate 58.

Open 0400-0720 and 1610-2040.

Skyteam Lounge

[SKYTEAM] – The Sydney Skyteam lounge is operated by Plaza Premium Group and is 784m² seating 140 guests. The lounge re-opened in 2022 having undergone a major refurbishment.

skyteam lounge sydney
Skyteam Lounge at Sydney

Facilities include self-service buffet and live cooking station, a la carte menu, business zone, ample charging points, free WiFi and floor-to-ceiling windows offering good airport views. The lounge has shower facilities.

Access is granted to first and business class on a same-day flight departure with a Skyteam airline. Skyteam airlines at Sydney are China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Air.

Skyteam Elite Plus members can access if flying on a same-day departure on Skyteam in any class. Paid access is also possible from around A$71.

The lounge is located on the mezzanine level near gate 24.

Opening hours vary a little depending on Skyteam flights:

Mon: 0530-1400, 1730-2200
Tue: 0530-1230, 1730-2200
Wed: 0530-1230, 1730-2200
Thu: 0530-1230, 1830-2200
Fri: 0530-1230, 1730-2200
Sat: 0530-1400, 1830-2200
Sun: 0530-1230, 1730-2200

Book the Skyteam Lounge Sydney here

Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge Sydney T1

[PAID][AMEX PLATINUM] – Plaza Premium Group has a pleasant small arrivals lounge which serves a full buffet breakfast and drinks, free WiFi and offers shower facilities. There is capacity for up to 40 guests.

plaza premium arrivals lounge sydney
Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge Sydney T1

The lounge was opened in 2022 and is the first (and only) arrivals lounge at Sydney.

The lounge is located at Level 1 Arrivals B (public area), one floor below check-in and departures. It is within the Plaza Premium-run Aerotel airport hotel.

The lounge is available to paying passengers (from around A$40) and American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders.

Open 0600-2000 daily.

Book the Plaza Premium Sydney T1 arrivals lounge – select ‘Terminal 1 Arrivals B’

Sydney T2 Lounges

There are 3 lounges at Sydney T2 domestic:

  • Virgin Australia The Lounge
  • Virgin Australia Beyond Lounge
  • Regional Express Lounge

Virgin Australia The Lounge

[PAID][AMEX PLATINUM] – Virgin Australia has a large lounge located in Sydney’s domestic terminal T2. The space previously hosted the Ansett Golden Wing Lounge.

This spacious facility is spread over 2 floors and offers bar/buffet area, barista coffee, lots of seating, business area, showers, newspapers/magazines and some limited apron/runway views.

Access is granted to Virgin Australia business class passengers, Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum and Gold members and Virgin Australia Lounge program members.

Access is also available to elite members of Delta/Etihad/Singapore Airlines/South African Airways/United Airlines/Virgin Atlantic flying on Virgin Australia.

A single entry pass can be purchased for A$65 at-the-door (capacity permitting), open 2 hours before your Virgin Australia flight departure. Child passes (2-17) cost A$45.

American Express Platinum card holders get access when flying Virgin Australia. This is an official benefit of Australian-issued cards, though we have heard of holders from other countries getting entry.

The lounge can be accessed directly from the terminal, just after security. The private Premium Entry channel has been temporarily closed and is under review.

Opens 60 minutes before first Virgin Australia flight until last departure – around 0500-2100 daily.

Virgin Australia Beyond Lounge

[INVITATION-ONLY] – This is a small private lounge at Sydney T2 domestic for Virgin Australia invitation-only members (similar to Qantas Chairman’s Lounge). Previously known as The Club, it was rebranded/refurbished as the Beyond Lounge. It opened in April 2022.

virgin australia beyond lounge sydney t2
Virgin Australia Beyond Lounge at Sydney T2

The lounge offers various stylish seating zones with capacity for 91 guests, secluded privacy pods, a la carte breakfast and all-day menu, a private office and boardroom, and shower facilities.

Staff give customers personal boarding invitations.

The lounge is located near the main Virgin Australia Lounge. Access is via discreet doors, location given to members.

Open 0500-2100 daily.

Regional Express Lounge

[PAID][PRIORITY PASS] – The very compact Rex Lounge is available to paying passengers of Australian domestic airline Regional Express (REX). Note that REX went into administration in July 2024 but operations are still ongoing.

The lounge offers basic snacks/drinks, a small business station, massage chairs, newspapers/magazines, free WiFi and some apron views. Note, alcoholic drinks are only made available after 1500.

Entrance is granted to passengers who pay the A$33 entrance fee, 50% off for those on Flex fares. The airline also sells an annual Rex Lounge membership – this also requires members to give their fingerprints.

Priority Pass members also get free access.

The Regional Express lounge is located past security adjacent to the G2 departure lounge.

Open 0530-1900 (Mon-Fri), 0530-1700 (Sat) and 0730-1900 (Sun).

Sydney T3 Lounges

There are 3 lounges at the Qantas T3 domestic:

  • Qantas Domestic Business Lounge T3
  • Qantas Club T3
  • Qantas Chairman’s Lounge

Qantas Domestic Business Lounge T3

[ONEWORLD] – This is the flagship Qantas domestic lounge for premium and elite passengers – it is a slightly better lounge experience than at the Qantas Club (below). It can get very busy at peak times.

Facilities include a good variety of seating, all day dining buffet, barista coffee, work stations and business area, showers, apron views and free WiFi.

Access is granted to Qantas business class passengers, Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum/Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge members, Emirates Skyward Platinum and iO and Oneworld Emerald members. First and business class passengers on Qantas/Emirates/Oneworld connecting to a domestic flight also get entry.

The Qantas lounges are located on the departures level opposite gates 4 and 5.

Open 0500 until last QF T3 departure.

Qantas Club T3

[ONEWORLD] – The Qantas Club is a spacious lounge area at terminal 3 for domestic flights. It can also get very busy at peak times.

The lounge is very open with lots of natural light from large windows giving apron views. Facilities include a large number of seats, self-service bar-buffet, barista coffee, children’s corner, work stations, showers and free WiFi.

Access is granted to Qantas business class passengers, Qantas Club members, Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold/Platinum/Platinum One members, Emirates Skyward Gold/Platinum and iO, Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members, Alaska Lounge members and Alaska MVP Gold/Gold 75K members. First and business class passengers on Qantas/Emirates connecting to a domestic flight also get entry.

The Qantas lounges are located on the departures level opposite gates 4 and 5.

Open 0500 until last QF T3 departure.

Qantas Chairman’s Lounge

[INVITATION-ONLY] – This lounge is similar in style to the Qantas First lounge at T1. It offers personal service, a la carte dining, library area, newspapers/magazines, showers and private meeting rooms. Guests get a personal boarding invitation.

qantas chairman's lounge sydney
Qantas Chairman’s Lounge Sydney (credit: Felice Carlino under Creative Commons)

Access is granted to Chairman’s Lounge members (invitation-only) and Emirates iO members.

The Qantas Chairman’s Lounge is located between the Qantas Club and Domestic Business Class lounge.

Sydney Airport Lounges Summary

Sydney Airport Lounges By Numbers:
16 Sydney airport lounges
15 airside lounges
12 airline lounge
10 lounges Sydney T1
3 lounges Sydney T2
3 lounges Sydney T1
4 independent lounges
4 Priority Pass lounges
3 DragonPass lounges
1 arrivals lounge

Which Sydney airport lounges can be accessed with Priority Pass?

4 lounges – Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures), Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge, The House and Rex Lounge.

Priority Pass holders get AU$36 credit at the following SYD cafe/restaurants: Mach2 (T1), Peroni Bar (T1), Bistro Bar 2020 (T2), The Fat Yak (T2), Luke’s Bistro & Bar (T3) and Wok on Air (T3).

priority pass card and app

Thinking about Priority Pass membership? Click here for a special 10% discount which will provide unlimited access to 4 Sydney airport lounges and 1,400+ lounges worldwide.

Which Sydney airport lounges can be accessed with DragonPass?

3 lounges – Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures), Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge and The House.

Discounts are available through the app at Hudson’s Coffee.

Is there an American Express Lounge at Sydney airport?

Yes, there is an American Express Centurion lounge at Sydney T1.

Amex Platinum/Centurion card holders can also get direct access to the Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures) and the Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge. Entrance to the Virgin Australia lounge (T2) is possible for some Amex Platinum cardholders (depending on country of issue).

Which lounges can Star Alliance Gold members use at Sydney?

Star Alliance Gold members at Sydney get access to the Air New Zealand Lounge and the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge.

Which lounges can Skyteam Elite Plus members use at Sydney?

Skyteam Elite Plus members at SYD can get to access the Skyteam lounge when flying China Airlines, Delta, Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines or XiamenAir.

Is there an arrivals lounge at Sydney?

Yes, there is the Plaza Premium Arrivals lounge at Sydney T1.

Also see London Heathrow Lounges: The Complete Guide and Melbourne Airport Lounges: The Complete Guide

  • Last updated 20 August 2024.
  • First published in 2019.
  • Links at AirTravelGenius.com may pay an affiliate commission. Lounge opening times can change, always check with the operator.

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