Is a 2-hour layover sufficient for changing terminals at Sydney Airport?

Hello,

I’ll be flying from Melbourne to JFK in May 2025 with American Airlines. My flight from MEL arrives at Terminal 3 at 7:15 AM, and my next flight departs from Terminal 1 at 9:10 AM. I believe my luggage will be checked through to JFK, so I won’t need to collect it.

Do you think 1 hour and 45 minutes is enough time to transfer between terminals and clear security and immigration?

One thought on “Is a 2 hour layover to change terminals at Sydney Airport?”

  1. Hi there!

    A 1 hour and 45-minute layover should generally be enough time to change terminals at Sydney Airport, especially since your bags are likely checked through to JFK and you won’t have to collect them.

    However, there are a few things to consider:

    1. Terminal Change: Terminal 3 (domestic flights) and Terminal 1 (international flights) are not too far apart, but you will need to factor in the time it takes to catch the airport shuttle bus that runs between the terminals. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, but it can vary depending on how quickly you can board the shuttle.

    2. Security Check: Once you arrive at Terminal 1, you’ll need to go through security again, which can take varying amounts of time depending on the number of passengers and staff available.

    3. Immigration: While traveling from a domestic flight to an international flight, you won’t need to go through immigration until you board your flight to JFK, but do be mindful of international gate closures.

    Overall, while 1h45m seems manageable, it may leave you with little time to spare in case of any delays. If you’re comfortable with it, and monitor any potential changes to your schedule, you should be fine. Just keep an eye on the time once you land, and good luck with your travels!

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