Priority Pick-up Sydney Airport

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If you’re picking up passengers from Sydney Airport, the Priority Pick-Up Zone is the most convenient option for domestic arrivals. Located a 2 - 4-minute walk from the Domestic & International Arrival Hall, here's all you need to know about the green-coloured Priority Pick-Up Zone at Sydney Airport:

 

About Priority Pick-up Sydney Airport

The Priority Pick-up Zone at Sydney Airport is a dedicated area for collecting passengers from the Domestic & International Terminals.

  • Domestic Location: 4-minute walk from T2 & T3 
  • International Location (Ride-share zone): 2-minute walk from T1
  • Rates: $5.34 for 0 - 15 minutes 
  • Access: Only accessible with a valid and working e-TAG installed
  • Restrictions:
    • Cash and credit card payments are not accepted.
    • Those that do not have an e-TAG will be directed towards other parking facilities. 
  • Ideal for:
    • Passengers getting picked up from the Domestic Terminal
    • Pre-booked taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber, Lyft, Ola, and GoCar 
  • Alternatives: 
    • Other domestic pickup areas at Sydney Airport include the Express Pick-up Zone and Accessible Pick-Up Zone.
  • ImportantThe Priority Pick-up Zones should not be confused with the yellow Express Pick-up Zones, as different rates and payment methods apply. 

💡TIP: To avoid paying parking fees at Sydney Airport, plan to arrive 30 minutes after your passenger's flight has landed. This will allow time for them to off-board the plane, collect luggage, and clear immigration if they are arriving internationally. 

 

Sydney Domestic Airport Priority Pickup

For Drivers

If you’re collecting passengers from T2 or T3, you can meet them at the Sydney Domestic Airport Pickup. This is between the two terminal buildings, next to the P1 and P2 car parks.

Drivers should follow the green Sydney Domestic Airport Arrivals Pick-up signage once they arrive in the Domestic precinct. No cash or cards are accepted upon entry, drivers are only permitted access to the pickup zone with a valid e-Tag. If drivers do not have an e-tag, they will be directed to an alternative parking pick-up location. Vehicle height restrictions of 2.9 metres apply at the pickup zone. 

 

For Passengers

Passengers should follow the green Priority Pick-up signage at Arrivals. The walk from priority pickup at Sydney Domestic to the waiting area takes approximately four minutes. Once there, passengers will find a range of refreshments available for purchase. 

 

Sydney International Airport Priority Pickup (or the Public Pick-Up Zone)

For Drivers

Drivers meeting passengers due to arrive at T1 should follow the green Priority Pick-up signage once they arrive in the International precinct. The Sydney International Airport Priority Pick-up Zone is next to P7 Parking Sydney Airport and the Express Pick-up Zone. 

 

For Passengers

Passengers should similarly follow the green Priority Pick-up signage inside the Arrivals Hall. The walk should take no more than two or three minutes, and there’s a waiting area at the Zone, with a range of food and drinks available for purchase. 

 

Who Should Use the Priority Pick-Up Zone?

Ideal For:

  • Collecting passengers from the Domestic Terminal (T2/T3) or the International Terminal (T1)
  • Pre-booked taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber, Lyft, Ola, and GoCar

Alternatives:

  • Express Pick-Up Zone
  • Accessible Pick-Up Zone

💡 Tip: To avoid parking fees, arrive 30 minutes after your passenger's flight lands to allow them time to clear customs, collect luggage, and exit the terminal.

 

Priority Pick-up Zone Rates

The parking rates at the Domestic and International Priority Pick-Up Zones at Sydney Airport are reasonably priced. The cost starts at $5.34 for the first 15 minutes, increases to $11.26 for 15 - 30 minutes, and $26.49 for up to 1 hour. 

These rates apply to both the Domestic and International Express Pick-Up Zones.

Sydney Airport Priority Pick-Up Zone Rates

 

DurationDomestic Priority Pick-UpInternational Priority Pick-Up
0 - 15 min$5.34$5.34
15 - 30 min$11.26$11.26
30 - 60 min$26.49$26.49
1 - 2 hrs$37.66$37.66
2 - 3 hrs$48.57$48.57
3 + hrs$87.58$87.58

 

TIP: If you're parking for over 24 hours, consider using terminal parking or off-site options to save money.

 

Payment Methods at the Priority Pick-up Zone 

All payments are made through your e-TAG as you exit the pick-up zone. No cash or credit card payments are accepted.

Accepted e-Tag Providers:

  • Roads and Maritime Services                       
  • Tollaust Pty Ltd (Roam Express)                   
  • Roam Tolling                                                   
  • Beep Tolling (refer to E-way)                         
  • Interlink Roads Pty Ltd (trading as E-way)  

 

Ride-sharing Information 

If you have booked a ride-share service such as Uber, GoCar, Lyft, or Ola, from either terminal, you can meet your driver at the Priority Pick-up Zone.

Simply send the request once you’ve exited the terminal, and make your way to the Priority Zone by following the green signage from the Arrivals hall. These services typically include the cost of all airport tolls in the final bill, unless you’re picked up outside airport grounds. 

 

Reviews of the Priority Pick-Up 

The priority pick-up at Sydney Airport is rated a 3.6/5 on Google Reviews. 

Positive Reviews: 

  • Convenience: Many express the ease it brings collecting passengers given its proximity to the terminals
  • Ideal for E-tag users: Only E-tag users are permitted entry into this pick-up area
  • Great for international arrivals: It is very convenient for travellers arriving from the International Arrivals Hall (when using the International Priority Pick-Up Zone) 

Negative Reviews:

  • No free parking: Unlike the Express Pick-Up zone, there is no free parking period at the Priority Pick-Up Zone, travellers are required to pay $5.34 as soon as they enter the zone
  • Expensive fees: Given that the priority pick-up zones don't have a free parking period, drivers are required to pay $5.34 even when parking there for a few minutes
  • Confusing signage: Drivers have expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of adequate directional signage, leaving them driving through the precinct trying to find the entry point

 

 

Prices and information are subject to change without notice. We've made every effort to report the parking rates at Kingsford Smith accurately; however, prices can fluctuate over time. The rates mentioned in this article were accurate as of March 2025. Please refer to the official Sydney Airport website for the most current prices and information.

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