Sydney Airport Smoking Area: Where to Smoke at SYD International Airport?
Article May 23, 2026 6 mins read

Sydney Airport Smoking Area: Where to Smoke at SYD International Airport?

As per the New South Wales (NSW) law, smoking is banned within four metres of the entrance or exit of a public area of the airport building. Therefore, the smoking area at Sydney Airport is located outside the terminals, before check-in, or on the arrivals and departures levels. Terminal 1 does not have a smoking area for transiting passengers. These smoking areas are clearly marked and separated from the public areas to protect the staff and passengers from secondhand smoke.

Sydney Airport outdoor smoking area signage

Is There A Smoking Area in Sydney Airport?

The airport maintains smoke-free indoor terminals, which means smoking is not allowed in restrooms, lounges, restaurants, and waiting areas. However, there are some outdoor smoking zones at both arrival and departure levels in every terminal.

Where to Smoke at Sydney Airport?

The outdoor smoking areas at Sydney Airport are located at a safe distance from the terminal entry and exit doors. 

Sydney Airport Smoking Area Terminal 1: All the designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal building, before the security check and immigration.

  • The smoking area on Level 1 (arrivals) is located opposite exit gates A and B. 

  • Level 2 (departures) has smoking zones at the far ends of check-in counters A, G, and K.

  • An outdoor smoking deck is also available at the Terrace Bar on level 2 before customs.
     

Sydney Airport Terminals 2 and 3 Smoking Areas: The smoking area at Sydney Airport Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 is located:

  • Outside the main check-in level and drop-off zone on the public sidewalk. 

  • Close to public pick-up zones on the arrivals level.

Smoking Area for Transit Passengers at Sydney Airport

There is no smoking spot at Terminal 1 for transit passengers. International travellers flying from Terminal 1 need to exit the terminal for smoking.

  • They must clear immigration and exit the terminal.

  • Use the designated outdoor Sydney airport smoking area.

  • Pass through the security screening procedure again to re-enter.

Nearby Hotels with Outdoor Smoking Areas

Several hotels near Sydney Airport provide outdoor smoking spaces for guests. A car rental in Sydney can be a practical option to reach these hotels to enjoy a stress-free smoking break during a long layover.

Sydney airport hotel outdoor smoking area

Vaping Policy at Sydney International Airport

The rules for vaping and using e-cigarettes at the airport are similar to the rules for cigarette smoking. Vaping is only allowed in the designated outdoor smoking area at Sydney Airport.

Follow Australian customs and airline regulations for carrying vape devices and liquids.

Sydney Airport Smoking Policy

Sydney International Airport follows strict NSW smoking laws. According to the legislation, smoking at Sydney Airport is not allowed within four metres of the entrance or exit of a public building. Smoking in non-smoking or non-designated areas can result in fines of up to $550.

Sydney Airport Smoking Tips

Planning smartly can make it easy to travel through a smoke-free airport. Here are some helpful tips for smokers travelling through SYD:

  • Arrive early to access the outdoor smoking zones before entering the security.

  • Smoke only in designated and marked smoking areas at Sydney Airport.

  • Many international flights have long no-smoking periods, so plan accordingly.

  • Check the airlines’ restrictions on carrying vape batteries and liquids.

  • Hire a car rental at Sydney Airport during a long layover to access the smoking area while exploring the city.

  • Follow the staff’s instructions regarding smoking.

Wrapping Up!

The Sydney International Airport follows NSW (New South Wales) law regarding smoking. The dedicated smoking area at Sydney Airport is located outside each terminal building. Transiting passengers need to exit the terminal to access the smoking area and then pass through security again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is smoking allowed in Sydney International Airport?

No, smoking is prohibited inside all terminal buildings.

Is there a smoking area in Sydney International Airport?

Yes, but the designated smoking area is located outside the terminal building, before security.

Does Terminal 1 have a smoking area after security?

No, there are no smoking facilities inside the terminal.

Does Sydney Airport fine passengers for smoking in restricted areas?

Yes, under NSW law, smoking within four metres of the entrance or exit of a public area can result in fines of up to $550.

Are there smoking areas near the international gates at Sydney Airport?

Yes, the outdoor smoking areas are located on Level 1 (arrivals), opposite exit gates A and B, and on Level 2 (departures) at the ends of check-in counters A, G, and K.

Can international transit passengers access a smoking area at Sydney Airport during a layover?

Yes, but they need to clear immigration, access the outdoor smoking area, and then pass through the security again.

Howard Page

About Howard Page

Howard Page is a U.S.-based travel journalist with more than 10 years of experience. He has worked on guidebooks, documentaries, and reports across more than 20 countries. He’s driven by discovering new places. When he encounters something outside the everyday, his curiosity kicks in, his focus sharpens, and his mind feels more alert than usual.