I was not planning on rating SYD, but I read the other reviews and I think the other raters were unduly harsh on Kingford Smith. I have been to Australia on four separate trips; last year's trip involved four separate entries and exits (2 domestic and 2 international) and in my opinion, it is no better or worse than any of the other international airports I have flown through over the years. Yes, the shopping is a bit limited and some of the retail establishments were a bit poor. The food selections I thought were quite varied and gave lots of options (they have a Krispy Kreme!), though there was the customary food markup. On the bad side, cabs into town can be expensive, running AU$50+. I took the train line one time and I think it was only AU$16 round-trip. Parking costs are incredibly high, too. The queue at customs can be long, but that is the nature of the geography of Australia. The majority of international flights all leave within a few hours of each other, especially for going to the US. I think the criticisms of the customs officials is unfair. I am an American traveling from Sydney into LAX: Which one do you think were more polite (hint: they were not at LAX). Overall, I think it is a fine airport and well maintained. I've been to better, but there are certainly ones that are worse. I don't dread coming here like I do others.

As the airport that most visitors arrive at, Kingsford Smith is pretty poor. It's the showcase airport and shows Australia in a bad light. It's clearly old and tired and in desperate need of refurbishment of replacement. But having said that, on the bright side, everything works. We found the immigration staff to be fast and efficient, although a smile would help. Green path through customs was as uninterrupted as it was quick. Out in the public areas there was a small area for meeting passengers, the very few refreshment outlets were slow and outrageously expensive and I was told that picking people up involves using a car park that charges an almost criminal fee of $AU30 ($US33) (£20) per hour. The folks in Sydney must be soft in the head paying that. On leaving, we found the departure area to be much better. Again, quick and efficient. Good but expensive duty free and expensive refreshments.
The airport staff were at all times friendly and helpful, no problems there. This airport is functional, that's the best I can say about it. The worst is that it is old and ragged. One final point, the road signage to and from is not the best I've ever seen, its easy to get lost.

Surely this is one of the most expensive and painful airports in the world. Parking, food, trolleys are exorbitantly priced. The customs and immigration officers are rude and very unpleasant (even to locals!). Getting between the international and domestic terminals requires a long walk - no-one seemed to know where the shuttle bus was. Getting a taxi to the city (despite being only 10 km away) will set you back around $A50.00 - the drivers are usually foreign (Arabs or Asians), and don't know the hotels very well. This place needs an overhaul. As gateway to Australia it does not offer a good first impression!

Much the same as other airports, not as big. Delays depend on what day and time you travel. Yes, very expensive.

Everything related to this airport is a rip-off: trolleys, shops, parking especially. Is Mcquarie Bank still the operator? If so, that explains everything.