Overseas Passenger Terminal frequently asked questions

The Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) is located on the corner of Argyle and George streets, Circular Quay West, The Rocks NSW 2000.

There are several options for reaching the Overseas Passenger Terminal, including train, bus, ferry, light rail, rideshare, or taxi. To plan your journey using any of these public transport options, visit Trip Planner | transportnsw.info.

Train

Take the train to Circular Quay and head towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you're coming from Wynyard Station, walk north along George Street towards the harbour; you'll arrive in about 10 minutes.

Bus

For buses travelling through the CBD along Elizabeth Street, alight at Bridge Street and head north to Circular Quay.

Ferry

Take a ferry to Circular Quay, which is just 450 metres from the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT).

Light rail

The L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail services run between Circular Quay and Randwick, and Circular Quay and Kingsford. Both lines travel via George Street, Central Station, and along Devonshire Street in Surry Hills to Moore Park.

Drop off

The passenger drop-off area is located outside the cruise terminal on the lower roadway at Circular Quay West. Access the lower roadway via George Street (cross street: Argyle Street). This entrance is available for private pick-ups and drop-offs throughout the day.

Taxi and ride share

Taxi ranks are located at:

• George Street near Playfair Street
• George Street at the Metcalfe Arcade
• The Overseas Passenger Terminal
• Alfred Street at Circular Quay 

Note: In the morning, the taxi rank for disembarking passengers is on Level 3, accessible via Hickson Road (upper level). Private pick-ups and drop-offs are not permitted on the Level 3 access.

Rail
Circular Quay Station is just a 5-minute walk away (450 metres) and offers direct train services to the airport station.

Taxi
The taxi rank is on level three.

Coach / Bus airport transfers
Ground staff will direct you to the dedicated pick-up point.

Limousine / Private car pick up
If you’ve booked a limousine or private car, your driver will meet you outside the front of the terminal near the palm trees. Ensure you have the company’s contact details and ask them to call you upon arrival.

There is no parking at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) on cruise ship days, nor are there waiting bays for passenger pick-ups. On-street and private parking facilities are available in the area, as well as public transport. Please use one of these options and arrange to meet your passenger outside the terminal entrance.

To check scheduled ship arrival times, refer to the online cruise schedule. However, note that published times may change. Disembarkation times also vary but typically begin around 30 minutes after the ship's arrival.

Pick up and drop off

The passenger drop-off area is located outside the cruise terminal on the lower roadway at Circular Quay West. Access the lower roadway via George Street (cross street: Argyle Street). This entrance is available for private pick-ups and drop-offs throughout the day.

To minimise congestion and ensure the precinct operates safely and efficiently, please stop for no more than two minutes. Due to security restrictions, you may not leave your vehicle, and this area is strictly for collecting or dropping off passengers only.

Parking

There are no onsite parking facilities at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on cruise days. Paid street parking is available in the surrounding streets including The Rocks on Harrington, Cumberland, Argyle, Essex and Gloucester Street.

Be sure to check parking signs and follow instructions, as parking rates and time limit restrictions vary.​

Several secure and conveniently located parking stations are available in The Rocks:

Wilson Parking, Quay West
Wilson Parking, Clocktower
Wilson Parking, 155 George Street

Parking at OPT on non-cruise days 

Public parking at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) is available only on non-cruise ship days, when no ships are arriving or departing. For more information about parking at the OPT on non-cruise days, please click here.

You can check in online. If you haven’t checked in online, your cruise company should have provided you with a check-in time. Drop off your bags at the bag drop. Be sure to arrive at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at least one hour before you are set to depart.

You will need to walk through a metal detector, and your belongings will be scanned by x-ray. Place your mobile phone, laptops, tablets, and any other large or small metal objects, including coins, in your carry-on luggage. If you have artificial devices, such as hip or knee replacements or pacemakers, inform the security staff as you approach. The security personnel will ensure the process is as smooth and convenient as possible.

The Overseas Passenger Terminal has an elevated gangway for boarding ships.

Sydney Destination Ambassadors will be available for international arrivals to provide local information as needed. The area offers a variety of restaurants, pubs, cafes, bars, and shopping precincts nearby. Further afield, you can explore Bondi Beach, the Hunter Valley wine region, and the Blue Mountains. While these destinations are too far to walk, they are well worth the trip if you have the time.

The terminal practices safety, health and hygiene processes and procedures as a priority, but masks are not currently mandatory within cruise terminals in NSW.  

For any more information regarding COVID safety on cruises, please contact your cruise provider or NSW Health.

Obtain a note from your doctor and contact your cruise line for guidance.

Anything prohibited, illegal, or otherwise dangerous. If in doubt, contact the cruise line or refer to the Australian Border Force website.

Things you should check with your cruise line before you bring them, just in case they're not allowed:

• Alcohol
• Non-alcoholic drinks, including water
• Power boards or extension leads
• Heating elements, such as kettles or irons
• Knives or multi tools
• Fishing equipment
• Sports equipment
• Drones

There are no onsite parking facilities at the OPT. There are parking options nearby, but none that are cost effective for long-term parking.

If you arrive before the bag drop has opened for your cruise, but still want to use a luggage storage facility, the nearest one is Luggage Storage Sydney.

Bags can generally be dropped off from around 9am up until about 90 minutes before a ship is set to depart.

Inform the cruise company in advance if you require wheelchair access. They will arrange wheelchair-assisted entry and escort through the terminal and during boarding.

Family and friends are welcome to share in your excitement and wave you a fond farewell from the publicly accessible area on Level 4 of the Overseas Passenger Terminal. However, they will not be able to go beyond the check-in area of the terminal building or board the ship. 

Just like at an airport, you’ll need government-issued identification. A passport is ideal, but for domestic cruises, an Australian driver’s licence or equivalent is required.

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is available immediately after you clear Customs and Immigration. Remember to bring a printed receipt of your purchase.

Any lost property found in the terminal is passed on to the cruise line, if the ship is at port or the cruise line's customer service agents. 

Cruise contacts

If you lost your property while on a cruise, contact your cruise line's customer service. They often have procedures in place for handling lost items.

Cruise contacts

If you believe your item was stolen, you might want to report it to the local police. Our security staff will take items to the local police station that they recover following the departure of a cruise ship.