Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport: inspired interior design and expanded facilities mean that Australia's busiest airport is a pleasure to use. Chris Pritchard puts Kingsford Smith through its paces.

Revamped internally and expanded for the 2000 Olympics, Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) is only nine kilometres from downtown. It is served by flag carrier Qantas and around 35 airlines from Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. At the international terminal, 28 of the 34 gates have jetbridges, so few flights need bus transfers.

Arriving

* Dump or declare anything edible: besides drug-seeking dogs, the airport has beagles to sniff out potential dangers to Australian agriculture. Immigration is usually fast and friendly, though at peak morning periods baggage delivery can be slow compared to some leading Asia-Pacific hubs. At quieter times you can be in a cab within 30 minutes of disembarking. Domestic terminals are on the other side of the airport. Qantas' domestic lounge is open to its Club members, business class passengers and qualifying members of partner clubs. Virgin Blue operates from a shed-like structure but wants to move to a site once occupied by the defunct Ansett Airlines. Tobacco is taboo except in designated areas.

Visas

* Everyone except New Zealanders needs a visa and getting one is usually quick and easy. They can be obtained from Australian diplomatic posts as well as through many travel agents and airlines (check with your carrier) that are linked to Australia's immigration department. These Electronic Travel Authority visas can also be obtained at www.eta.immi.gov.au

Getting away

* Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall. Metered taxis take you to downtown or inner-suburban hotels for US$11 in less than 30 minutes. The comfortable Airport Express bus (Route 300) travels downtown for less than US$4. Kingsford Smith Transport/ Sydney Airporter buses offer hotel drops for around US$4.40. The train station beneath the terminal serves city stations in 10 to 15 minutes and is handy if you have only a little luggage. Tickets cost US$5.50. The rail service and bus shuttles serve domestic terminals for US$2.20.