The Hidden Sydney Airport Security Checkpoint with No Queue

Nobody likes queueing for airport security. And if you’re flying from Terminal 2 at Sydney Airport, you don’t have to.

The main security checkpoint at Sydney Airport’s Terminal 2 is located directly behind the check-in counters for Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex, FlyPelican and Link Airways. This is by far the busiest checkpoint, with most passengers flying domestically out of Sydney with an airline other than Qantas using that.

But there’s another security screening checkpoint on the arrivals level of Terminal 2 that rarely has any queue at all. This “Express Security Lane” is not that well known, although there is now a bit of signage on the ground floor pointing people towards it.

Located downstairs, at the western end of Terminal 2, the Express Security Lane is open from around 5am until 6.30pm. It’s available to airport staff, flight crew and passengers with no more than one carry-on bag.

How to find the Express Security Lane at Sydney T2

If you’re coming from the Sydney Airport Domestic train station, head up towards Terminal 2 and turn right when you exit the train station into the arrivals hall. To get to the express lane, walk to the very end of the building past the Jetstar baggage claim carousels.

If you have checked baggage or haven’t yet checked in for your flight, head upstairs to the check-in area first. Once you’ve dropped your luggage and have a boarding pass, you can then head downstairs to the express lane if there’s a long line for the main security checkpoint.

The express lane can get a little bit busy first thing in the morning, as most of the airline crew and airport staff starting their shifts use it. But you’ll almost always get through quicker than you would upstairs, and during the day there’s often no queue at all.

Virgin Australia’s Priority Security Line

Virgin Australia unfortunately permanently closed its Premium Entry in December 2025. In its place, there is now a new priority security line at the main T2 security checkpoint.

Priority screening is available during extended hours from 5:00–10:00 am and 2:00–7:00 pm; however, it is not available on weekends.