You only need to mention “M5 tunnel” t0 anyone familiar with Sydney’s south-east to elicit a groan of frustration. Frequently gridlocked, the arterial road to and from Kingsford Smith airport is a quagmire of commuters, trucks and pretty much anyone flying anywhere. Way to start a holiday. The government and Sydney Airport are about two years into a five-year, $500m upgrade of the roads surrounding the airport. The first, a new exit road from the airport's domestic terminals to Qantas Drive, which opened to traffic in December. Of course, plugging “Sydney airport” into Google maps isn’t quite specific enough for an area that’s four times the size of Monaco. To plan your approach more effectively, make sure you enter the terminal and possibly even the airline. Sydney Airport’s website has a page will let you enter your current location and the terminal number you want to go to, then gives you the best directions there. Save money on parking by booking ahead of time. Sydney airport often has great promos through Park & Fly: $79 for undercover weekend parking (Friday 5pm to Monday 11am), including a valet service and luggage assistance. If shopping is on your agenda, Terminal One, the international terminal, has more than 120 retailers. You can walk from here to Terminal Two if your flying domestic, but it’s a bit of a hike – particularly if you’re laden with shopping bags (not to mention your luggage), the cheapest, fastest option is the Airport Link train. One-way is $6 per person – less depending on your Opal card – takes only two minutes, and offers frequent services between 5am and midnight. Have a great flight! Image credit FOTO:FORTEPAN / MHSZ