The Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) is the first of two of Sydney’s dedicated cruise terminals, alongside White Bay Cruise Terminal (WBCT) in Rozelle. 

Located at 130 Argyle St, in The Rocks, OPT is situated in the world-famous destination and tourist hub of Circular Quay. In addition, the terminal is set between the iconic Sydney Opera House on one side and the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the other.

Due to its close proximity to some of Sydney’s natural wonders and iconic gems, Overseas Passenger Terminal has become the most preferred embarkation destination for both local and international cruisers.

Homeported cruise lines

The Overseas Passenger Terminal is designed to house larger vessels. Some of the cruise lines homeported by the terminal are: Royal Caribbean (RCI), Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Cunard. 

How to get there

If you’re coming from Sydney Airport, there are a number of options to go to the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Guests may opt to go on the rail shuttle service, taxi or Uber to get to the terminal. 

For guests who are driving or using private cars to OPT from the airport, they have to follow Ross Smith Ave, General Holmes Dr and Mill Pond Rd to M1. Then, drive onto Cross City Tunnel in Darlinghurst and exit toward A4. Guests must just continue on Cross City Tunnel to their destination in The Rocks. 

By bus

Passengers can also take one of several buses through the Sydney Central Business District (CBD) along Elizabeth Street. They should alight at Bridge Street and then head north onto Circular Quay. 

By train

Guests who take the train from either the domestic or international airport need to alight at Circular Quay station and head in the direction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Alternatively, if they’re coming from Wynyard or Central train station, they will need to head north down George Street and walk towards the harbour. On the other hand, there is also the light rail which runs down George St all the way to Circular Quay.

By light rail

The light rail runs from the eastern suburbs through the CBD and on to Circular Quay. It terminates just a few hundred metres from OPT.

By ferry

Cruise passengers may also avail themselves of ferry services going to Circular Quay. They arrive from Parramatta in the west, suburbs in the east and from Manly in the north. There are also numerous inner harbour stops. The furthest ferry terminal is just 450 metres from the Overseas Passenger Terminal. 

Parking at OPT

Parking at the OPT is not available during cruise days. On cruise day, parking is reserved for other service providers to cruise lines homeported by OPT. However, there is street paid parking and multi-storey parking in The Rocks, including Argyle, Cumberland, Gloucester and Essex streets. 

Pick up and drop off at OPT

The OPT passenger drop off is located outside of the cruise terminal at Circular Quay West. In addition, this area is also used for both private pick-ups and drop-offs throughout the day. Access to this area is through George St across Argyle. Moreover, pick-ups and drop-offs should occur within just two minutes to avoid zone congestion, otherwise drivers will be asked to move on. 

Hotels near OPT

It is strongly suggested cruise passengers departing OPT spend at least one night in Sydney to explore the stunning harbour city that is the capital of NSW. There are a number of quality and affordable hotels around OPT with some within walking distance of the terminal. 

Sydney Harbour Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel in George St and the Shangri-La in Cumberland St are less than 500m away from OPT. In addition, Tank Stream Hotel in Pitt St and YEHS Hotel in Sussex St offer affordable rates and are a little over one kilometre away from the terminal. There are also a range of high quality famous-name hotels further into the city. They include the Hilton, Radisson, Marriott, Adina and Sofitel.

Moreover, OPT is just a short drive to other CBD hotels, hostels and pubs with a variety of accommodation.  

WiFi at OPT

There is no WiFi at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. But there are some restaurants and cafes in the vicinity that offer free WiFi to customers. 

Assistance for wheelchair-bound guests

Guests with mobility restrictions or those who require wheelchair access must inform their cruise line in advance. Cruise companies will then make arrangements for guests and assist with entry through the terminal and during boarding. 

Restaurants at OTP

There are a number of restaurants and cafes conveniently located around OPT. Some dining hubs are within easy walking distance from the terminal. These include The Rocks, Sydney Place and Quay Quarter. These precincts feature a number of pubs, restaurants and cafes alongside upscale dining venues. Additionally, there are also places to dine at the terminal itself, including the world famous Quay.