Pope Benedict XVI has flown out of Sydney this morning, bringing a week of World Youth Day festivities to an end.

The pontiff is on his way back to Rome on a Qantas charter plane.

Heading to the Domain

Before making his way to the airport the Pope stopped at The Domain in central Sydney about 9am (AEST) to thank World Youth Day volunteers for their work during a busy week.

The NSW government's World Youth Day spokeswoman Kristina Keneally said yesterday's record-breaking final mass which attracted more than 350,000 pilgrims to Randwick Racecourse had capped off a hugely successful week of celebrations.

"We thank Pope Benedict XVI for making the journey to Australia, we wish him well and he is always welcome in our city," she said in a statement.

Watkins comment

Transport Minister John Watkins said that while many pilgrims would leave Sydney today, commuters must continue to be patient as the majority will stick around for an extended holiday.

"These young people of the world have seen the beauty and friendliness of our city, and 85 per cent are planning to stay on in Australia after the celebrations to see more of the country," Mr Watkins said in a statement.

"This means there will still be large crowds on our public transport network and we urge Sydneysiders to continue to show the same patience they have throughout the week long celebrations."

Most of Sydney's roads were reopened by 4am (AEST) this morning, except for a few surrounding St Mary's Cathedral where the Pope spent his last night.

Those roads will reopen by 3pm (AEST) today, Mr Watkins said.

Sydney airport is expecting to be busy today and tomorrow, with many pilgrims making their way home.

An airport spokesman warned people to leave extra time for their trips, with roads and trains expected to be congested.

"We're expecting Monday to be one of our busiest days ever," he said.

He said flights were expected to be at capacity.

Qantas has laid on extra flights to move pilgrims.