
Australia is a captivating destination for intrepid travellers, but it's a long way from anywhere. The flight time depends on your place of departure, but you can expect to be in the air for at least 14 hours. If you're flying from the UK, you'll likely have a transfer or stopover in Asia, and if you're flying from the US, you can expect a flight time of around 16 hours. To find the best airfare, it's recommended to book early in the week, with Tuesday and Monday being the most affordable days to fly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flight Distance | 9,264.88 miles (14,910.39 km) |
| Flight Duration | 18 hours 2 minutes |
| Flight Speed | 500 mph |
| Airlines | Qantas, Delta, United, American Airlines, Air Canada, Hawaiian Airlines, Air New Zealand |
| Airports | Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), Melbourne Airport (MEL) |
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What You'll Learn

Flight duration
The flight duration to Australia varies depending on the departure location. The total flight duration from the United States to Australia is approximately 19 hours, while the flight from the US to Sydney, Australia, is shorter, taking around 17 hours and 53 minutes. The average flight time from London to Sydney is 23 hours, including a stopover in Singapore. The average flight time from London to Melbourne or Brisbane is the same, with an additional connecting flight in Sydney.
Direct flights to Australia are available from Los Angeles and San Francisco, primarily to Sydney. For direct flights to Melbourne and Brisbane from the US west coast, Los Angeles is the preferred connecting city. The Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) and Melbourne Airport (MEL) are good options for those seeking the best airfares and more connecting flight options to other parts of Australia.
The Brisbane Airport (BNE) is located 13 kilometres northeast of Brisbane, and Melbourne International Airport is 24 kilometres from the city centre. Sydney Airport is also an option for those looking to explore the iconic city and walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset.
When planning a trip to Australia, it is essential to consider the time required for take-off, landing, and taxiing between the gate and runway. Additionally, airport wait times, equipment delays, and weather conditions can impact the overall travel duration. Adjusting to the new time zone during the flight, staying hydrated, and managing sleep patterns can help ease the transition upon arrival in Australia.
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Airports and terminals
When it comes to airports and terminals for long-haul flights to Australia, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that the specific airports and terminals can vary depending on the origin of the flight and the airline carrier. Here are some key airports and terminals commonly associated with long-haul flights to Australia:
Brisbane Airport: Brisbane Airport is one of the major gateways to Australia and is located in the state of Queensland. It serves as a hub for domestic and international travel, offering both inbound and outbound long-haul flights to various destinations.
Sydney Airport: Sydney Airport is another crucial hub for long-haul flights to and from Australia. It is located in the state of New South Wales and is one of the busiest airports in the country. Sydney Airport offers a wide range of international flight connections.
Melbourne Airport: Melbourne Airport, situated in the state of Victoria, is also a significant gateway to Australia. It handles a substantial number of long-haul flights and provides connections to many international destinations.
Perth Airport: Perth Airport, in Western Australia, is often included in long-haul flight routes to and from the country. It serves as a convenient gateway for travellers heading to or departing from Western Australia.
Doha as a Connecting Hub: Doha, the capital of Qatar, has emerged as a prominent connecting hub for flights to Australia. Qatar Airways, in partnership with Virgin Australia, offers an extensive network of flights between Doha and several Australian cities, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
Other Carrier Options: In addition to Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, other carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific also operate long-haul flights to and from Australia. These carriers may utilise different airports and terminals depending on their specific routes and partnerships.
When planning a long-haul trip to Australia, it is always advisable to check the specific airports and terminals associated with your chosen airline and flight route. This information can usually be found on the airline's website or by contacting their customer service team. Additionally, staying informed about any potential changes or updates to flight schedules and airport operations is essential for a smooth travel experience.
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Cost
The cost of a flight to Australia varies depending on several factors, including the origin of the flight, the airline, the time of booking, the time of departure, the number of layovers, and the class of travel.
US to Australia
On average, a round-trip flight from the United States to Australia can cost around $342 for a basic economy ticket. However, prices can vary depending on the specific origin and destination cities. For example, a round-trip economy flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL) can range from $1,058 to $1,266. On the other hand, a round-trip business or first-class flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne can cost significantly more, with prices ranging from $8,474 to $21,230.
Europe to Australia
For travel from Europe to Australia, the average cost of a one-way flight is around $641, while a return flight can be as low as $1,034. The price of flights from Europe to Australia can vary depending on the origin and destination cities, with flights from Sydney to Helsinki with a layover in Singapore or Doha, or flights from Melbourne to Rome with a layover in Dubai. Booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates can also help in finding cheaper flights. Additionally, direct flights tend to be more expensive than flights with multiple layovers.
It is important to note that these prices are subject to change and may not include additional fees, taxes, or other charges.
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Visas
All non-Australian citizens travelling to Australia require a visa or visa waiver issued by the Australian Government. Foreign travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country.
If you are transiting through any third countries or travelling onwards from Australia to another country, check with the State Department whether those countries require six months of validity on a passport prior to departing. Your passport does not need to have six months of remaining validity to enter Australia unless you are passing through a third country that requires it.
If you are denied entry into Australia, you will be held at the airport until arrangements can be made to return you to your country of origin or another country where you hold a valid visa. You will generally be removed from Australia on the next available flight offered by your carrier. However, if there is a long wait for your return flight, you may be placed in a temporary detention centre until a suitable flight is available.
If you are a current member of the U.S. military, contact the Defense Attaché Office (DAO) at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra for all military travel inquiries, including R&R. When applying for a visa or visa waiver, use your current U.S. address. Do not use your APO/DPO address or your address where you are currently stationed.
If you are travelling to Australia for tourism or business for less than 90 days, you can enter with an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). An ETA is an electronic, label-free visa that can be obtained using the Australian ETA app for a small fee. Airlines and travel agents in the United States can also apply for ETAs. If you overstay your ETA or any other visa, even for short periods, you may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Depending on the type of visa you apply for, the length of your stay, and your intended activities in Australia, you may be required to undergo a medical examination before the Australian Department of Home Affairs will issue you a visa. Additional information about Australian immigration health requirements can be found on the Australian Embassy website.
Australia grants temporary and permanent visas to same-sex partners of Australian citizens.
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Best time to visit
Australia is a large country with varied climates, so the best time to visit depends on the region you plan to visit and what you want to do.
The northern half of Australia has a dry season from April to September, with warm and sunny days. This is the best time to visit the northern half, as it is the driest and most accessible, with opportunities for swimming and barbecues. April is also the best time to cruise the Kimberley Coast, one of Australia's most remote and untouched regions. From October to March, the north is more humid, with more rainfall, but this is offset by active wildlife and lush rainforests and wetlands. During these months, northern Australia experiences its wet season, and can be difficult to get to.
In the southern half of Australia, the summer months of December to February bring hot weather. This is the most expensive time to travel in Australia, with high demand increasing the price of flights and accommodation. However, it is a great time to visit the beaches. The fall months of March to May are also a lovely time to visit, with numerous festivals and the busy grape harvest. Winter, from June to August, is less busy and attracts a temperate climate that is ideal for hiking. Spring, from September to November, sees more wildlife activity and is a great time for dining outdoors, taking to the water, and hiking along scenic coastal trails.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to avoid the Australian school holidays, particularly in the summer months. Winters in Australia are also less busy, with fewer tourists and cheaper flights and accommodation.
Overall, spring and autumn are considered the best times to travel throughout the country. April and May are recommended for the south, with plenty of sunshine and less rain than the summer months. April and May are also good months to visit the north, with fewer visitors and a slightly cooler, drier climate.
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Frequently asked questions
Flights from the UK to Australia usually involve a transfer or stopover somewhere in Asia. The first flight time from London to Sydney is around 14 hours.
The cheapest month to fly to Australia is currently October. The cheapest days to fly are usually Tuesdays and Mondays.
Use websites such as Skyscanner and Expedia to compare flight deals and prices.









































