A Guide To Flying From The Uk To Australia

how to fly from uk to australia

Dreaming of Australia's sun, sea, and laidback lifestyle? Or perhaps you're eager to explore its bustling cities, natural beauty, and personality-filled bars and restaurants? Either way, you'll need to hop on a long-haul flight to get there. The average flight time from London to Sydney is 22-23 hours, with most flights involving at least one stopover. If you're looking for a direct flight, Qantas offers a non-stop 17-hour journey from London to Perth. To enter Australia, British passport holders must have a valid visa, such as the Australian eVisitor visa, and a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from a country listed as a transmission risk.

Characteristics Values
Average flight time from London to Sydney 22-23 hours
Average flight time from London to Melbourne 21 hours and 32 minutes
Average flight time from London to Brisbane 21 hours and 57 minutes
Average flight time from London to Perth 17-18 hours
Average flight time from London to Adelaide 20 hours
Average flight time from London to Gold Coast 20 hours and 57 minutes
Cheapest months to fly to Australia May, August, September
Most popular times to go September–November, March–May
Airlines flying from the UK to Australia Qantas, British Airways, KLM, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airlines, Virgin Australia, AirFrance
Airports in Australia Kingsford Smith International Airport, Sydney; Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne; Brisbane Airport; Perth Airport; Adelaide Airport; Gold Coast Airport; Hobart International Airport, Tasmania; Darwin International Airport
Visa requirements eVisitor visa, Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), or other visas depending on the purpose of the visit
Passport requirements Passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay
Vaccination requirements Certificate of yellow fever vaccination if coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
Quarantine requirements Strict rules; fill in an Incoming Passenger Card and declare prohibited/taxable goods

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Flight times and routes

Flight times from the UK to Australia vary depending on the departure and arrival points, as well as the number of stopovers. The average flight time from London to Sydney is 22-23 hours, with the first leg of the journey taking around 12 hours to a stopover destination such as Singapore, and the second leg taking approximately 11 hours.

Direct flights from London to Perth can be as short as 17-18 hours. However, most flights from the UK to Australia involve at least one stopover, with popular stopover destinations including Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and various locations in Asia. The flight duration for routes with one stopover generally ranges from 18 to 22 hours.

The most common arrival airports in Australia for flights from the UK are Kingsford Smith International Airport in New South Wales, and Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, Victoria. Other busy airports include Brisbane Airport in Queensland, Perth Airport in Western Australia, and Adelaide Airport in South Australia.

When planning your trip, it is important to consider the entry requirements for Australia. British passport holders must have a valid visa to enter the country, with options including the Australian eVisitor visa and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Additionally, there are strict rules regarding what can and cannot be brought into Australia, and luggage is inspected and X-rayed upon arrival. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the Australian government's restrictions and declare any items that may be prohibited.

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Travel requirements

To fly from the UK to Australia, you will need a valid passport and a visa. Your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay in Australia. British passport holders must have a valid visa to enter Australia. The Australian eVisitor visa is the best option for tourists, and British nationals can stay in Australia for up to 90 days with an eVisitor visa. This type of visa is available from the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection or the Australian High Commission in London. There is no charge for the eVisitor visa, but if you require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), there is a service fee of A$20. If you plan to work, study, or stay in Australia for longer than three months, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.

Before your flight, it is important to check the Australian Government's restrictions on what can and cannot be brought into the country. Australia has strict quarantine rules to protect plant, animal, and human health. You must fill out an Incoming Passenger Card and declare any prohibited goods, such as food, animal products, and plant material. If you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk for yellow fever, you will need a certificate to prove you have been vaccinated.

When planning your trip, consider the time of year and your preferred flight route. The cheapest months to fly to Australia are typically May, August, and September, while the most popular times to visit are from September to November (spring in Australia) and March to May. You can fly directly to Australia, with an average flight time of 17 to 23 hours, or choose a route with a stopover in a city like Dubai, Hong Kong, or Singapore.

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Luggage and quarantine rules

When flying from the UK to Australia, it is important to be aware of the luggage and quarantine rules that apply. Here is some information to help you prepare for your trip:

Luggage Rules

When travelling from the UK to Australia, it is important to check with your airline regarding specific luggage rules, as these may vary depending on the airline and the class of travel. For example, British Airways allows passengers flying in their business cabin to check in two bags, each weighing up to 32kg. On the other hand, they also offer a hand baggage-only option or a price that includes a 23kg checked baggage allowance.

In addition to weight restrictions, there are also restrictions on the types of items that can be carried onto an airplane. For instance, there are limits on the amount of powders, liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be brought onto the plane.

Quarantine Rules

The quarantine and testing rules for entering Australia have varied over time and are subject to change in the future. As of February 2022, Australia opened its borders to fully vaccinated visitors. However, travellers were still required to self-isolate upon arrival in most states and territories. The duration of quarantine and specific requirements may differ depending on the state or territory. For example, Western Australia had a week-long quarantine requirement, while other states and territories required self-quarantine until a negative result was obtained from a day-one arrival test.

It is important to stay updated with the latest information from official sources, such as government websites and the Australian Border Force, as the rules may change. Additionally, when transiting through countries like the UK, quarantine rules may apply based on the countries you are coming from or visiting.

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Airports and transfers

When flying from the UK to Australia, you will arrive at one of the country's many international airports. Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth are some of Australia's busiest airports and are the destinations for most UK flights.

If you are looking for the sun, sea, and a laidback lifestyle, the best launching spot is the North Queensland city of Cairns. Cairns Airport is located 4.3 miles north of Cairns and is the best airport for reaching World Heritage Sites such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Gold Coast Airport, also known as Coolangatta Airport, is located 16 miles south of Surfer's Paradise. Brisbane Airport, the third largest in Australia, is situated 9 miles outside of the city.

If you are flying to New South Wales, you will arrive at Kingsford Smith International Airport, 8km outside of Sydney. For Victoria, you will fly into Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine, which is 14 miles outside of the city centre. Perth Airport is the entry point to Western Australia, situated 11 miles outside of Perth city. Adelaide Airport is only 3.7 miles west of the city centre.

Flights from the UK to Australia usually involve at least one stopover or transfer, often in a city in Asia such as Dubai, Hong Kong, or Singapore. The average flight time from London to Sydney is 22-23 hours with one stop. The first leg of your flight will likely land in one of these Asian cities after about 12 hours, and the second leg will be around 11 hours.

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Cheapest times to fly

The cheapest month to fly to Australia from the UK was October 2022. The cheapest airfare tends to be during the low season, which runs from February through the first week of April, from May through late June, from about the third week in July through the third week in September, and again for November. These periods represent late fall and winter when temperatures are cooler, especially farther south in Australia.

Since high season equals the winter months in the UK, you're more likely to get cheaper flights (plus more moderate temperatures) by booking a flight to Australia in March, April, or May. The southern states of Australia get a little cooler from June to August, making this a good time to find cheap flights.

The cheapest days of the week to fly are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and it is often less expensive to book a morning departure than an evening flight.

Qantas is currently the only airline that flies direct to Australia from the UK. However, you can also fly with airlines such as China Eastern, Air India, Vietnam Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, all of which have stopovers in places such as Singapore, Hong Kong, New Delhi, or Dubai.

Frequently asked questions

The flight time depends on your starting point and your destination. Flights from London to Perth can take 17 hours non-stop, while flights from London to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane are around 23 hours, with a stopover in Singapore.

Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth are some of Australia's busiest airports and the most common destinations for flights from the UK.

The cheapest months to fly to Australia are usually May, August or September. The most popular times to go are from September to November (springtime in Australia) or March to May.

You must have a valid passport and a visa. British nationals can stay in Australia for up to 90 days with an eVisitor visa, which is free. You can also get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) from your travel agent or airline for a service fee of A$20.

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