Flights to Sydney

Important Information on Flights to Sydney

With a breathtaking blend of city and beaches, there’s a reason Sydney is recognised across the globe as one of Australia’s finest capitals. Often flights to Sydney will catch a glimpse of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House out the window, but travellers shouldn’t miss seeing these iconic landmarks up close. Explore the surrounding blue waters of the harbour and head out to Bondi Beach and beyond, where incredible seaside restaurants, shopping and scenic hikes await.

A stroll around Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens is the perfect introduction to one of the world’s most picturesque cities. Soak in the beauty of Sydney’s popular tourist attractions, stop in at the Art Gallery of NSW and wander through the historic laneways of The Rocks. Jump on a ferry and take the kids on an unforgettable trip to Taronga Zoo or continue along the water to Manly and discover some of the best beaches in Sydney.

Sydney is surrounded by mystical mountains and cliffsides, with plenty of walking trails that overlook the ocean or venture through parks with Harbour views. After a day in nature, indulge in fine dining at Sydney’s top restaurants or head to one of Sydney’s many rooftop bars for sundowner drinks. Booking flights to Sydney also allows you to explore the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains and the charming wine region of the Hunter Valley – two of the best road trips from Sydney.

Sydney Airport is easily connected to the city within a 13-minute train ride, so you can dive straight into the global city's culture, art, sports and multicultural food scene. It’s easy to see why Sydney is visited by millions of tourists yearly – with annual events such as Vivid and the Sydney NYE fireworks; there’s always something magical to see and do. Whether planning a family holiday or a romantic getaway, find cheap Sydney flights and kickstart your adventure today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Sydney

How long does it take to fly to Sydney?

The length of Sydney flights varies depending on where you’re departing from. If you travel from closer locations such as Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne, the flight time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. For Adelaide and Hobart, it’ll take closer to 2 hours. And for farther destinations such as Darwin, Perth and Cairns, flight times will be more than 3 hours. For the average duration of popular flights to Sydney, find more detail below:

1 hour 30 min from Melbourne
1 hour 20 min from the Gold Coast
1 hour 25 min from Brisbane
55 min from Canberra
1 hour 50 min from Hobart
2 hours 5 min from Adelaide
4 hour 25 min from Darwin
4 hours 50 min from Perth

When is the cheapest time of year to fly to Sydney?

If you’re looking to score cheap flights to Sydney, aim to travel during the off-peak season from March-June. You’re also more likely to find well-priced Sydney flights in the shoulder seasons of February-April and September-early December. However, great deals can be found year-round, particularly when booked in advance.

Which airlines offer direct flights to Sydney? 

Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar and Regional Express (Rex) are the main airlines that fly domestically to Sydney. The airlines available will depend on which city you’re flying from. Use our flights to Sydney search form to find the cheapest Sydney flights from your preferred location.

What is the airport code for flights to Sydney?

The airport code for flights to Sydney Airport is SYD.

What terminal will I arrive in for domestic flights to Sydney?

Sydney has two terminals for domestic flights – T2 and T3. Your arrival terminal may depend on which airline you are flying with:

Terminal 2 (T2): Domestic – Virgin, Jetstar and Rex.
Terminal 3 (T3): Domestic – Qantas and Qantaslink.

What terminal will I arrive in for international flights to Sydney?

All international flights arrive at Terminal 1 International (T1). 

What is the best time of year to book flights to Sydney?

The best time to book flights to Sydney is from February-April and September-early December. These off-peak times not only mean lower airfares and moderate tourist crowds, but the weather is generally pleasant and allows you to take advantage of Sydney’s beaches and walking trails. Travelling during winter, from June to August, can also give you a greater chance of finding cheap flights to Sydney and deals on accommodation.

What cities can I fly to Sydney from? 

Sydney is Australia’s busiest airport, with a large number of domestic Sydney flights available every day. If you’re flying from another Australian city, your options include Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Hamilton Island, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Mackay, Gold Coast, Perth, Darwin, Rockhampton and Townsville.

How far is it from the airport in Sydney to the CBD?

Sydney Airport is located just 8 kilometres south of Sydney’s CBD. The train is the best option for public transport, connecting passengers to the city in just 13 minutes and running approximately every 10 minutes. Driving takes approximately 25 minutes in light traffic, with taxis and rideshare services available.
 

Sydney video guide

See more of Sydney:

Best Sydney Parks With Harbour Views

12 Reasons To Go To Sydney In Winter

8 Road Trips From Sydney

Dog Friendly Beaches In Sydney

What are Sydney's Top Attractions?

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Australia's iconic tourist attractions. After your flights to Sydney arrive and you’ve checked into your hotel, you can head straight to Circular Quay to see it up close or go out on a harbour cruise for an excellent vantage point. Inside the Opera House, you can join a guided walking tour to learn more about its history or enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants. The Opera House also hosts dance, theatre, comedy and music performances, so check out the timetable in advance to book your ticket.
 

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Since its opening in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge has served not only as a connection to the northern suburbs of Sydney but as an emblem of Australia. The steel arch can be spotted from many different viewpoints, whether you want to study the detail from Bradfield Park or view it from across the water in Mosman. The bridge is open to pedestrians and road and rail traffic, but if you really want to explore its magic, consider doing the Harbour Bridge Climb. Hourly sessions, including dawn and twilight options, make for an unforgettable Sydney experience.
 

Sydney Tower Eye

The Sydney Tower Eye is the tallest building in the city and is a must-visit for travellers who love the view of a city skyline. Make your way up to the Sky Walk and venture onto a glass floor platform boasting panoramic views of Sydney. It’s also located close to Pitt Street Mall, which is the perfect place for some retail therapy or lunch after your hit of adrenaline.
 

Relax at the beach

Sydney is famous around the world for its beautiful beaches. Flights to Sydney during summer tend to be popular as people flock to Bondi Beach for a hit of surf, sun and sand. While in the area, head to Icebergs to enjoy a fine dining meal as you overlook the legendary pool, or dress in your activewear and complete the 6 km Bondi to Coogee cliffside walk. Some of Sydney’s most popular beaches include Clovelly, Gordon’s Bay, Cronulla and Manly Beach. If you're a surfer, go further north for great waves at Collaroy, Dee Why and Narrabeen beaches.
 

Queen Victoria Building

The Queen Victoria Building is one of the best spots in Sydney to go shopping. Originally built as a market in 1820, the gallery now features more than 200 high-end shops. The building is a restored testament to the original elaborate Romanesque architecture and 1930s Art Deco remodelling, so don’t forget to look up while you’re there. When booking your flights to Sydney, be sure to make a reservation for The Tea Room and experience an opulent high tea service.
 

Taronga Zoo

For animal lovers and those travelling with kids, Sydney’s Taronga Zoo is one of the top activities to put on your list. Located on the harbour's shores, you can arrive by ferry and take a scenic gondola ride up to the animal enclosures or park nearby for easy access. Get splashed at the seal show, stare up at the giraffes and see monkeys swing through the trees. The bird show is particularly spectacular, with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House providing a backdrop as exotic and native birds soar overhead.
 

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Sydney? 

When looking for cheap flights to Sydney, consider travelling in the city’s shoulder seasons for off-peak prices. February to April and September to early December offers an ideal mix of comfortable weather, and fewer crowds, and you’re likely to have an easier time booking accommodation. That being said, your dates for travel will often depend on personal preference, and great rates can be found year-round when booking in advance.

Summer is always a popular time to book flights to Sydney, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C – ideal for outdoor activities and lazy days at any of Sydney's most secluded beaches. However, there are plenty of reasons to visit Sydney in winter, including spectacular Vivid, Sculpture by the Sea, AFL matches and whale watching. With mild temperatures ranging from 8°C to 17°C, you can still enjoy all of Sydney’s best attractions and keep cosy in Sydney’s best cafes whenever the cooler days hit.