Cheap flights to Sydney

No matter how many times you fly into Sydney, glimpsing the Sydney Opera House, twinkling harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge out of the aeroplane window is breathtaking. Whether you’re staying in the city’s most deluxe accommodation or keeping it lean with a simple hotel, cheap flights to Sydney are always easy to find. Once you arrive, the real fun begins. Australia’s most stunning city knows how to turn on the charm, and if there’s any challenge in a Sydney holiday, it’s narrowing down your wish list to what is actually achievable in the time you have. You can’t do it all… you’ll just have to come back!

How long does it take to fly to Sydney?

Brisbane to Sydney – 1h 35m

Melbourne to Sydney – 1h 25m

Adelaide to Sydney – 1h 50m

Perth to Sydney – 4h 10m

Note: flight times should be used as a guide only

What airports are in Sydney?

Sydney Airport (SYD) is also known as Mascot Airport or Kingsford Smith Airport, and is located 8km from the city centre. It is the busiest airport in Australia and consists of three terminals, with Terminal 1 the hub for international flights and Terminals 2 and 3 servicing domestic flights. The taxi service from the airport is efficient and well-organised, the AirportLink train is a fast and inexpensive way to get from the airport to the city, and there are also several other transport options such as airport shuttles.

Sydney Airport transfers

In terms of  transport to and from Sydney Airport, you have a number of options. Taxis are plentiful and the easiest way to go, although Sydney is notorious for its gridlock in peak hour so if you’re travelling off-peak you should have a travel time of around 25 minutes to the city, which is roughly a $50 fare. Other options include the fast and efficient AirportLink train service, for which you’ll need an Opal Card. Read more about the different ways to get to and from Sydney’s Domestic and International Terminals.

Which airlines fly frequently to Sydney?

Virgin Australia – Boeing 737

Jetstar – Airbus A320

Qantas – Boeing 737

Tigerair – Airbus A320

What do you need to know before you fly into Sydney?

If you’re flying to Sydney, there’s so much to look forward to, from reassuringly good coffee to fantastic live theatre and a healthy appreciation of the good life. The weather is sunny, with mild winters and warm summers, English is the official language, the currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD) and transport is always a hot topic! Trains and buses are one of the best ways to get around, with taxis and ride-share services also plentiful. Roads can get congested at peak times so if you’re visiting Sydney for a holiday, avoid travelling anywhere during rush hour if you can.

Find out more in our Sydney travel guide.

Things to do when you get to Sydney

Where to eat?

From fine-dining to street cuisine, Sydney’s famously eclectic eateries and restaurants give you myriad options when choosing where to eat. While the harbourfront boasts some of the city’s most elegant and awarded restaurants, the suburbs plays host to bustling bars and dining options that celebrate Sydney’s great multiculturalism. 

Where to shop?

Shop ’til you drop – the adventure of shopping in Sydney will be a highlight of your time away, particularly if you’re a fan of markets. The rich market tradition of Sydney is alive and well, with famous locations such as Paddington Market, The Rocks, and Chinatown essential to your shopping hit list. Boutique retailers and high-fashion staples dot the city, sure to entice you into adding something new to your wardrobe. 

What to see?

Aboard a ferry you can marvel at the structural brilliance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the sculptural elegance of the Sydney Opera House. On Bondi Beach you can soak in the waves and relax on pristine white sand. Let your inner animal lover out at Taronga Zoo, or experience the lush oasis of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Where to experience some culture?

Witness heritage and the modern world come to life along the walls of Sydney’s best museums and galleries. Artefacts, art, and culture are in abundance. Bijou galleries and creative spaces are a hub for vibrant modern creations to excite and fascinate. Discover Sydney’s rich past and vibrant present amongst the wonderful galleries and museums that are scattered across the city.

Read more things to do in Sydney.