CHI - SYD

$601 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Sydney - Compare and Save

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1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$1,308
Typical prices: $1,297-$1,707
Air New Zealand
Tue 2/20Fri 3/2
ORD - SYD • 2 stops
Cheapest one-way
$601
Typical prices: $831-$1,124
Multiple Airlines
Thu 2/22
ORD - SYD • 2 stops
Nonstop flights
There are currently no direct flights between Chicago and Sydney. You'll need to take a connecting flight to reach the destination.
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Top routes
Cheapest • 6% average savings
Most popular
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When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 22 weeks in advance save around 20% compared to booking last minute.
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When to travel
Cheapest • 11% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $1,333 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 21h 04m (one-way)
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Sydney (CHI-SYD)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Sydney

Sat, Feb 6 - Wed, Feb 17
Air New Zealand Logo
5:58 pm - 10:35 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
47h 37m2 stops Houston George Bush Intcntl Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
11:50 am - 6:49 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
23h 59m2 stops Auckland Intl Los Angeles
$1,308Air New Zealand
Sat, Feb 27 - Mon, Mar 8
Air New Zealand Logo
8:21 pm - 8:35 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
43h 14m2 stops Houston George Bush Intcntl Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
2:05 pm - 8:22 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
23h 17m2 stops Auckland Intl Los Angeles
$1,308Air New Zealand
Thu, Mar 4 - Thu, Mar 11
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:29 am - 9:50 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
34h 21m2 stops Los Angeles Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:30 am - 4:55 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
46h 25m1 stop Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl
$1,310Multiple Airlines
Tue, Dec 1 - Fri, Dec 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 6:25 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
30h 25m2 stops Denver Intl Los Angeles
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:00 pm - 12:53 amSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
27h 53m3 stops Nadi Los Angeles Denver Intl
$1,310Multiple Airlines
Tue, Jan 19 - Sat, Feb 20
American Airlines Logo
6:45 pm - 9:00 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
21h 15m1 stop Los Angeles
American Airlines Logo
2:05 pm - 6:29 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
21h 24m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
$1,363American Airlines
Thu, Apr 29 - Mon, May 10
Qatar Airways Logo
7:20 pm - 5:05 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
30h 45m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
7:00 pm - 3:05 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
35h 05m2 stops Brisbane Doha Hamad Intl
$1,405Qatar Airways
Tue, Mar 16 - Tue, Mar 23
Qatar Airways Logo
7:50 pm - 6:20 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
30h 30m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
8:00 pm - 3:30 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
35h 30m2 stops Brisbane Doha Hamad Intl
$1,405Qatar Airways
Thu, Dec 31 - Fri, Jan 15
American Airlines Logo
6:45 pm - 9:00 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
21h 15m1 stop Los Angeles
American Airlines Logo
11:10 am - 6:23 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
24h 13m1 stop Los Angeles
$1,431American Airlines
Sat, Mar 20 - Sun, Apr 4
ANA Logo
8:00 pm - 8:15 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
32h 15m2 stops Los Angeles Tokyo Haneda
ANA Logo
8:55 pm - 5:05 amSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
47h 10m2 stops Tokyo Haneda Los Angeles
$1,488ANA
Sun, Mar 21 - Sat, Mar 27
ANA Logo
5:25 pm - 10:30 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
25h 05m1 stop Tokyo Haneda
ANA Logo
9:45 pm - 8:40 amSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
26h 55m1 stop Tokyo Haneda
$1,523ANA
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago to Sydney flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from Chicago to Sydney?

Round-trip flights from Chicago to Sydney typically range from $1,297 to $1,707. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $1,308, on Air New Zealand.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Sydney flight route?

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Sydney (SYD) is the cheapest Chicago to Sydney route, averaging $1,286 round-trip. Other Chicago to Sydney routes average $1,451, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Sydney?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Sydney. It’s 6% cheaper than the average day, while Thursday is the most expensive, with prices 8% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Sydney?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Sydney at $1,292 round-trip.
•December ($2,044) and September ($1,674) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 58% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Chicago to Sydney the cheapest?

Flights from Chicago to Sydney are cheapest 22 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 20% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for Chicago to Sydney flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$601
Beat the crowds with an average 19% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 23% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Sydney

When to book flights from Chicago to Sydney

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Sydney based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Chicago to Sydney flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Chicago to Sydney?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago to Sydney:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to Sydney?

    A nonstop flight from Chicago to Sydney takes about 00m, covering 9,241 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to Sydney?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Chicago to Sydney flight?

    Round-trip flights from Chicago to Sydney range from $1,297 to $1,707, with an average of $1,451 over the past 12 months. Anything below $1,297 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Chicago to Sydney flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 9% above the $1,451 route average. Book 22 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How are flight prices from Chicago to Sydney looking right now?

    One-way fares from Chicago to Sydney are currently higher than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $983, which is 5% above the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)?

    Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates averaging $40 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • East Coast Car Rentals
    • YESDRIVE CAR RENTAL
    • Bargain Car Rentals
    • No Birds
    • EverythingFleet

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Chicago to Sydney?

    Flights from Chicago to Sydney may depart from several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD). Flights usually arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Chicago to Sydney pass through?

    One-stop flights from Chicago to Sydney most commonly connect through:

    • Los Angeles (LAX) - 55% of one-stop connections
    • Vancouver Intl (YVR) - 31% of one-stop connections
    • San Francisco (SFO) - 4% of one-stop connections
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 3% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Chicago to Sydney?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 14% on flights from Chicago to Sydney. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $1,364 round-trip on average, while Thursday is the most expensive at $1,571, a difference of $207.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Chicago to Sydney?

    Flying via Los Angeles (LAX) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 21h 04m, compared with 21h 19m via San Francisco (SFO) and 21h 51m via Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).

  • What is the time difference between Chicago and Sydney?

    Sydney is 17 hours ahead of Chicago (Eastern Australia Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Sydney?

    Some of the most popular sights in Sydney are Sydney Opera House, Chinatown Night Market and The Rocks Markets. These are among the most viewed places in Sydney on KAYAK.

  • Can I fly directly from Chicago to Sydney?

    Unfortunately, there aren’t any airlines with a direct connection from Chicago to Sydney. Your trips will involve at least one layover, with certain airlines even having two layovers scheduled for this trip. The location of the layover will depend on the airline you’re flying with. For instance, Air New Zealand has its layovers scheduled for Auckland while Air India has Delhi. Both American Airlines and United have Los Angeles as the set layover destination for this route.

  • Is public transport available from Sydney Airport (SYD) to downtown Sydney?

    Yes, there is a train that connects the airport to the city center. It is the cheapest option available and also the quickest, taking the best part of fifteen minutes between the airport and downtown. However, it is not as convenient as a taxi especially when you have a lot of luggage as it will drop you off at the Circular Quay in the center of Sydney then you will have to walk to your hotel.

  • What are the benefits of upgrading to first class for this trip?

    For a long flight like this one, you are sure to get maximum value for your money when you upgrade to first class. The seats are much more comfortable, making the trip more bearable, and you can stretch out freely with the extra legroom. In addition, you will be served an amazing selection of meals and drinks to enjoy at various points during the flight. Lastly, you will be able to access the first-class lounges during your layover, where you can freshen up and get some rest while waiting for the second leg of the flight.

  • Do I need a visa to fly from Chicago to Sydney?

    Yes, a visa is one of the mandatory requirements for all US citizens going to Sydney or any other Australian city. As they don’t provide any visas on arrival, you have to apply beforehand by visiting the Embassy or Consulate in advance of your travel dates to ensure that they have been processed by the time you’re flying out. You can also apply for an ETA via an online process, which is much more convenient.

Your guide to booking Chicago to Sydney flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Thursday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $1,364, about $207 less than Thursday fares (13% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 22 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 20% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago to Sydney trip for January. Fares historically average $1,292 round-trip in that month - typically $752 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

    • ibis budget Sydney Airport
    • Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport
    • Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
  • Air New Zealand is a great option to book when flying with the entire family. They have free Wi-Fi available plus seatback on-demand video and free meals, all of which should make it a better experience for the kids.
  • The Blue Line train from downtown Chicago to O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a good commuter option when you want to avoid the rush hour traffic that is usually quite a menace.
  • United Airlines doesn’t allow passengers to bring carry-on bags to the economy class cabin. However, they do allow one checked bag for free, meaning if you have any bags, you will need to check them before the flight.
  • American Airlines offers travelers the chance to calculate and offset the emissions generated during the flight from Chicago to Sydney through Cool Effect. This is a great way to make your trips more sustainable and keep the carbon footprint low.
  • Chicago Midway is an alternative departure airport to O’Hare. It is closer to downtown Chicago and also less busy, however, there are few flight options from the airport with all of them being served by Delta and including at least two layovers.

More options for your flight from Chicago to Sydney

Complete your trip to Sydney with a hotel stay or car rental