SFO - SYD

$473 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Sydney - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$1,055
Typical prices: $1,054-$1,519
Fiji Airways
Wed 2/28Fri 4/27
SFO - SYD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$1,328
Typical prices: $1,185-$1,722
Alaska Airlines
Sun 11/11Thu 11/22
SFO - SYD • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines and Qantas Airways. Average duration is 14h 58m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 93% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 17 weeks in advance save around 14% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 12% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $906 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 18h 05m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Sydney!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Sydney (SFO-SYD)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Francisco to Sydney

Sun, Feb 28 - Tue, Apr 27
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:05 pm - 12:35 pmSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
19h 30m1 stop Nadi
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:15 pm - 4:58 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
20h 43m2 stops Nadi Los Angeles
$1,055Multiple Airlines
Sun, Oct 25 - Sun, Nov 8
Air New Zealand Logo
8:50 pm - 8:35 amSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
17h 45m1 stop Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
9:55 am - 11:05 amSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
20h 10m1 stop Auckland Intl
$1,056Air New Zealand
Sun, Feb 28 - Wed, Apr 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:05 pm - 12:35 pmSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
19h 30m1 stop Nadi
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:15 pm - 4:58 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
20h 43m2 stops Nadi Los Angeles
$1,056Multiple Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Fri, Oct 9
Fiji Airways Logo
11:10 pm - 11:50 amSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
19h 40m1 stop Nadi
Fiji Airways Logo
2:15 pm - 1:40 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
17h 25m1 stop Nadi
$1,062Fiji Airways
Mon, Jan 11 - Tue, Jan 19
Air New Zealand Logo
7:50 pm - 10:35 amSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
19h 45m1 stop Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
9:05 am - 11:05 amSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
21h 00m2 stops Christchurch Auckland Intl
$1,063Air New Zealand
Wed, Sep 23 - Sun, Oct 18
Fiji Airways Logo
11:25 pm - 11:50 amSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
19h 25m1 stop Nadi
Fiji Airways Logo
2:15 pm - 1:55 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
17h 40m1 stop Nadi
$1,075Fiji Airways
Sun, Oct 25 - Sun, Nov 8
Air Canada Logo
2:45 pm - 8:35 amSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
23h 50m1 stop Vancouver Intl
Air Canada Logo
11:20 am - 5:28 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
49h 08m2 stops Vancouver Intl Calgary
$1,081Air Canada
Tue, Oct 20 - Sun, Oct 25
Air Canada Logo
8:28 am - 8:20 amSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
29h 52m2 stops Calgary Vancouver Intl
Air Canada Logo
10:20 am - 5:28 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
49h 08m2 stops Vancouver Intl Calgary
$1,086Air Canada
Wed, Nov 11 - Wed, Nov 18
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:45 pm - 6:25 amSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
14h 40mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:25 pm - 3:55 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 30mnonstop
$1,328Alaska Airlines
Wed, Nov 11 - Sun, Nov 22
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:45 pm - 6:25 amSFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
14h 40mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:25 pm - 3:55 pmSYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 30mnonstop
$1,328Alaska Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San Francisco to Sydney flights

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

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

Sunday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Sydney, it is 6% cheaper than the average day. Thursday is the most expensive day with flight prices 6% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Sydney?

  • March is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Sydney at $1,080 round-trip.
  • December ($1,759) and July ($1,350) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 62% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from San Francisco to Sydney the cheapest?

Flights from San Francisco to Sydney are cheapest 17 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 14% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Francisco to Sydney

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Bill Fink

Bill Fink

Expert on Qantas Airways

Bill is an award-winning travel writer with extensive credits covering airlines and the aviation industry for publications including AARP, AFAR, The Points Guy and Yahoo. Based in Portland, Oregon, Bill has traveled to more than 75 countries - and been late for his flight in most of them. He once achieved top-level frequent flier status for all of American, Delta and United Airlines during a single year.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on SFO

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Robert Schrader

Robert Schrader

Expert on SYD

One of the web's original travel bloggers, Robert launched his first site Leave Your Daily Hell in 2009. Since then, he's expanded into destination niche sites (one each for Japan, Thailand and Taiwan), in addition to having written for the inflight magazines of Singapore Airlines and Korean Air. Overall, he's visited nearly 100 countries, and flies business as often as possible.

Key details for San Francisco to Sydney flights

Low season

June

Cheapest flight

$473
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 1% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 2% increase in price.
Flight from San Francisco to Sydney

When to book flights from San Francisco to Sydney

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Sydney flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • How long will it take me to get from my hotel in San Francisco to SFO?

    Public transportation will take around 30min from the city center. Keep in mind that commute times can change drastically during rush hours.

  • Where is the SFO BART station?

    The BART station is in the International Terminal. It is a close walk from terminals 1 and 3.

  • Can I use Global Entry to cut waiting times at SFO customs and immigration?

    Australia is in negotiations for participation in the U.S. Global Entry program. When traveling from SYD to SFO, or any U.S. destination, check to see if Global Entry is an available option.

  • How do I catch the Airport Link train from SYD to the Sydney Central Business District?

    You can purchase an Opal Card at the Sydney Airport stations, at Newslink, or WH Smith bookshops in either terminal. An Opal Card is good for all public transportation in Sydney, including trains, ferries, buses, and light rail.

  • What food options can I find at SFO?

    Whether you are looking for breakfast options, a sit-down dinner, or just a quick snack, SFO has an option for you. San Francisco is known for its food and the airport includes many local and chain options.

  • When I arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport, which nearby cities can I visit?

    Flights from San Francisco to Sydney allow travelers to explore other cities in the Sydney area. Some cities you can put on your bucket list after landing at SYD are Leonay, Scheyville, Kingswood, and Calga. You can conveniently use car rentals or buses to transit to these towns from the airport.

  • Will I find special services on flights between San Francisco and Sydney?

    Carriers serving flights from San Francisco to Sydney provide special services to their clients upon request. Therefore, passengers with reduced mobility or traveling with someone with mobility limitations have nothing to worry about when transiting from San Francisco to Sydney. All airlines at SFO provide cab-to-aircraft wheelchair services.

  • Can I fly from San Francisco to Sydney with a pet?

    Yes. All airports and carriers serving flights to Sydney from San Francisco have pet-friendly policies for those who intend to keep the company of their furry friends. Before boarding your plane at SFO, you will find five pet-relief areas outside in presecurity areas, while one is inside Terminal 2. At SYD, you will find pet-relief areas in Terminal 2 West, near Gate 46 and Gate 47.

  • Which airline runs a hub at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport?

    As the main international gateway to Sydney, Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is the preferred arrival port for the largest international flights from San Francisco. It is the operating hub for Qantas, thus offering travelers an opportunity to enjoy world-class amenities at its lounges and clubs.

  • Which are the popular layovers when flying between San Francisco and Sydney?

    When booking flights from San Francisco to Sydney, several airlines operate one- or two-stop flights between the cities. Among them are Delta Air Lines, which stops at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Fiji Airways, which flies through Nadi International Airport (NAN).

  • Can I travel to downtown Sydney with a car rental from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport?

    Yes. With multiple car rental agencies operating their counters at SYD, you won’t have challenges enjoying a self-drive from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport to the city center of Sydney. Among the famous brands operating here are Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise, and you can find their desks in Terminal 1 International Arrival Hall. At the same time, Alamo serves its clients through Terminal 2.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on San Francisco to Sydney flights?

    Among airlines operating San Francisco to Sydney flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Qantas Airways: offers free seat selection
    • Alaska Airlines: offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers free seat selection
    • Virgin Australia: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from San Francisco to Sydney?

    2 airlines operate flights between San Francisco and Sydney. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • Qantas Airways

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

    Flights from San Francisco to Sydney usually depart from San Francisco (SFO) and arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San Francisco to Sydney flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Qantas Airways: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Air New Zealand: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

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

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from San Francisco to Sydney:

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

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from San Francisco to Sydney?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $906 round-trip via Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl (MNL), compared to $1,377 for nonstop.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from San Francisco to Sydney?

    The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by United Airlines and Air New Zealand. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 787 Dreamliner variants.

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

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

    • Nadi (NAN) - 44% of one-stop connections
    • Honolulu (HNL) - 26% of one-stop connections
    • Auckland Intl (AKL) - 10% of one-stop connections
    • Vancouver Intl (YVR) - 10% of one-stop connections

    Nadi (NAN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

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

    On the San Francisco to Sydney route, being flexible with your departure day can save you up to 11%. Sunday is the cheapest day at $1,165 round-trip on average, while Thursday is the most expensive at $1,302: a $137 difference. Cheaper weekend fares like these are typical of routes dominated by weekday business travel.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from San Francisco to Sydney?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the San Francisco to Sydney route, 20% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 33 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from San Francisco to Sydney spread across the day?

    Night is the busiest departure period on San Francisco to Sydney flights, with 100% of flights leaving in that window. Morning departures account for 0%, afternoon flights for 0%, and evening flights for 0%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Sydney?

    Some of the most popular sights in Sydney are Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay. These are among the most viewed places in Sydney on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San Francisco to Sydney?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San Francisco to Sydney:

    • Earliest: departs at 8:45 pm and lands at 11:43 am
    • Latest: departs at 11:55 pm and lands at 2:53 pm.

    The flight takes about 14h 58m.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Francisco to Sydney flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 5% above the route average of $1,227. Book 17 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from San Francisco to Sydney?

    A nonstop flight from San Francisco to Sydney takes 14h 58m, covering 7,420 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Francisco 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 are flight prices from San Francisco to Sydney looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Francisco to Sydney are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $659, which is 10% below the typical average for this route.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from San Francisco to Sydney?

    Evening flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

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

    Flying via Auckland Intl (AKL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 18h 05m, compared with 18h 47m via Nadi (NAN) and 19h 03m via Honolulu (HNL).

  • What is the time difference between San Francisco and Sydney?

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

  • 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 starting from around $10 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Bargain Car Rentals
    · East Coast Car Rentals
    · EverythingFleet
    · YESDRIVE CAR RENTAL
    · No Birds

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

    Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Sydney range from $1,054 to $1,519, with an average of $1,227 over the past 12 months. Anything below $1,054 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San Francisco to Sydney flights?

    American Airlines is the only airline on the San Francisco to Sydney route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

Your guide to booking San Francisco to Sydney flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Sunday departure instead of Thursday. On this route, Sunday flights average $1,165 - about $137 less than Thursday (11% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 17 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 14% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Francisco to Sydney trip for March. Fares historically average $1,080 round-trip in that month - typically $679 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, Qantas Airways is the strongest pick on this route. 93% of Qantas Airways flights from San Francisco to Sydney arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 80%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 33 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl Airport (MNL) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $906 round-trip on this route - about $471 less than direct flights (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.
    - Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
    - ibis budget Sydney Airport
    - Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport
  • Getting to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is easy and convenient from anywhere in the Bay Area. There are plenty of public transportation options to choose from, including the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) rapid rail to travel from San Mateo County, the East Bay, or the city of San Francisco. Caltrain commuter rail and bus routes are also available to SFO from San Mateo County, San Francisco, and Palo Alto. Taxis and rideshares are easily accessible from the airport terminals.
  • Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is located about 8km from the Sydney city center and is about a 25min ride away. Public transportation is available through the Airport Link train and is about a 30min ride from SYD. Other options include rideshare cars and taxis, which will cost about AU$55 ($42.50) each way.
  • When traveling on any international flight, keep in mind that wait times at security, customs, and transit lines will be longer because of the larger number of travelers. U.S. travelers to SYD have the option to use the SmartGate to self-process through passport control and potentially save some time going through the immigration and customs line.
  • Business travelers will find that both SFO and SYD have much to offer to make your trip hassle-free. Several airline lounges, free Wi-Fi throughout the airports, business centers, and shower facilities are all easily accessible at both airports. In addition, there are multiple hotels in and around each airport to make your early morning or late-night connections easy.
  • Traveling with kids? SFO has a Kids'Spot, an interactive children's exploration and play area where kids can get their wiggles out before the long flight to Sydney. SFO also features extensive museum exhibits and self-guided tours. Sydney Airport has an interactive play area, but the highlight is the Kid's Cinema, where they can watch children's tv shows in a comfortable setting.
  • Travelers looking to drop off their cars at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) before flying to Sydney will have long-term parking at their disposal. A courtesy shuttle runs every 5-15 minutes between the garage and the international terminal. Consider reserving your space in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
  • Suppose you have an early morning flight from San Francisco to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD); plan to spend a night at one of the many hotels close to SFO. Villa Montes Hotel Ascend Hotel Collection is a recommended option. The property offers complimentary transportation to and from the airport, which is essential if you have many bags.
  • If traveling with your family to SYD, reserve your flight via SFO, as it has convenient amenities. The property features nursing and lactation rooms where new moms can escape to attend to their babies. These rooms are in Terminal 3, near Gate E5, and are equipped with comfortable seats, sinks, and power outlets.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Sydney?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to Sydney Kingsford Smith

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Wednesday

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Sydney Kingsford Smith to San Francisco

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Wednesday

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

Qantas Airways,United Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Francisco to Sydney

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