SFO - SYD

C$ 786 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Sydney – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
C$ 1,629
Typical prices: C$ 1,503-C$ 2,217
Alaska Airlines
Mon 26/3Wed 11/4
SFO - SYD • Direct
Cheapest one-way flights
C$ 786
Typical prices: C$ 839-C$ 1,288
Multiple Airlines
Mon 19/2
SFO - SYD • 2 stops
Direct flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines and Qantas Airways. Average duration is 15h 07m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 94% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 17 weeks in advance save around 16% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 14% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg C$ 1,288 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 18h 52m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you enjoy 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

Fri, 26 Mar - Sun, 11 Apr
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:45 p.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
14h 40mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:25 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 20mdirect
C$ 1,629Alaska Airlines
Wed, 3 Feb - Sun, 28 Feb
Alaska Airlines Logo
10:13 a.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
25h 12m1 stop Los Angeles
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:25 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 30mdirect
C$ 1,639Alaska Airlines
Wed, 27 Jan - Thu, 4 Feb
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:45 p.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
14h 40mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:15 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
18h 10m1 stop Los Angeles
C$ 1,673Alaska Airlines
Wed, 10 Mar - Sun, 28 Mar
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:00 a.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
27h 25m1 stop Los Angeles
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:25 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 20mdirect
C$ 1,678Alaska Airlines
Wed, 27 Jan - Thu, 4 Feb
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:45 p.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
14h 40mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:15 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
18h 10m1 stop Los Angeles
C$ 1,687Alaska Airlines
Fri, 5 Mar - Fri, 12 Mar
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:45 p.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
14h 40mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:25 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 30mdirect
C$ 1,701Alaska Airlines
Mon, 1 Feb - Wed, 10 Feb
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:14 p.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
38h 11m1 stop Los Angeles
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:25 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 30mdirect
C$ 1,705Alaska Airlines
Wed, 27 Jan - Wed, 10 Feb
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:14 p.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
38h 11m1 stop Los Angeles
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:25 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 30mdirect
C$ 1,726Alaska Airlines
Wed, 27 Jan - Thu, 4 Feb
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:45 p.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
14h 40mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:15 a.m. - 2:58 p.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
22h 43m1 stop Los Angeles
C$ 1,743Alaska Airlines
Fri, 26 Mar - Sun, 11 Apr
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:00 a.m. - 6:25 a.m.SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
28h 25m1 stop Los Angeles
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:25 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 20mdirect
C$ 1,746Alaska 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 with more confidence.

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

Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Sydney typically range from C$ 1,503 to C$ 2,217. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was C$ 1,629, on Alaska Airlines.

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

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Sydney. It’s 7% cheaper than the average day, while Thursday is the most expensive, with prices 5% higher.

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 C$ 1,528 round-trip.
•December (C$ 2,562) and October (C$ 1,904) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 67% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights 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 16% 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
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

C$ 786
Beat the crowds with an average 21% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 34% increase in traveller numbers.
One-way 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 answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • 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 8:00 pm and lands at 11:07 am
    • Latest: departs at 11:55 pm and lands at 3:02 pm.

    The flight takes about 15h 07m.

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

    Only Economy Class is available on flights from San Francisco to Sydney.

  • How long does a flight from San Francisco to Sydney take?

    A direct flight from San Francisco to Sydney takes 15h 07m, covering 19,217 km.

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

    Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Sydney range from C$ 1,503 to C$ 2,217, with an average of C$ 1,774 over the past 12 months. Anything below C$ 1,503 counts as a good deal.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 5% above the C$ 1,774 route average. Book 17 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Layover fares average C$ 1,288 round-trip via Nadi (NAN), compared to C$ 2,022 for direct.

  • What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from San Francisco to Sydney?

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge C$ 53–C$ 53 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • 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 Qantas Airways. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 787 Dreamliner variants.

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

    Evening is the busiest departure period on San Francisco to Sydney flights, with 50% leaving in that window. Night departures account for 50%, Morning flights for 0%, and Afternoon flights for 0%.

  • 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.

  • 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 C$ 813, which is 24% below 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 starting from around C$ 14 for economy cars. Top options include:

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

  • 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).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from San Francisco to Sydney?

    Evening flights have the fewest delays on this route, while night departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed on the route 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, 19% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 2h 46m.

  • 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) – 43% of one-stop connections
    • Honolulu (HNL) – 30% of one-stop connections
    • Auckland Intl (AKL) – 11% of one-stop connections
    • Vancouver Intl (YVR) – 8% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 13% on flights from San Francisco to Sydney. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at C$ 1,650 round-trip on average, while Thursday is the most expensive at C$ 1,876, a difference of C$ 226.

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

  • Which airlines fly from San Francisco to Sydney?

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

    • United Airlines
    • Qantas Airways

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

    Flying via Auckland Intl (AKL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 18h 52m, compared with 18h 54m via Nadi (NAN) and 19h 10m via Honolulu (HNL).

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

    Sydney is 18 hours ahead of San Francisco (Eastern Australia Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • Which popular places can I visit in Sydney?

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

  • 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 extra legroom; 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.

  • 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 carry-on bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Qantas Airways: a carry-on bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Alaska Airlines: a carry-on bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

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

  • 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.

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 are flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure and avoid flying on Thursday. On this route, Wednesday flights average C$ 1,650, about C$ 226 less than Thursday fares (12% 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 16% 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 C$ 1,528 round-trip in that month – typically C$ 1,034 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with Qantas Airways. Over the past three months, 94% of Qantas Airways flights from San Francisco to Sydney arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 81%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 46m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Nadi Airport (NAN) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages C$ 1,288 round-trip on this route – about C$ 733 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.

    • ibis budget Sydney Airport
    • Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
    • 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.

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

United Airlines

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 nonstop flights

Direct returns

Sydney Kingsford Smith to San Francisco

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

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 nonstop flights

More options for your flight from San Francisco to Sydney

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