CHI - SYD

$707 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Sydney – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
$1,840
Typical prices: $1,766-$2,365
Air New Zealand
Fri 26/10Fri 2/11
ORD - SYD • 2 stops
Cheapest one-way flight
$707
Typical prices: $1,120-$1,596
Multiple Airlines
Wed 24/10
ORD - SYD • 1 stop
Direct 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 • 5% average savings
Most popular
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When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 10 weeks in advance save around 25% compared to booking last minute.
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When to travel
Cheapest • 10% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg $1,984 (return)
Shortest trip • 20h 43m (one-way)
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Sydney!
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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 return flight deals from Chicago to Sydney

Mon, 26 Oct - Mon, 2 Nov
Air New Zealand Logo
07:00 - 08:35ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
33h 35m2 stops Los Angeles Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
11:50 - 22:00SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
27h 10m2 stops Auckland Intl Los Angeles
$1,840Air New Zealand
Mon, 26 Oct - Mon, 2 Nov
Air New Zealand Logo
15:47 - 12:50ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
29h 03m2 stops Los Angeles Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
11:50 - 20:37SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
25h 47m2 stops Auckland Intl Los Angeles
$1,840Air New Zealand
Tue, 2 Feb - Tue, 16 Feb
Air New Zealand Logo
08:40 - 10:35ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
32h 55m2 stops San Francisco Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
11:50 - 18:31SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
23h 41m2 stops Auckland Intl Houston George Bush Intcntl
$1,840Air New Zealand
Wed, 3 Feb - Sun, 21 Feb
Air New Zealand Logo
13:55 - 10:35ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
27h 40m2 stops Los Angeles Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
11:50 - 00:04SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
29h 14m2 stops Auckland Intl Los Angeles
$1,840Air New Zealand
Mon, 1 Feb - Wed, 3 Mar
Air New Zealand Logo
13:55 - 08:35ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
25h 40m2 stops Los Angeles Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
09:55 - 20:25SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
27h 30m2 stops Auckland Intl San Francisco
$1,840Air New Zealand
Fri, 26 Feb - Sun, 14 Mar
Multiple Airlines Logo
05:57 - 09:50ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
34h 53m2 stops Los Angeles Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:30 - 16:55SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
46h 25m1 stop Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl
$1,852Multiple Airlines
Sat, 7 Nov - Sun, 15 Nov
Air New Zealand Logo
17:15 - 10:35ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
48h 20m2 stops Houston George Bush Intcntl Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
14:05 - 05:20SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
32h 15m2 stops Auckland Intl Los Angeles
$1,852Air New Zealand
Fri, 26 Feb - Sun, 14 Mar
Multiple Airlines Logo
05:57 - 09:50ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
34h 53m2 stops Los Angeles Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:30 - 16:55SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
46h 25m1 stop Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl
$1,852Multiple Airlines
Mon, 12 Oct - Mon, 19 Oct
Qantas Airways Logo
18:55 - 08:05ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
21h 10m1 stop Los Angeles
Qantas Airways Logo
10:10 - 15:59SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
21h 49m1 stop Los Angeles
$2,358Qantas Airways
Tue, 13 Oct - Mon, 26 Oct
Qantas Airways Logo
18:55 - 08:05ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
21h 10m1 stop Los Angeles
Qantas Airways Logo
11:10 - 16:34SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
21h 24m1 stop Los Angeles
$2,362Qantas Airways
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 return flight from Chicago to Sydney?

Return flights from Chicago to Sydney typically range from $1,766 to $2,365. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $1,840 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 $1,846 return. Other Chicago to Sydney routes average $2,058, 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 5% cheaper than the average day, while Friday is the most expensive, with prices 5% higher.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Sydney?

•June is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Sydney at $1,842 return.
•December ($2,576) and July ($2,299) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 39% 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 10 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 25% 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

$707
Beat the crowds with an average 22% drop in traveller numbers.
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 return price

Your Chicago to Sydney flight questions, answered

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

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

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

    • Economy class
    • Premium Economy Class

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to Sydney?

    A direct flight from Chicago to Sydney takes 00m, covering 23,934 km.

  • 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?

    Return flights from Chicago to Sydney range from $1,766 to $2,365, with an average of $2,056 over the past 12 months. Anything below $1,766 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 16% above the $2,056 route average. Book 10 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 lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $1,029, which is 22% below the typical average for this route.

  • Which car hire options are available at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)?

    Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates starting from around $15 for economy cars. Top options include:

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

  • 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) – 58% of one-stop connections
    • Vancouver Intl (YVR) – 28% of one-stop connections
    • San Francisco (SFO) – 5% of one-stop connections
    • Tokyo Haneda (HND) – 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 10% on flights from Chicago to Sydney. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $1,957 return on average, while Friday is the most expensive at $2,161, a difference of $204.

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

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

    Flying via Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 20h 43m, compared to 21h 20m via Los Angeles (LAX) and 21h 37m via San Francisco (SFO).

  • What is the time difference between Chicago and Sydney?

    Sydney is 15 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, Star Casino, and Capitol Theatre. 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 Friday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $1,957, about $204 less than Friday fares (9% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 10 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 25% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago to Sydney trip for June. Fares historically average $1,842 return in that month – typically $734 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.

    • Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport
    • Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
    • ibis budget Sydney Airport
  • 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 hire