SFO - SYD

$655 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Sydney – Compare and Save

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

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

Recent return flight deals from San Francisco to Sydney

Sun, 1 Nov - Fri, 13 Nov
Fiji Airways Logo
22:05 - 12:35SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
19h 30m1 stop Nadi
Fiji Airways Logo
14:55 - 12:25SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
16h 30m1 stop Nadi
$1,440Fiji Airways
Thu, 22 Oct - Fri, 30 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:39 - 07:30SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
26h 51m2 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Los Angeles
Multiple Airlines Logo
14:00 - 13:25SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
17h 25m1 stop Nadi
$1,441Multiple Airlines
Sun, 1 Nov - Tue, 10 Nov
Multiple Airlines Logo
22:05 - 12:35SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
19h 30m1 stop Nadi
Multiple Airlines Logo
14:00 - 20:32SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
25h 32m2 stops Nadi Los Angeles
$1,442Multiple Airlines
Wed, 23 Sep - Sun, 1 Nov
Fiji Airways Logo
23:25 - 22:25SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
30h 00m1 stop Nadi
Fiji Airways Logo
14:00 - 13:25SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
17h 25m1 stop Nadi
$1,447Fiji Airways
Mon, 1 Feb - Sun, 28 Feb
Multiple Airlines Logo
21:14 - 06:25SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
38h 11m1 stop Los Angeles
Multiple Airlines Logo
14:55 - 12:25SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
16h 30m1 stop Nadi
$1,452Multiple Airlines
Wed, 25 Nov - Fri, 11 Dec
Fiji Airways Logo
21:50 - 12:35SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
19h 45m1 stop Nadi
Fiji Airways Logo
15:45 - 12:25SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
15h 40m1 stop Nadi
$1,463Fiji Airways
Wed, 2 Dec - Sat, 12 Dec
Qantas Airways Logo
20:45 - 06:25SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
14h 40mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
07:05 - 11:07SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
23h 02m2 stops Auckland Intl Los Angeles
$1,574Qantas Airways
Wed, 2 Dec - Sat, 12 Dec
Qantas Airways Logo
18:10 - 09:00SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
19h 50m1 stop Los Angeles
Qantas Airways Logo
07:05 - 13:19SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
25h 14m2 stops Auckland Intl Los Angeles
$1,588Qantas Airways
Mon, 8 Mar - Tue, 23 Mar
United Airlines Logo
23:00 - 09:20SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
15h 20mdirect
United Airlines Logo
13:20 - 09:05SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 45mdirect
$2,002United Airlines
Mon, 2 Nov - Wed, 11 Nov
United Airlines Logo
23:05 - 09:20SFO  San Francisco-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
15h 15mdirect
United Airlines Logo
11:50 - 06:25SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-SFO San Francisco
13h 35mdirect
$2,002United 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.

How much is a return flight from San Francisco to Sydney?

Return flights from San Francisco to Sydney start at $1,440. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical return fares ranging from $1,461 to $2,104. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $1,440 on Fiji Airways.

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 and 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 $1,496 return.
  • December ($2,437) and July ($1,870) 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.

Key details for San Francisco to Sydney flights

Low season

June

Cheapest flight

$655
Best time to beat the crowds (1% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (2% more expensive on average)
Flights 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 return 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.

  • Which airline on this route is good for travellers with children?

    Fiji Airways offers various child-friendly amenities and services for San Francisco to Sydney flights. You can enjoy an infant fare with a 10% discount for children who don’t require their own seat. Also, the airline offers kids’ meals, provided you request them when booking. Finally, your toddler is entitled to one carry-on item of up to 3 kg.

  • What services for travellers with limited mobility are offered on this route?

    Air Canada and Fiji Airways provide special assistance and facilities for travellers with restricted mobility on the San Francisco to Sydney route. You’ll have a smooth flight experience with airport assistance, wheelchair help, priority boarding and seating accommodations. However, contact your airline in advance to request this.

  • Can I choose my preferred seat on my economy class flight from San Francisco to Sydney?

    Various airlines operating the San Francisco to Sydney route allow travellers to choose seats when booking economy class tickets, ensuring a comfortable onboard experience. Some notable mentions include American Airlines, Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines. However, seat selection policies vary with the airline.

  • Can I upgrade my ticket to business class on this route?

    If you fancy extra comfort for the long-haul San Francisco to Sydney flight, you can upgrade your ticket to business or first class, even after booking. These offer you additional perks, including exclusive onboard services for travellers. 

  • 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
    • Virgin Australia: offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers free seat selection

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

  • Which airlines are available on the route 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

  • 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
    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class

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

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

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

    • Economy class
    • Premium Economy Class

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

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average $1,256 return via Manila Ninoy Aquino Intl (MNL), compared with $1,908 for direct.

  • 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 $1,614 return on average, while Thursday is the most expensive at $1,804 – a $190 difference. Cheaper weekend fares like these are typical of routes dominated by weekday business travel.

  • 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, 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% 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, Circular Quay, and Central Railway Station. 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 20:00 and lands at 10:59
    • Latest: departs at 23:55 and lands at 14:54.

    The flight takes about 14h 59m.

  • 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 $1,699. Book 17 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    A direct flight from San Francisco to Sydney takes 14h 59m, 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 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 $884, which is 13% 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 stopover airport from San Francisco to Sydney?

    Flying via Auckland Intl (AKL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 18h 05m, compared to 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.

  • 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 $14 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?

    Return flights from San Francisco to Sydney range from $1,461 to $2,104, with an average of $1,699 over the past 12 months. Anything below $1,461 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 are flexible, aim for a Sunday departure instead of Thursday. On this route, Sunday flights average $1,614 – about $190 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 $1,496 return in that month – typically $941 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 hours33 minutes, so choosing an airline 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 stopover option averages $1,256 return on this route – about $652 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.
  • If you seek to grab a bite or enjoy your favourite drink on board, consider booking a Fiji Airways ticket from San Francisco to Sydney. The airline offers onboard dining, even for economy class travellers, and you shouldn’t pay anything.
  • Air Canada is a well-fitting airline for travellers seeking convenience for flights from San Francisco to Sydney. The airline lands at Terminal 1 at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), boasting advanced design and efficient luggage handling.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Sydney Kingsford Smith?

 
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 hire