SYD - WLG

$359 Find Cheap Flights from Sydney to Wellington – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
$552
Typical prices: $598-$822
Air New Zealand
Mon 19/11Wed 28/11
SYD - WLG • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
$579
Typical prices: $612-$830
Air New Zealand
Fri 9/11Sat 17/11
SYD - WLG • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with Qantas Airways and Air New Zealand. Average duration is 3h 12m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 84% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 13 weeks in advance save around 28% 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 stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg $462 (return)
Shortest trip • 8h 21m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Wellington!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Sydney to Wellington (SYD-WLG)

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

Recent return flight deals from Sydney to Wellington

Thu, 19 Nov - Sat, 28 Nov
Air New Zealand Logo
09:55 - 22:20SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
10h 25m1 stop Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
06:05 - 07:50WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 45mdirect
$552Air New Zealand
Thu, 19 Nov - Sat, 28 Nov
Air New Zealand Logo
19:25 - 08:10SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
10h 45m1 stop Auckland Intl
Air New Zealand Logo
06:00 - 10:35WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
6h 35m1 stop Auckland Intl
$555Air New Zealand
Tue, 24 Nov - Fri, 27 Nov
Jetstar Logo
21:50 - 15:10SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
15h 20m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
Jetstar Logo
16:40 - 22:20WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
7h 40m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
$585Jetstar
Wed, 3 Feb - Wed, 10 Feb
Jetstar Logo
07:20 - 15:10SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
5h 50m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
Jetstar Logo
16:10 - 21:15WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
7h 05m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
$605Jetstar
Thu, 19 Nov - Sat, 28 Nov
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:40 - 23:50SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
3h 10mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:05 - 07:50WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 45mdirect
$614Multiple Airlines
Sat, 24 Oct - Sat, 7 Nov
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:55 - 00:10SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
3h 15mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:05 - 07:45WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 40mdirect
$624Multiple Airlines
Wed, 3 Feb - Wed, 10 Feb
Qantas Airways Logo
18:40 - 23:50SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
3h 10mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
06:05 - 07:45WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 40mdirect
$700Qantas Airways
Thu, 19 Nov - Sun, 22 Nov
Qantas Airways Logo
18:40 - 23:50SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
3h 10mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
06:05 - 07:45WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 40mdirect
$700Qantas Airways
Thu, 12 Nov - Thu, 19 Nov
Emirates Logo
18:40 - 23:50SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
3h 10mdirect
Emirates Logo
06:05 - 07:45WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 40mdirect
$708Emirates
Mon, 9 Nov - Tue, 17 Nov
Emirates Logo
18:40 - 23:50SYD  Sydney Kingsford Smith-WLG Wellington
3h 10mdirect
Emirates Logo
16:00 - 17:40WLG  Wellington-SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 40mdirect
$713Emirates
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for Sydney to Wellington 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 Sydney to Wellington?

Return flights from Sydney to Wellington typically range from $598 to $822. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $552 on Air New Zealand.

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

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

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

•March is the cheapest month to fly from Sydney to Wellington at $626 return.
•December ($842) and September ($729) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 34% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Sydney to Wellington the cheapest?

Flights from Sydney to Wellington are cheapest 13 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 28% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for Sydney to Wellington flights

Low season

July

Cheapest flight

$359
Beat the crowds with an average 20% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 90% increase in traveller numbers.
One-way flight from Sydney to Wellington

When to book flights from Sydney to Wellington

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

Your Sydney to Wellington 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 Sydney to Wellington?

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

    • Earliest: departs at 07:30 and lands at 10:42
    • Latest: departs at 18:55 and lands at 22:07.

    The flight takes about 3h 12m.

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

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from Sydney to Wellington:

    • Economy class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class

  • How long is a flight from Sydney to Wellington?

    A direct flight from Sydney to Wellington takes 3h 12m, covering 3,584 km.

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

    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 Sydney to Wellington flight?

    Return flights from Sydney to Wellington range from $598 to $822, with an average of $709 over the past 12 months. Anything below $598 counts as a good deal.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 17% above the $709 route average. Book 13 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average $462 return via Christchurch (CHC), compared with $716 for direct.

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

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $45–$144 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 Sydney to Wellington?

    The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Qantas Airways and Emirates. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A320neo variants.

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

    Evening is the busiest departure period on Sydney to Wellington flights, with 66% leaving in that window. Morning departures account for 34%, Afternoon flights for 0%, and Night flights for 0%.

  • Have flight prices from Sydney to Wellington changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, return flight prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $552 to $2,743. That means the highest observed fare was about 5x higher than the lowest one.

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

    One-way fares from Sydney to Wellington are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $388, which is 5% below the typical average for this route.

  • Which car hire options are available at Wellington Airport (WLG)?

    Wellington Airport (WLG) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates starting from around $4 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Mode
    • EZI
    • Thrifty
    • Europcar
    • Hertz

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

    Flights from Sydney to Wellington usually depart from Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) and arrive at Wellington (WLG).

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

    Afternoon flights have the fewest delays on this route, while morning departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed on the route from Sydney to Wellington?

    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 Sydney to Wellington route, 23% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 1h 51m.

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

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

    • Auckland Intl (AKL) – 57% of one-stop connections
    • Christchurch (CHC) – 26% of one-stop connections
    • Coolangatta Gold Coast (OOL) – 13% of one-stop connections
    • Brisbane (BNE) – 2% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 11% on flights from Sydney to Wellington. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $666 return on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $747, a difference of $81.

    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 Sydney to Wellington?

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

    • Qantas Airways
    • Air New Zealand

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

    Flying via Hamilton (HLZ) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 8h 21m, compared to 10h 26m via Coolangatta Gold Coast (OOL) and 10h 33m via Auckland Intl (AKL).

  • What is the time difference between Sydney and Wellington?

    Wellington is 3 hours ahead of Sydney (New Zealand Time vs Eastern Australia Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Wellington?

    New Zealand Film Archive is one of the most viewed places in Wellington on KAYAK.

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

    Among airlines operating Sydney to Wellington flights:

    • Emirates: 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 Sydney to Wellington flights?

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

    • 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
    • Emirates: a cabin 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.

  • Is it possible to fly direct from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Wellington Airport (WLG)?

    You can fly direct from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Wellington Airport with Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, and Alliance Airlines with an average flight time of approximately 3h. There are also connecting flights from Sydney to Wellington with Qantas, Emirates, and Air New Zealand.

  • Which terminals are best to fly into at Wellington for connecting flights?

    Wellington Airport has one passenger terminal that is situated in the east part of the airport. The terminal is split into three piers, the northwest, the southwest, and the south.

  • Are there any onsite hotels at Wellington Airport (WLG)?

    There are several hotels at Wellington Airport (WLG) including Rydges Wellington, InterContinental, The ibis, Grand Mercure, The Airport Motel, and the Comfort Hotel. At Sydney Airport (SYD), you can find the Holiday Inn, Pullman, Rydges, Travelodge, and Stamford Plaza.

  • Which terminals are best for connecting flights at Sydney Airport and Wellington Airport (WLG)?

    The three terminals at Sydney Airport (SYD) are separate and due to this, passengers are advised to allow for additional time for flight connections to facilitate travel between terminals. Wellington Airport (WLG) has a single terminal with one check-in area; however, passengers are advised to allow sufficient time for disembarking, security, and boarding.

  • Are there any special attractions at Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)?

    Sydney Airport has a number of things to do to suit an array of tastes. The airport has many shops, including Mimco, for those last minute must have accessories; Kikki.K, an Aussie gift store with a range of keepsakes for your friends and family; Lonely Planet, for the wondering and keen explorer; Guardian chemist, for those pre-flight must haves; and Beach Culture, for those unmissable beach numbers—just a small variety of what Sydney airport has to offer.

  • What are the best transportation routes from Wellington Airport (WLG)?

    Wellington Airport (WLG) is just 8 km away from the Central Business District (CBD) and the journey time is around 15–25min, depending on traffic. There are taxis available just outside the baggage claim area in the main terminal, on the ground floor, where Door G provides easy access. The taxi fares range from NZ$ 30–40 (A$ 28–38).

  • How can I get to Wellington centre on a budget?

    There is also an airport shuttle available; shuttles are located outside the baggage claim area and can be booked online or through the app. In addition, two Metlink bus routes connect to the airport with the major route being route 91, known as the "Airport Flyer", providing transport to the airport from Wellington central and Wellington railway station. Route 2 is the second bus route which is a 5min walk away from the terminal. Public transport is limited to buses due to the airport being quite a distance from Wellington railway station.

  • Will I need to organise a visa before my flight from Sydney to Wellington?

    If you're flying on an Australian passport, you won't need a visa for your arrival at Wellington International Airport (WLG). Your passport needs to be valid from the date you enter New Zealand to the date you leave. If you don't have an Australian passport, it will need to be valid for at least three months after you leave New Zealand and you may need a visa.

  • How much luggage is included on an Economy ticket for this route?

    Most airlines operating this route allow one personal item, one carry-on and one checked luggage as part of their base fare. Emirates allows you to add checked luggage weighing up to 25 kg on their Saver fare, Qantas allows up to 30 kg on most economy fares and Air New Zealand allows up to 23 kg. Frequent Flyers may also be entitled to extra luggage.

  • Can I get special assistance on this route?

    Both airports can provide special assistance to help you through the terminal. This should be booked through your airline at least 48 hours ahead of your flight. They can provide mobility equipment, assistance animal relief areas and more. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) also has sensory maps, to help you plan a sensory-friendly route.

  • Where are the car hire desks at Wellington Airport?

    You'll find several companies offering car hire at Wellington Airport. They have international companies like Avis and Europcar as well as New Zealand's own Ezi Car Rental. Their desks are on the Ground Level of the terminal, next to the domestic luggage claim area.

Your guide to booking Sydney to Wellington 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 Monday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $666, about $81 less than Monday fares (11% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 13 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 28% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Sydney to Wellington trip for March. Fares historically average $626 return in that month – typically $216 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 Air New Zealand. Over the past three months, 84% of Air New Zealand flights from Sydney to Wellington arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 77%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 1h 51m, 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 Christchurch Airport (CHC) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages $462 return on this route – about $255 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 Wellington Airport.

    • Brentwood Hotel
    • Airport Stays
    • Wellington 747 Motel
  • The main airport serving the city of Sydney and surrounding areas, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), has three passenger terminals that service a range of international and domestic locations.
  • The International Terminal is separate from the Domestic Terminals and due to this, passengers that are connecting must allow for lengthened connecting times between terminals.
  • Terminal 1 (International Terminal) is positioned in the northwestern region and has around twenty five gates. This terminal hosts eight airport lounges, one each for SkyTeam, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, American Express, Etihad Airways, and Air New Zealand, and the remaining two for Qantas. It also has a shopping center for those quick purchases.
  • Terminal 2 is located in the northeastern part of the airport and serves five airlines—FlyPelican, Regional Express Airlines, Tigerair Australia, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar has two lounges.
  • Terminal 3 is home to Qantas and has a Qantas Club airport lounge and two other lounges—the Business Class lounge and the Chairman’s lounge.
  • Wellington International Airport (WLG) is about 5.5 km from the city centre and has one terminal with three piers. There is a common check-in area and the airport operates both international and domestic flights.
  • Most budget airlines that fly from Sydney to Wellington are indirect routes with stopovers at Melbourne (MEL) or Auckland (AKL). As such, you may find that major airlines flying direct actually offer cheaper tickets.
  • Qantas operates multiple flights a day from Sydney to Wellington. Their Economy tickets are split into Saver and Flex fares. The Flex fare is more expensive, but it allows you to adjust your flight dates as often as you need. The Saver fare allows you to change your flights for an additional fee.

Prefer to fly direct from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Wellington?

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

Direct departures

Sydney Kingsford Smith to Wellington

Monday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Tuesday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Wednesday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Thursday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Friday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Saturday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Sunday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Wellington to Sydney Kingsford Smith

Monday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Tuesday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Wednesday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Thursday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Friday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Saturday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Sunday

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

Air New Zealand,Qantas Airways

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Sydney to Wellington

Complete your trip to Wellington with a hotel stay or car hire