Los Angeles to Sydney Flight Time & Schedules

How Long Is the Flight from Los Angeles to Sydney?

A nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sydney Airport (SYD) takes about 14 hours to 15 hours and 30 minutes. The flight covers roughly 7,490 miles (12,054 kilometers) across the Pacific Ocean. Travel time may vary slightly depending on the airline and flight schedule.

If you choose a connecting flight, the journey usually takes 17 to 20 hours or longer. Some flights stop in Auckland or Nadi before heading to Sydney. How long your trip takes depends on where you stop and how much time you spend waiting for your next flight.

What to Know Before Flying from Los Angeles to Sydney

Departure Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport for nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Sydney.

Arrival Airport

Sydney Airport (SYD), also known as Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, handles nonstop international flights from Los Angeles.

Nonstop Flight Availability

Travelers can fly directly from Los Angeles to Sydney without changing planes.

Common Connecting Airports

Auckland Airport (AKL) in New Zealand and Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Fiji are among the options for one-stop journeys.

Arrival Time

Most nonstop flights leave Los Angeles in the evening and arrive in Sydney in the morning, usually two calendar days after departure because of the time difference and International Date Line.

Flight Schedule

Flight availability, departure times, and arrival schedules may change depending on the airline and travel date.

Always check the arrival date and time on your ticket before making hotel reservations or arranging transportation in Sydney.

Los Angeles to Sydney: Time Zones and Arrival Times

Sydney is 17 to 19 hours ahead of Los Angeles, depending on the time of year. This is because both cities change their clocks for daylight saving time, but not on the same dates.

Los Angeles follows Pacific Time (PST or PDT), while Sydney uses Australian Eastern Time (AEST or AEDT).

For example, when Sydney is 19 hours ahead, if your flight leaves Los Angeles at 9:00 PM and takes 15 hours, you'll arrive in Sydney at around 7:00 AM two days later, local time.

Since flights from Los Angeles to Sydney cross the International Date Line, you'll usually arrive two calendar days after your departure date. Make sure to check the arrival date on your ticket before booking your hotel or arranging airport transportation.

What Affects the Flight Time from Los Angeles to Sydney?

Flight times from Los Angeles to Sydney aren't always the same, even if you're flying nonstop.

Winds over the Pacific Ocean can make a difference. They may help the plane travel faster or slow it down, depending on which way they're blowing. This is why your flight to Sydney may take longer or shorter than your return flight to Los Angeles.

Weather, air traffic, and changes to the flight route can also affect how long your journey takes.

The flight time on your ticket includes the time the plane spends on the ground before takeoff and after landing. So, the actual time you spend in the air may be a little shorter.

If you have another flight or travel plans after arriving in Sydney, leave enough time to go through immigration and customs, collect your bags, and reach your next destination.

Airlines Operating Flights Between Los Angeles and Sydney

Qantas
United Airlines
Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
Air New Zealand
Fiji Airways

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Sydney?

A nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sydney Airport (SYD) generally takes around 14 to 15 hours and 30 minutes. The exact flight time depends on the airline, scheduled service, and weather conditions.

How far is Los Angeles from Sydney by plane?

The distance between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Sydney Airport (SYD) is approximately 7,490 miles (12,054 kilometers). The actual distance flown may vary slightly depending on the flight route and weather conditions.

What is the time difference between Los Angeles and Sydney?

Sydney is 17 to 19 hours ahead of Los Angeles, depending on the season. For example, when Sydney is 19 hours ahead, 10:00 AM in Los Angeles is 5:00 AM the following day in Sydney.