$496 Find Cheap Flights from Sydney to California

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Sydney to California departing on 15/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Sydney to California.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Sydney to California.
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Best California Flight Deals from Sydney

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$1,087
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$1,131
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$1,497
Sacramento
Sacramento2 stops$1,773
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$1,832
Palm Springs
Palm Springs2 stops$2,186

Cheap Flight Deals from Sydney to California (SYD-USCA)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Sydney to California that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.

Recent return flight deals from Sydney to California

Recommended return flight deals departing in the coming months from the most popular airlines that fly from Sydney to California.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Choose your dates
Fiji Airways Logo
13:15 - 12:55SYD-LAX
16h 40m1 stop
Fiji Airways Logo
23:55 - 22:10LAX-SYD
29h 15m1 stop
$1,087Fiji Airways
Find Deal
Thu, 14 Aug - Tue, 19 Aug
Fiji Airways Logo
06:15 - 12:55SYD-LAX
23h 40m1 stop
Fiji Airways Logo
23:55 - 11:45LAX-SYD
18h 50m1 stop
$1,090Fiji Airways
Find Deal
Thu, 8 May - Mon, 12 May
Fiji Airways Logo
13:15 - 12:55SYD-LAX
16h 40m1 stop
Fiji Airways Logo
23:55 - 22:10LAX-SYD
29h 15m1 stop
$1,092Fiji Airways
Find Deal
Wed, 14 May - Sun, 18 May
United Airlines Logo
09:30 - 06:10SYD-LAX
13h 40mdirect
United Airlines Logo
22:50 - 07:00LAX-SYD
15h 10mdirect
$1,236United Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, 19 Jun - Sun, 6 Jul
United Airlines Logo
10:20 - 10:19SYD-LAX
16h 59m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
18:25 - 06:55LAX-SYD
19h 30m1 stop
$1,258United Airlines
Find Deal
Sun, 1 Jun - Sat, 14 Jun
Qantas Airways Logo
17:45 - 14:25SYD-LAX
13h 40mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
23:15 - 07:05LAX-SYD
14h 50mdirect
$1,400Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Tue, 2 Sep - Tue, 16 Sep
Qantas Airways Logo
17:45 - 14:25SYD-LAX
13h 40mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
22:55 - 07:05LAX-SYD
15h 10mdirect
$1,414Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Sat, 31 May - Sat, 14 Jun
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
21:40 - 05:55SYD-SFO
25h 15m1 stop
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
09:40 - 19:45SFO-SYD
17h 05m1 stop
$1,712Hawaiian Airlines
Find Deal
Sun, 22 Jun - Fri, 1 Aug
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
21:40 - 05:55SYD-SFO
25h 15m1 stop
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
09:35 - 19:45SFO-SYD
17h 10m1 stop
$1,713Hawaiian Airlines
Find Deal
Sun, 22 Jun - Mon, 7 Jul
Virgin Australia Logo
11:20 - 12:11SYD-SNA
18h 51m1 stop
Virgin Australia Logo
07:25 - 09:15SNA-SYD
30h 50m1 stop
$3,234Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Sat, 18 Oct - Wed, 10 Dec

KAYAK's insights & trends for Sydney to California flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Sydney to California to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly, and much more.

What is the cheapest Sydney to California flight route?

The cheapest price for flight routes found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks for round-trip flights from Sydney to California.
The cheapest ticket to California from Sydney found in the last 72 hours was to Los Angeles, at $1,195 return. The most popular route is from Sydney (SYD) to Los Angeles (LAX), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $1,195.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to California?

The average price for all round-trip flights from Sydney to California depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.
The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally in the evening, when retur flights cost $1,067 on average. Morning departures are around 17% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,588.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from Sydney to California?

The average return price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.
Yes, flying with a stopover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop stopover the cheapest option at $6,358 on average.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Sydney to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.
The cheapest month for flights from Sydney to California is May, when tickets cost $1,192 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and April, when the average cost of return tickets is $1,973 and $1,414 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Sydney to California?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Sydney to California clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.
Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to California on a Monday and more expensive on a Saturday. On your return trip to Sydney, you should consider flying back on a Tuesday, and avoid Thursdays for better deals.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Sydney to California?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Sydney to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.
To get a below-average price on the flight from Sydney to California, you should book around 6 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 19 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

March

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$496
Best time to beat the crowds (17% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (30% more expensive on average)
Flight from Sydney to San Francisco

Flights from Sydney to California: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from Sydney to California 
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesSYD-LAXJan 2025
Bring some extra food! Long flight, you don’t get enough and quality is mediocre. No free snacks in between meals except for mini pretzels.
AurianneFlew with United AirlinesSYD-SFOSept 2024
Ensure you have 2-3 hours layover You’ll likely need unless you don’t mind missing your next flight
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesSYD-SFOOct 2024
Bring a water bottle so you don't have to be wasteful with the
DonnaFlew with Qantas AirwaysSYD-SFODec 2023
We got off a cruise so were at the airport over 7hrs before our flight. We paid for the day pass at the Premium Club. Totally worth it! It was quiet and offered food, drinks, showers and when they closed, we were able to go to the downstairs lounge which opened at 6:30. This lounge was much larger and had a bigger selection of food and beverages. Would definitely go there again.
Verified travelerFlew with Air New ZealandSYD-SFOJan 2024
Fly air New Zealand. So pleasant and lovely experience
Verified travelerFlew with Qantas AirwaysSYD-LAXJan 2024
Sydney Qantas boarding is slightly chaotic, not a very good system considering the # of people who travel.

FAQs - booking California flights

  • What visa do Australian citizens need to fly from Sydney to California?

    Australia is a participant in the ESTA visa-waiver program and there is no need for Australian visitors to obtain a visa. Although it is not considered a visa, Australians must still apply for and obtain a visa waiver through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before departure. The waiver is valid for 2 years and permits unrestricted multiple-entry visits during that period. The online application is generally approved within 24 hours and costs around A$ 30.

  • Which terminal at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport can I fly to California from?

    Terminal 1 is the international terminal at Sydney Airport (SYD), and flights to the USA usually depart through Terminal 1. If you catch a domestic flight to Sydney before your flight to California, you will need to transit from one of the two domestic terminals. A complimentary shuttle links the three terminals at Sydney Airport, with a regular ring service operating 24/7.

  • What public transport is available at the Los Angeles or San Francisco airports?

    Los Angeles Airport is well connected to the bus and metro system, and there is a 24/7 FlyAway bus offering convenient transfer to downtown LA. San Francisco has a well-known and very positively reviewed BART train system that can get you quickly and conveniently to locations right across the city, including many suburban destinations.

  • What are the options for flying directly to California from Sydney?

    This depends a lot on your budget and time constraints. Direct flights can be long and tiring and are sometimes expensive but they do get the journey out of the way. On the other hand, choosing a longer route with more layovers may give you a welcome chance to break up your flying time into manageable chunks; plus, flights with more layovers, although they add to total travel time, can sometimes significantly reduce costs. Some popular routes that incorporate layovers are flying via New Zealand, Fiji or Hawaii. Longer routes that transit through Europe or the Middle East, or which fly across the USA from transit points in the East, may get very long and challenging and are probably best avoided by travellers not wanting to spend too much time in transit.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Sydney to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Sydney to California.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Sydney to California?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Sydney to California is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Sydney to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly from Sydney to California with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Sydney to California?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Sydney to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Sydney to the following destinations at these prices or less: Los Angeles $1,110 one-way - $1,607 round-trip
  • Several airlines offer direct flights from Sydney to Los Angeles and San Francisco and one of these is Qantas. Qantas enjoys an excellent reputation for both comfort and safety even if it is not always the cheapest option.
  • For budget options flying directly to Los Angeles and San Francisco, both Jetstar and Virgin Airlines offer competitively priced journeys and relatively short flight times. Be careful to note your luggage allowance, however, as luggage often costs extra and should be factored into the final price when purchasing your ticket.
  • Australian citizens travelling on the ESTA can use the e-gate automatic passport control system at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) for express entry to the USA. This can be a major time-saver when transiting through this busy airport.
  • If you are flying into Los Angeles, keep an eye out for the many art spaces and rotating exhibitions hosted by the airport. Los Angeles Airport is a great space for art lovers.
  • If you are flying into San Francisco Airport (SFO) and have a domestic connection to another airport in California, or elsewhere in the USA, there is a complementary train that connects all the terminals. Look for signs directing you to the AirTrain departure stations.
See more tips

Top 5 airlines serving from Sydney to California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Sydney to California. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Sydney to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.1
Fiji AirwaysOverall score based on 188 reviews
8.2Boarding
8.5Crew
7.5Food
8.1Comfort
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

See previous comments. Didn’t take this flight because my other flight was so delayed. Ending up on two other flights as a result and was more than a day late.

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Dec 2024NAN - CHC
Read more Fiji Airways reviews

See previous comments. Didn’t take this flight because my other flight was so delayed. Ending up on two other flights as a result and was more than a day late.

6 hour delay and they didnt try to make up any time during an over 10 hour flight

Very good; seat made ready for bed after meal, a plus since one airline covered the seat at the start.

Entertainment was not good. Seems like liquor should’ve been advertised only beer and wine was even though I saw others getting liquor didn’t realize I could. And the food to me could’ve been a little bit.

Food choices perhaps not the best. Only offered beer and wine, when it appeared other liquor was available. Entertainment wasn’t so good.

They charged me over a $1000 dollars to bring two surfboard bags as check baggage. Inappropriate and I would avoid flying sgain

The experience on Fiji Airways was absolutely amazing. Streamlined. All staff was amazing. Pleasant. Friendly. Extremely helpful.

Business class Seats on the A350 from Nan to YVR were wonderful. The flight crew was okay but could do with better training. Toilets were clean but ran out of paper towels towards the end of the flight. The food/menu and the wine offered really needs considerable improvement. Dinner options were either Bolani, a beef sandwich (even this could be made much better), or paneer butter masala. Unfortunately, if you are not a fan of Fijian food, there isn’t much choice. Dessert was either turmeric ice cream or fruits but unfortunately, they were out of fruit! So the only option was turmeric ice cream. I’m not certain how many passengers like turmeric but I am not one of them. They need to cater to a more diverse group of people. Perhaps they need a new chef? The movies& tv shows were mostly older so I didn’t find that interesting either. It was however, fun to view the plane’s exterior cameras as we take off and land. The best thing about this flight are the business class seats.

Comfortable as one can get in Economy, food was very good, staff were super friendly & efficient.

Really liked the plane and business class seat. Food was ok but could be better. Service was very good.

Again, Air New Zealand was great. They kept bathrooms clean, food was actually very good, New Zealand wines a big hit

The issue was with getting our boarding pases. There were issues with our arrangements that were made through Kayak. I am sorry to say that we will not use you again because of this. The flight itself was good and the flight attendants excellent.

Arriving at Coolangatta, rows 20 forward, took the airbridge across to the terminal. It was suggested to those from rows 21 back, that we take the rear stairs and to be careful crossing the tarmac. That was all well and good. However, when we got across to the terminal we then had to climb three large flights of stairs to meet up with those coming across the airbridge. No elevator! There were people carrying babies and elderly carrying hand luggage that needed assistance from others.. There was no option to turn back.

It was good for a short domestic flight. As no food ar entertainment provided, there should be a n/a rating available for those.

USB charging ports did not work on any of Air New Zealand flights

Economy was much nicer on the Air New Zealand planes.

At Coolangatta International it is difficult to hear voice boarding announcements when away from screen announcements.

Flew premium economy, well worth the extra. Much better seat size & space. Meals & snacks were lovely. Crew really pleasant. Internet is not great, not really useful for anything. Couldn't even send messages.

Everything was fine. Wish the wifi was free and included in the ticket price.

Nothing special short flight - all good - difference between 1 fudge and 2 fudge is obligation and thankfulness

Touch screens were very difficult to use, generally being laggy and unresponsive- it was quite an art to get it to play the thing you wanted rather than some thing at random. Selection of films and Tv was good when touchscreen decided to finally respond.

Their aircraft are old and amenities lack way behind other international carriers leaving from BNE. Even in economy

Airport and crew experience was excellent. We had to queue for the runway - no one’s fault, but it did mean we were 30 minutes late leaving

Overall good experience with flight and airport wheelchair staff. Also got Indian food in the flights

Friendly staff, surprisingly good premium economy seats allowing good sleep/ snooze opportunity and very good menu.

Very good as always, stand out airline. The passengers whom choose to stuff baggage that otherwise should be checked-in is a real bother but that's not the airlines doing. A real frustration that passengers just don't want to check-in luggage. This is a pet hate unfortunately.

It’s a two prop flight so I had problems with my ears on re- entering ! But otherwise fine

I love flying with Qantas. There was no onscreen entertaining on this flight, and only a snack provided (not a meal) but still better than Jetstar or Virgin (in my opinion) so still happy.

Complaint is with American Airlines which delayed our flight from salt lake to Dallas reaulting in us missing our connection to Brisbane. Had to spend 24 hours in Dallas to wait for the next flight. Awful experience and ruined my wife’s birthday.

Wheelchair assistance to move through the terminals and to/from the plane door was excellent. No vegan snack on the flight, only something with salami and cheese in it.

Gluten free options less explicit on business class, but great service

Very good… seems the virgin staff particularly in the lounge and in flight exceeded expectations.

I liked everything about the experience but would have liked some free snacks!

Crew was great but flight was delayed almost three hours due to a technical issue and we had to go back to the terminal and wait for another one.

Being told why we delayed three hours and not even given an apology by someone. Not a word. Not my airline of choice ever.

Checked Baggage line up was long but moved quickly, rest of the process, boarding, crew was excellent

Virgin has always provided a smooth and comfortable flight. This one was no different. Seats are comfortable. Staff are great. This is my favourite airline.

Virgin changed the flight to an Alliance flight. Smaller plane, tea coffee and water the only refreshments available and not sure what happened to the extra money I paid to sit in a selected seat with extra leg room. This is obviously a regular switch as it happened on our flight there and back. Do not recommend.

Late boarding, late departure due to weather and slow boarding, packed 5+hour flight, only 2 toilets for main cabin, tight leg room, no free food except tea, coffee, and water, arrived 75 minutes late.

Cramped, crowded flight, with no complimentary food except coffee, tea, or water.

Wonderful and fast TSA checkpoint. The line was fast and our gate was close by

The gate was too far away for the connecting flight

Generally good. The aisles have gotten narrower which can slow down boarding. Flight crew was great! Healthier complimentary snacks would be appreciated. Due to earthquake in San Francisco we had to circle in air space for a bit but then had a smooth landing. I laud the flight crew for their patience ;)

We tried to upgrade to economy premium but were told this was not possible as we had booked through United Airlines (and Air Canada was operating the flight). This seemed silly given there was ample space in economy premium. Additionally, we had to wait almost 1.5 hours upon arrival to taxi to the gate. Otherwise, the crew were very pleasant and passengers were friendly.

headphone jack didnt work for the first flight and not much variety

The agents was very rude and they charged me $50 for a carry-on bag saying that it was too big and then I saw someone going on a plane with the same size bag as me

For the most part united was a good experience, how ever when they came by with the snacks and water, they completely passed by my wife and I. As we were in separate rows. On a 5 hr flight we were not offered water

Fantastic crew. Flight was delayed at last minute but we were given updates every 20 minutes and the crew was so friendly and considerate. I miss the touch screens on the back of the seats, wish they would bring that back though.

Beijing PEK to SFO. I had an economy seat on this flight. The seat comfort was acceptable. My main complaint is with the FA’s lack of personality and absence from servicing the plane, specifically restroom care (I wish I could share a pic of the restroom that I captured) and care of travelers—drink cart/availability of drinks. I'm amazed at the level of service on other International travel where a passenger is most often appreciated.

Great. Food going from Australia to the US was better than other way around, but still needs improvement in terms of quality and quantity!!!

Everything you need to know for your flight from Sydney to California

Information on your arrival and departure airports

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