Last checked: November 2026.
Most international flights to Australia land in Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE) or Perth (PER). Sydney also has a second airport, Western Sydney International, which opened to passengers on 25 October 2026. Choose the airport closest to your first stop, and get your visa or ETA approved before you board. See our Australia visa guide for tourists for the options.
Which Airports Should You Fly Into?
| City | Airport | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) | The harbour, the east coast and the Blue Mountains |
| Sydney (west) | Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, known as WSI | Western Sydney, with a small international network that is still growing |
| Melbourne | Melbourne Airport (MEL) | Victoria and the Great Ocean Road |
| Brisbane | Brisbane Airport (BNE) | The Gold Coast and Queensland |
| Perth | Perth Airport (PER) | Western Australia |
| Adelaide | Adelaide Airport (ADL) | South Australian wine regions |
| Cairns | Cairns Airport (CNS) | The Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north |
| Darwin | Darwin Airport (DRW) | Kakadu and the Top End |
Not every airport has direct flights from every country. Many routes connect through Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth, or through a hub in Asia, the Gulf or New Zealand. Check the airport’s own site for current airlines and terminals: Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport, Brisbane Airport and Perth Airport.
Is Sydney’s New Airport Worth Considering?
Western Sydney International opened on 25 October 2026. Air New Zealand began flying there from Auckland on 26 October, and Singapore Airlines has announced daily flights from Singapore starting on 23 November 2026. Most long-haul routes still use Sydney Kingsford Smith, so check which airport your ticket names before you book ground transport.
The airport is in Sydney’s west, and the planned Sydney Metro rail link was not open when passenger flights began, so plan road transport. The Australian Government’s airport information page has current details.
Which Airlines Fly to Australia?
Qantas, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific are among the airlines that serve Australian airports. Routes, frequencies and flight times change by season, so confirm them on the airline’s own site rather than relying on a fixed figure.
Most travellers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa connect through a Gulf or Asian hub. Travellers from North America, East Asia and New Zealand have more direct options into the main east-coast cities. A one-stop itinerary can be cheaper and sometimes quicker than a direct flight with a long connection.
How Do You Get From the Airport to the City?
Options vary by city and change over time, so confirm on the airport website before you land.
- Sydney Kingsford Smith: train, taxi and ride-share options connect the airport to the city centre.
- Melbourne: airport coaches, taxis and ride-share are the usual routes. Check the airport site for the current rail position.
- Brisbane: a train link serves the city centre, along with taxis and ride-share.
- Perth: an airport rail line, buses, taxis and ride-share serve the city.
- Cairns: the airport is close to the centre, so a short taxi or shuttle works.
If you land late at night, plan a taxi or ride-share, because some public transport runs less often. For travel after you arrive, see our guide to getting around Australia.
What Is the Time Zone in Australia?
Australia has three standard time zones: Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10), Australian Central Standard Time (UTC+9:30) and Australian Western Standard Time (UTC+8). New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory use daylight saving time in the warmer months. Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia don’t.
This means the time gap between cities can change during the year. Check your ticket and phone settings when you book connections.
What Arrival Paperwork Should You Expect?
Most arriving passengers still fill in the paper Incoming Passenger Card on the plane or at the airport. The Australian Government has begun phasing in a digital Australia Travel Declaration to replace it, so follow the instructions your airline gives you. You must also declare cash of AUD 10,000 or more, and any food, plant or animal products you carry.
How Do You Book International Flights Wisely?
- Compare more than one route, because a one-stop option can be cheaper and sometimes faster.
- Use an open-jaw ticket (in one city, out of another) to avoid backtracking.
- Don’t book non-refundable tickets before your visa is approved.
- Allow a generous layover if you connect to another flight after landing.
- Book early for December, January and Easter.
- Check baggage rules and change fees for your fare type.
Before You Fly Checklist
- Valid passport, and a visa or ETA approved.
- Travel insurance that covers medical care and cancellations.
- Printed or saved copies of your tickets and your first hotel booking.
- Food, plant and animal products removed or ready to declare.
- Arrival card or digital declaration instructions from your airline.
- Phone and power adapter ready for Australia’s plug type.
- A booked stay for the first night, such as one from our guide on where to stay in Australia.
3 Quick Answers
Which airport is best for first-time visitors?
Sydney Kingsford Smith, because it has the most connections and the easiest access to the Opera House and harbour. Melbourne is a good alternative if you prefer food and culture.
Can you fly into one city and out of another?
Yes. Open-jaw tickets, such as into Sydney and out of Cairns, can save a day of backtracking. Check that the price is reasonable compared with a return ticket.
How early should you arrive at the airport?
Follow your airline’s guidance. For international flights, arrive early because of check-in, security and border checks.
Official Sources
For visa rules, use the Department of Home Affairs visa finder and Tourism Australia. For safety notices, read the US State Department and the UK FCDO advice.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
Flights to Australia FAQs
How long is the flight to Australia?
It depends on where you start. Most routes from Europe, North America and many parts of Asia take many hours and often include a stop. Check your airline’s schedule for exact times, because routes and connections change by season.
Do you need a visa before you book flights?
You need one before you board, so apply early. It’s safest to wait for approval before buying non-refundable tickets, and to use only official application channels for your passport.
What is the best airport for the Great Barrier Reef?
Cairns Airport is the main gateway. It’s close to the city centre, and many reef tours leave from Cairns or nearby Port Douglas. Direct international service is limited, so many visitors connect through another Australian city.
Is Western Sydney International Airport open?
Yes. It opened to passengers on 25 October 2026, and its international network is still small. Check that your ticket names the right Sydney airport, and plan road transport, because the airport metro was not open at launch.
