Australia overview
When is the best time to book a flight to Australia?
Peak season
Christmas to the end of January is peak season in southern Australia - it’s the very height of summer. This is when children are on school holidays and the top resorts are at their most popular hence cheap flights to Australia need to be booked far in advance. In the north of the country, the winter months of June, July and August are peak season for travellers looking for flights as it is usually warmer than the southern states during that time.
Off season
The summer months between October and March in the north of the country are characterised by heat, humidity and rain (particularly in areas like Kimberley and North Queensland). Cheap flights to Australia are typically found in the winter months, starting at the end of April or beginning of May. It gets rather chilly in Sydney and Melbourne at that time of year, but the flights are cheaper than usual.
Which airlines operate flights to Australia?
Jet Airways, British Airways, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas are amongst the major airlines that offer flights to the many destinations in Australia.
How long is the flight to Australia?
Flights from London to Sydney: 22 hours 00 minutes (1+ stop)
Flights from London to Melbourne: 21 hours 20 minutes (1+ stop)
Flights from London to Brisbane: 21 hours 25 minutes (1+ stop)
Flights from London to Adelaide: 21 hours 10 minutes (1+ stop)
Flights from London to Perth: 18 hours 50 minutes (1+ stop)
Australia’s top destinations and airports
Australia is a gigantic country with tourist destinations in abundance, so one thing you are never short of is choice. Here is a selection of the country’s most-visited destinations and their associated airport:
How to get from Sydney Airport (SYD) to the city centre
Sydney Airport (SYD), or Kingsford Smith Airport, is located five miles (8km) outside of Sydney’s city centre.
There are fantastic public transport options between the airport and the city, with Sydney Trains providing the quickest option to get between the two (a journey takes only 13 minutes). For those who want to take the bus, route 400 runs between Burwood and Bondi Junction railway stations and stops at the airport.
Tip: There is free WiFi in both T1 and T2 of Sydney Airport
How to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to the city centre
Melbourne Airport (MEL), or Tullamarine Airport, is located 14 miles (23km) outside of Melbourne’s city centre.
The easiest public transport connection between the airport and the city centre is the Skybus Super Shuttle. It takes around 20 minutes to get to the city and typically costs around $18 one-way and $30 return. You can buy your tickets electronically from the driver or from one of the ticket desks at T1 or T3. Alternatively, there are taxi ranks at T1 and between T2 and T3, but that will cost you more than the bus if you are travelling in a small group and not splitting the fare.
Tip: Give yourself more than an hour to travel between terminals if you are catching a connecting flight at MEL
How to get from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to the city centre
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is located 10 miles (16km) from the city centre.
Airtrain connects the airport with the city and runs on a regular schedule of every 15 minutes. It has a journey time of about half an hour from either the International terminal or the Domestic terminal to South Brisbane Station or Central Station in the Central Business District (CBD). Transfers between the terminals themselves are free on the Airtrain, too, and they take less than 10 minutes. A taxi will likely cost you A$50 from the airport.
Tip: You can save 15% on your Airtrain tickets if you book more than seven days in advance of your first travel date
How to get from Adelaide Airport (ADL) to the city centre
Adelaide Airport (ADL) is located 3.7 miles (6km) west of the city centre.
JetBus operates every 15 minutes on routes J1, J1X and J2 between the airport and the Central Business District (CBD); you can reach the city in about 20 minutes for around A$5. Alternatively, for around A$20, you can get a taxi from just outside the terminal, which is the perfect option if you’re travelling in a large group.
Tip: There are lockers to store your luggage in on the ground floor of the multi-storey carpark, near the car rental service desks
How to get from Perth Airport (PER) to the city centre
Perth Airport (PER) is located 7.5 miles (12km) east of Perth’s city centre.
The CONNECT shuttle service is the most prominent form of public transport for travellers looking to get from the airport to Perth CBD. T1 is the international terminal at Perth Airport and the CONNECT shuttle typically runs from T3, so you’ll need to take the 15-minute transfer between them when you arrive. You can get to the city from there for A$15 one-way, or you get a taxi for an approximate total fare of A$40 and it’ll take about half an hour. (Add link to the page with tickets and prices)
Tip: Plan your journey from the airport to the city in advance because Perth’s public transport system is not known for being particularly straightforward or punctual
