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Flying from the UK to Australia is one of the longest journeys most people will ever make, so the route you choose matters as much as the fare. Almost every itinerary involves at least one stop, usually in the Middle East or Asia, and the best option depends on how much you value speed, comfort and price. This guide explains how long the journey takes, how to choose a stopover, when fares tend to be lower and what to check about entry rules before you book.
How long does it take to fly from the UK to Australia?
Journey times depend on the route, the connection and the Australian city you are heading to. As a broad guide, one-stop flights from London to the main east coast cities often take somewhere in the region of 22 to 26 hours in total, including the connection, while some routes with longer layovers can run well beyond that. Flights to Perth are usually shorter, because it is on the west coast and closer to Europe. Exact durations vary by airline and schedule, so check the timings on the booking page rather than relying on a general figure.
Remember that Australia is many hours ahead of the UK, and that you will usually arrive a day later than you left. Think about jet lag from the start, and consider planning a quieter first day after landing.
Which stopover is best for flights to Australia?
Because there is rarely a direct service from the UK, the stopover is the key choice. Typical options include the following types of hub:
- Middle East hubs: large airports with many daily connections to Australia, often with smooth transfers and a wide choice of departure times.
- South-east Asian hubs: popular for travellers who want a break in the journey, and often competitive on price.
- East Asian hubs: an option on some routes, sometimes with more varied airlines and timings.
- Other options: some itineraries combine other regions, and round-the-world fares can include several stops.
When comparing, weigh these points:
- Total journey time, not just flying time
- The length of each layover, because very short connections risk missed flights, while very long ones are tiring
- Whether you need to change terminals or collect and recheck bags
- Whether a single ticket protects your connection if the first flight is delayed
- Whether you want to break the trip with a night or two in the stopover city
- Airline comfort, seat pitch and meal service on the long legs
A planned stopover of a night or two can make the trip far more comfortable, and it lets you see another place. If you do this, check the entry rules for the stopover country as well as for Australia, because you may need separate permission to enter or transit.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Australia?
Fares depend on demand, and demand is shaped by school holidays, Christmas and the Australian summer, which is when many UK travellers want to go. The busiest and most expensive periods tend to cover the weeks around Christmas and New Year, and the UK summer holidays. Quieter periods, often in the shoulder seasons, can bring lower fares, but patterns change from year to year and between airlines, so use a price calendar or fare comparison tool on your preferred dates rather than trusting a general rule.
- Search a flexible range of dates, and compare mid-week and weekend departures.
- Compare flying into one city and out of another, because open-jaw tickets can be good value and save backtracking.
- Set a price alert and check regularly, but book once you see a fare you are happy with.
- Compare departures from more than one UK airport if that is practical.
- Look at the total price including baggage, seat selection and any card fees.
Our guides to cheap holidays and to using Skyscanner to find cheap flights explain more ways to compare prices, and our budget airline guide covers short-haul connections if you are positioning to a larger airport first.
Do I need an ETA or visa for Australia?
Yes, you will normally need permission to travel to Australia before you board, such as an Electronic Travel Authority or a visa, depending on your passport and the purpose of your trip. The rules, fees and application methods are set by the Australian government and can change, so please check the official Australian Government immigration website for the current requirements and apply only through official channels. Do not rely on third-party sites that charge extra fees for something you can do directly.
Also check your passport validity, any health or customs rules, and the UK government travel advice for Australia. Allow plenty of time for applications to be processed, and keep copies of your approval with your travel documents.
How to book flights to Australia
- Decide your destination city and your rough dates, and be flexible where you can.
- Compare routes by total journey time, price and the quality of the stopover.
- Choose between a single ticket with one airline or alliance and a self-built route, remembering that a single ticket offers more protection if there is a delay.
- Check baggage allowances, which can differ on each leg.
- Consider adding a stopover or planning a two-centre trip.
- Read the fare conditions on changes and refunds before you pay.
- Arrange travel insurance as soon as you book, because cancellation cover usually begins at the time you buy.
Tips for surviving a long haul flight
- Pick a seat that suits you, such as an aisle for easy movement or a window for resting.
- Move around the cabin regularly and stretch your legs.
- Drink water and go easy on alcohol and caffeine.
- Pack a neck pillow, an eye mask and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
- Keep essentials, medication and valuables in your cabin bag.
- Set your watch to your destination time early, and try to sleep to the new schedule.
- Wear comfortable layers, because cabin temperature can vary.
If you have health conditions, speak to your doctor about long-haul travel before you go.
Getting to the airport from Sussex
If you live in Sussex, Gatwick is a convenient starting point for many long-haul routes and connections, and it is easy to reach by train from Brighton. Our holidays from Gatwick guide covers what to compare, and you can also look at the other London airports. For an early departure, consider staying near the airport the night before, and allow generous time for check-in and security.
Combining Australia with other trips
Because the journey is long, many travellers combine Australia with other destinations, such as a stopover in Asia, or a trip to New Zealand or the Pacific. Multi-stop tickets can sometimes cost little more than a return to Australia, so it is worth pricing them. If you plan to explore by road once there, our car hire guide sets out what to check before you book.
Preparing for the journey before you book
Long trips reward early planning. Check that your passport has enough validity for the entry rules, think about travel insurance that covers the whole route including any stopovers, and look at the official government pages for the latest entry requirements. Read the airline baggage rules too, as long-haul allowances differ between carriers and fare types.
Jet lag and the first few days
Adjusting to a large time difference takes time. Many travellers try to shift their sleep pattern a little before departure, get daylight at the destination as soon as they land and avoid planning anything demanding on the first day. Drinking water and moving around on the flight can also help you feel better when you arrive. Everyone is different, so listen to your body and build in some slack at the start of the trip.
Booking flexibility and what to check
Because these trips are expensive and often planned months ahead, check what happens if your plans change. Compare change fees, refund rules and whether a flexible fare is worth the extra cost. Keep copies of your booking, and check whether your insurance covers cancellation for the reasons that matter to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct flight from the UK to Australia?
Direct services have been limited or unavailable at times, and most travellers connect through at least one hub. Check current schedules on the airline and booking sites for your dates.
Which Australian city is cheapest to fly to?
It varies by season and airline. Compare several arrival cities, and consider flying into one and out of another.
How far ahead should I book?
There is no single answer, but because Australia is a long-haul destination with busy peak periods, booking well ahead for school holidays and Christmas is usually wise, while off-peak travel may offer more flexibility.
Do I need travel insurance for Australia?
It is strongly advisable. Medical care can be costly for visitors, and insurance can cover cancellation and delays too. Read the policy to check what is covered.
What currency does Australia use?
Australia uses the Australian dollar. Check the fees on your card before you travel.
Can I stop over for a few days on the way?
Yes, many airlines allow stopovers, and some even promote them. Check the ticket rules and entry requirements for the stopover country.
We have not priced every route, and fares, timings and entry rules change often, so please confirm the details on airline and government sites before you book. See also our last minute holidays page for deals.
Is it better to book flights and accommodation together?
Sometimes a package can offer better value or more protection, but compare it with booking separately. Check what is included and what protections apply.