$769 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD)

Popular airlines from Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) to Sydney Airport (SYD)

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Sydney (ORD-SYD)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $769 for one-way flights and $1,295 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways
Air Canada
Qantas Airways
Turkish Airlines
American Airlines
Delta
United
Philippine Airlines

Alternative airports near Sydney

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD)

November is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $1,285 - $1,656 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from O'Hare Intl. to Kingsford Smith Intl.

Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD) at a glance

Travel from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD) with a range of airlines operating this international long-haul route. Compare options for flights from Chicago to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you prepare to discover Sydney's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods. Get all the essential details for flights departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 19h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 9,200 miles (14,810 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $410–$1330, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Chicago to Sydney, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Common layover points include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with an approximately 2h 45m layover, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) also around 2h 45m, and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) offering a longer layover of about 4h 30m. These options allow you to tailor your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to suit your needs.

  • American Airlines: This established full-service airline provides both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $410 and $915. It represents around 44% of the flights on this route, featuring a typical in-flight duration of 19 hours and 45 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of approximately 22 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Qantas Airways: As a comprehensive full-service airline, Qantas offers one-stop flights with one-way fares ranging from $410 to $3710. It is responsible for about 20% of departures along this route, with an in-flight duration of 19 hours and 45 minutes and an overall journey time of roughly 22 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • United: This full-service carrier also provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $435 and $1550. United accounts for around 20% of departures on this route, featuring a flight time of 19 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of about 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layover periods.
  • Air Canada: Known for its full-service offerings, Air Canada features one-stop flights priced from $605 to $1380 for one-way tickets. Approximately 7% of departures on this route are managed by Air Canada, with a flight time of 19 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel duration of about 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • All Nippon Airways: This full-service airline provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $410 to $5230. All Nippon Airways accounts for roughly 6% of departures on this route, offering an in-flight time of 19 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of around 22 hours and 30 minutes, inclusive of layovers.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from Chicago to Sydney, with business class service available on All Nippon Airways and Qantas Airways for this route.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Sydney are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Sydney reach up to 73.4°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 61.2°F. For better deals, June usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $471. Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: June usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $471, roughly 47% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Sydney, with approximately 13 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January73.4°F (23.0°C)High10$1039
February72.7°F (22.6°C)High12$721
March70.9°F (21.6°C)High11$791
April66.4°F (19.1°C)Average9$553
May61.2°F (16.2°C)Average10$627
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Average9$471
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Average10$782
August57.2°F (14.0°C)Average13$684
September61.2°F (16.2°C)Low7$769
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Low9$1990
November67.6°F (19.8°C)Low8$1232
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Average10$1031

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD)

  • Chicago to Sydney (ORD-RSE): Located approximately 7 miles from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), Rose Bay Seaplane Base Airport (RSE) offers a unique travel option.
  • Chicago to Sydney (MDW-SYD): Midway International Airport (MDW) is about 16 miles distant from O'Hare International Airport (ORD), providing convenient access for travelers.
  • Chicago to Newcastle (ORD-NTL): Williamtown Airport (NTL) lies around 87 miles from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), serving as a gateway to the region.

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago to Sydney is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking at least two months in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. tend to be less expensive, while afternoon flights from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Friday often yields lower prices, although Saturday is the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Kingsford Smith International Airport from O'Hare International Airport

Sydney welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Sydney efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Sydney, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Kingsford Smith International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Kingsford Smith International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Kingsford Smith International Airport, International Airport Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Sydney Arncliffe Station, a train station, is approximately 1.2 miles away by car. Additionally, Sydney Seaport, a seaport, is situated around 6.7 miles from the airport by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $769 and cheap return flights from $1,295 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $721 and $11466, and return flights often range between $903 and $10323. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
February is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD), with average round-trip fares around $893. This is about 36% lower than the average price for the year, as February is typically less busy for travel. Other budget-friendly months include March and April.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
Enter ORD to SYD and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
Malaysia Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD) with a layover in Heathrow (LHR), starting from around $2340 for a round-trip ticket. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD) are in February and April. Return flights in February average around $893, which is a good price for this long-haul route. April also offers competitive fares, allowing you to enjoy Sydney's beautiful autumn weather while keeping your travel budget in check.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from ORD to SYD. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD) are in the late afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm. About 34% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines and Qantas, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to have a full day in Chicago before your long flight to Sydney.
How long does it take to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
Flying from ORD to SYD with a connection usually takes about 24 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 9,236 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the ORD to SYD route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • American Airlines
  • Korean Air
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • All Nippon Airways
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Etihad Airways
  • Japan Airlines
  • British Airways

First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Emirates
  • British Airways

How do I earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Sydney from O'Hare Intl. (ORD)?
From O'Hare Intl. (ORD), you can fly into Kingsford Smith Intl. (SYD) to reach Sydney. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Pearson Intl. (YYZ), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) before reaching Sydney. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) Sydney Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)?
If you booked your Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Sydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
O'Hare Intl.
Destination airport
Kingsford Smith Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Korean Air, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$1,295
Distance
9234 mi

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