How long does it take to fly to the USA?
The United States is a popular destination for Australian travellers. The fastest non-stop flight to the USA operates from Sydney to Los Angeles in under 14h. This is a great choice as Los Angeles is the major hub on the west coast of the US, with frequent flights to other American cities and a wide choice of domestic airlines. In general, flights from the east coast of Australia to the west coast of the United States are faster. However, flights can take up to 40h depending on your departure city, destination, airline and transit time. For example, flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to LAX take up to 39h due to long stopovers. If you are travelling from Perth, you can get to Los Angeles or San Francisco in around 30h on Qatar Airways. Travellers planning a trip to the east coast of the US can connect via Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Can you get direct flights to the United States from Australia?
Passengers departing from Sydney can find direct flights to the United States through momondo. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer direct flights from Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) in less than 14h. Depending on where you’re departing from and your destination within the US, there are also several flights with just one stop. Passengers leaving from Melbourne Airport (MEL), Adelaide Airport (ADE) and Brisbane Airport (BNE) can fly with Singapore Airlines to LAX, with a stopover at Changi Airport (SIN). However, if you’re departing from any other Australian city, you could save time by taking an interstate flight to Sydney and flying direct to the US. From Perth, United States flights on Qatar Airways have a stopover in Doha and arrive in Dallas Forth Worth. If your destination is Hawaii, flights to the United States depart from Sydney and arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu with one stop at Tokyo Haneda (HND).
What is the best way to travel around the United States?
The United States is the fourth-largest country in the world, and there are plenty of transportation options to get around. If you’re short on time or travelling long distances, it's best to book a flight. The extensive domestic air system has plenty of airports. You can travel from the east coast to the west within 5h and from north to south in under 3h. Driving your own vehicle is the most convenient way to travel around the United States and allows plenty of flexibility on your trip. If you have lots of time, hiring a car is a unique way to experience the diverse natural landscapes and small towns across the country. The Pacific Coast Highway and historic Route 66 are among the most popular road trips. While some major cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco offer excellent rail services, you will probably need a car to get around urban centres. Rideshares are a convenient way to get around a city too. There are some high-speed rail services from Washington to New Orleans, and Boston to Chicago, and coast-to-coast train services between Jacksonville and Los Angeles.
Does an Australian citizen need a passport or visa to fly to the United States?
All Australian citizens must present a passport that is valid for at least six months on arrival. Under the Visa Waiver Program, Australian citizens don't need a visa to enter the United States if they plan to stay for less than 90 days. But, Australians are required to get travel authorization before travelling to the US. You can make an application online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).