Distance and flight time from Sydney to Los Angeles
The great-circle distance between Sydney and Los Angeles is 12,061 km (7,494 mi, 6,512 nautical miles). By private jet the flight takes between 15h 59m and 32h 35m block time depending on the aircraft class. For most travellers a heavy jet fits: it covers the route with one fuel stop in about 16h 49m.
- Light jet: 23h 30m (with 4 fuel stops)
- Midsize jet: 20h 49m (with 3 fuel stops)
- Super midsize jet: 18h 30m (with 2 fuel stops)
- Heavy jet: 16h 49m (with one fuel stop)
- Ultra long range jet: 15h 59m (with one fuel stop)
Book a private jet from Sydney to Los Angeles
There are no empty legs on Sydney – Los Angeles right now. For a private flight we collect firm quotes from vetted operators: the route, date and number of passengers are all we need. A one-way charter in a heavy jet costs roughly €192,300 to €374,000 for the whole aircraft, regardless of how many passengers fly.
Range and fuel stops
Not every jet can fly every route nonstop. With reserves, light jets reach about 2,800 km, super midsize jets around 5,500 km and ultra long range jets more than 11,000 km. If the destination is further away, the operator plans a fuel stop of roughly 45 minutes.
For transatlantic flights or routes to Asia the larger class often pays off: it costs more per hour but saves stops and therefore time.
- Turboprop / PC-12: up to approx. 2,200–2,800 km
- Light jet: up to approx. 2,800 km
- Midsize jet: up to approx. 3,700 km
- Super midsize jet: up to approx. 5,500 km
- Heavy jet: up to approx. 7,000 km
- Ultra long range: 11,000 km and more
Calculating the distance between airports
We calculate distance as the great-circle distance (the shortest path over the globe) and also show it in nautical miles, the standard unit in aviation. Because aircraft follow airways and approach procedures, the distance actually flown is slightly longer; the flight time already includes this.
How we calculate
- Distance: great-circle calculation from both airports’ coordinates, plus 5% for airways and approach procedures.
- Flight time: distance flown divided by the class’s typical cruise speed, plus 15 minutes for climb and descent and 10 minutes of taxi per take-off and landing.
- Fuel stops: added once the route exceeds practical range with reserves, 45 minutes on the ground per stop.
- Wind is not included. Strong headwinds (typically westbound across the Atlantic) can add 10–15% to flight time; tailwinds shorten it.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Sydney to Los Angeles?
The great-circle distance is 12,061 km (7,494 mi) or 6,512 nautical miles. The distance flown is about 5% longer because of airways.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Los Angeles?
By private jet about 16h 49m in a heavy jet and 15h 59m in the fastest jet (an ultra-long-range jet). A typical airliner flying nonstop takes about 15h 55m gate to gate. Wind and air traffic control can change this by a few minutes.
Can a light jet fly Sydney – Los Angeles nonstop?
No, a light jet would need 4 fuel stops and about 23h 30m in total. Nonstop flights start with a heavy jet (16h 49m).
How much is a private jet from Sydney to Los Angeles?
A one-way charter in a heavy jet costs roughly €192,300 to €374,000 for the whole aircraft. Empty legs are often much cheaper.