Sydney, Australia → Los Angeles, United States · ✈ 15h 36min · 🚗 196h 12min
6,519 nautical miles · Time difference: -18h behind · Direction: northwest
The distance from Sydney to Los Angeles is 12,074 km (7,502 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 15h 36min.
The straight-line distance from Sydney, Australia to Los Angeles, United States is approximately 12,074 kilometers (7,502 miles or 6,519 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Los Angeles is located northwest of Sydney. Sydney is in Oceania, in the New South Wales region of Australia, while Los Angeles is in North America, in West Coast, United States. This intercontinental route spans from Oceania to North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 12,074 km | ~15h 36min | Best option for speed |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Sydney to Los Angeles. For 12,074 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Sydney is a major city in Australia with a population of approximately 5,312,163. Located in the New South Wales region, it is an important hub in Oceania. As one of the largest cities in Australia, Sydney is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Sydney
Los Angeles is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 3,979,576. Situated in the West Coast region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Los Angeles offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in United States.
→ See all distances from Los Angeles
At 12,074 km, this is one of the longer routes on the globe, spanning from Oceania to North America. For comparison, London to Sydney is about 17,000 km — roughly half the circumference of the Earth.
At 12,074 km, Sydney to Los Angeles is one of the world's longer routes, covering 30.1% of Earth's circumference (40,075 km).
This route crosses from Oceania to North America, spanning 18 timezones.
This 12,074 km journey from Oceania to North America is one of the world's longer routes. At this distance, jet lag becomes a significant factor — plan for at least one recovery day per 3 time zones crossed.
See how the Sydney to Los Angeles distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Sydney to Los Angeles is approximately 12,074 kilometers (7,502 miles, 6,519 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 15h 36min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 196h 12min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Los Angeles is approximately -18h behind compared to Sydney.
The estimated road distance is approximately 15,696 km, which is about 30% longer than the 12,074 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.