Travelling from Perth to Sydney
The gateway to New South Wales’ spectacular coastline, Sydney is just a short drive from Australia's most iconic beaches. Journey across the Nullarbor on your next adventure when you book flights from Perth to Sydney with Virgin Australia.
Ready to explore? Book Perth to Sydney flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to the harbour city.
Arriving at Sydney Airport
The distance is approximately 8 kilometres from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD. The most value friendly and by far easiest commute option to central Sydney is the Airport Link train, a 13-minute journey. For Airport Link train you can either purchase an Opal Card at the station (handy to have for the rest of your time in Sydney), or tap on with your Visa, Amex or Mastercard.
Other options include taxi, rideshare, and rental car.
You will arrive into Terminal 2 (T2) at Sydney Airport, from there make your way outside the terminal to the various transport services.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Sydney City)
- Taxi and rideshare: 25-45mins – approx. $55
- Airport Link Train: 13mins – approx. $18
Read more in our Sydney Airport Guide.
Departing from Perth Airport
Located under 14 kilometres from Perth CBD, Perth Airport’s easiest and best value commute is Airport Shuttle Perth, running 24 hours, 7 days a week. Pre-book the service prior with Airport Shuttle Service.
Alternatively use the public transport Transperth with its many connections from Perth City; commute to Perth Airport via taxi or rideshare; or self-drive and utilise the airport parking.
In non-peak time the drive is approximately 25-35minutes from Perth CBD, however it’s always best to allow extra time in peak hour to commute to Perth Airport.
Virgin Australia operates from both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Perth Domestic Airport for the flight from Perth to Sydney. Check your itinerary for details.
What time do you need to arrive at Perth Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee or snack on your way to the departure gate, without feeling frazzled.
Read more in our Perth Airport Guide.
Sydney Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have one full day to explore Sydney? Here’s our handy guide so you can fit in as many attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am – Breakfast by the Harbour
After a refreshing sleep after your flight from Perth the day prior you’re ready to explore Sydney. It’s time for a caffeine fix and breakfast at Deckhouse Café, located on the foreshore of Woolwich Dock overlooking majestic Sydney Harbour.
9.30am – Conquer the BridgeClimb
Time for your first adventure of the day, you’re booked on the 10am, 90-minute BridgeClimb, for the most impressive aerial views of Sydney.
11.30am – A wander through The Rocks
Next up is a walk around the cobblestone streets in The Rocks area. If visiting on the weekend don’t miss The Rocks Markets, otherwise explore one of the many galleries such as the pop-art ‘Pop on the Rocks’, the high street luxury and emerging designer shops, or the unique homeware shops.
12.30pm – Iconic ferries and food in Manly
Time to hop on the ferry at Circular Quay across to beachside Manly, for a spot of lunch. Option A is Fish Café for tasty seafood fare, this café/restaurant also offers delicious gluten-free and vegan friendly meals, Option B is The Pantry Manly – once the famous ‘Beach House’ built in 1919, this restaurant showcases a menu based on fresh, seasonal produce.
3pm – A spot of shopping in Newtown
You will be very tempted to kick on in Manly, but there’s more on today’s to-do list. Shopping is next on the itinerary and you’ll be truly spoilt in Sydney. You’re off to the hip inner west hub of Newtown, a 20-minute (or so) drive away. Explore the vintage shops, book stores, and unique fashion labels along King Street.
4pm – Meandering the MCA
Back to the historic Rocks area, your next stop is the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), Sydney’s contemporary art venue home to changing exhibitions and incredible permanent collections.
5pm – Showtime at the theatre
One thing Sydney is known for is its incredible Shows and Musicals. Catch the latest at Sydney Lyric Theatre in Pyrmont, or at Capitol Theatre in the City.
8pm – Harbourside dining at Aria
It’s wine n dine time, and tonight you’re booked for a culinary experience at Aria, Matt Moran’s restaurant at its scenic harbourside location.
11pm – Maybe a nightcap?
The last stop for the day – we’re back to The Rocks for a nightcap at Maybe Sammy – an award-winning old-school Las Vegas themed cocktail bar. Envelop yourself in this wallpaper lined, 50s style bar, and reminisce on the perfect day you just experienced in Sydney.
Where to stay in Sydney?
Sydney offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets, throughout the city, inner-city suburbs, and further afield.
Sydney CBD
Always bustling, Sydney CBD is a handy area to stay in with key attractions around and close by, including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Taronga Zoo, plus world class art galleries and museums. Choose to stay in Circular Quay, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, or Barangaroo for a quieter scene.
Sydney's Inner West
For an artsy bohemian vibe we recommend a stay in Sydney’s inner west. You’ll love Newtown - a neighbourhood that relishes theatre, music, food, and design; or music-centric Enmore – home to the iconic Enmore Theatre.
Sydney's Eastern Beaches
For a beach stay, we recommend Sydney’s Eastern Beaches. Bondi needs no introduction, it's the famous beach suburb that features youth fashion, hipster food, and incredible ocean views. Stay in Watson Bay - a more affluent beach area; or in Coogee – home to backpackers and a fun surfer vibe.
Sydney's Inner East
If you love to stay amongst cafés, galleries and vintage shops, opt for Sydney’s Inner East. Surry Hills offers everything from coffee joints to bars, Potts Point for its wine bars and stunning art deco architecture, and Sydney’s famous neighbourhood Paddington for its designer boutiques and iconic terrace homes.
Sydney's North Shore
For an upscale beach scene, stay on Sydney’s North Shore at either Milsons Point for stunning harbour views and Luna Park, Mosman - the hot-property spot also home to famous Taronga Zoo, or Balmoral Beach - great for the active-types with the nearby bushwalks and water sports.
Sydney's Northern Beaches
Each of Sydney’s Northern Beaches has their own style. Stay in Manly, a scenic ferry ride away from the City, if you don’t mind a Sunday session and casual surf vibe; Newport for its friendly neighbourhood beach feel; and 40 kilometres out of Sydney to Palm Beach for those wanting a beach escape outside of the City.
South Sydney
In Sydney’s South - Rosebery is a hot-spot area, with its industrial vibe full of designer warehouses, yoga studios and hip foodie scene (including a gin distillery) – ideal for young families and millennials. Alternatively stay in Cronulla (fondly called ‘The Shire’) if surfing, footy and fishing is more your thing.
When to visit Sydney?
Sydney is an electric destination to visit year-round, with a full event calendar, and so much to see and do. Sydney hosts an array of key events that draws visitors, including Vivid Sydney’s Festival of Light (August), Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (March), Sydney Royal Easter Show (April), and Sydney Comedy Festival (April/May).
Peak Season
The most popular time for Perth locals to visit Sydney is the Summer months (December to February), as Sydney is alive with events, festivals, sport, and musicals.
Low Season
Alternatively, book your flight from Perth to Sydney for Autumn (March to May) when it’s less crowded, and you’ll also bound to find a great value airfare too. Compared to Perth you may find the Winter months in Sydney (June to August) milder. September is also a great time to visit, nab a sharp airfare and enjoy a stunning Spring in Sydney.
What to pack for your trip to Sydney?
Sydney is generally warm year-round, with some cooler temperatures throughout the shoulder seasons, and during winter you may find it a little milder than in Perth. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a day bag for your urban adventures, a jacket, and smart shoes for nights out.
Must Packs
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- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
- Autumn: a light jacket
- Winter: jeans, boots, long-sleeved tops, medium-weight jacket
- Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings
Frequently asked questions
The average time for your flight from Perth to Sydney is 4 hours and 10 minutes direct, some flights involve a stopover.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
You will travel over 3,280 kilometres on your flight with Virgin Australia from Perth to Sydney.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 4 times a day direct from Perth to Sydney, and an additional 19 flights that include a stopover. Virgin Australia operate regularly scheduled flights from 5.45am to 11.45pm, the latter often referred to as the ‘red-eye’.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Perth to Sydney route. More information on our fleet here.