Cheap flights from Sydney (SYD) to Beijing (PKX)

Sydney to Beijing puts you within reach of the Forbidden City, the Great Wall's closest sections at Badaling and Mutianyu, and a food scene that ranges from Peking duck banquets to late-night hutong noodle stalls. Since December 2024, it's also one of the newer direct options between Australia and northern China, landing at the capital's newer southern gateway rather than the older downtown airport.

Which airlines fly direct from Sydney to Beijing

One airline currently flies nonstop into Beijing Daxing:

• China Southern Airlines – operates a direct Airbus A330 service several times a week, the first and so far only nonstop link between Australia and Daxing Airport.

If you don't mind a stopover, China Eastern, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines also sell connecting itineraries into Beijing, some via their home hubs and some via Guangzhou or Shanghai.

Flight time from Sydney to Beijing

Flying nonstop, the trip takes around 14 hours and 30 minutes – one of the more comfortable long-haul options from Australia into northern Asia.

Average price of flights between Sydney and Beijing

Fares typically start from around on the direct service, with prices climbing around Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week holiday, when domestic Chinese travel demand spikes alongside international fares.

Cheapest time to fly to Beijing

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October, outside Golden Week) are both the most comfortable weather-wise and generally kinder on fares than the freezing winter or the peak summer and holiday periods.

Where is the airport in Beijing?

The direct flight lands at Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), about 46km south of the city centre – noticeably further out than Beijing's older Capital Airport (PEK). The Daxing Airport Express train covers the distance to the city in around 19 minutes, making it one of the faster airport rail links anywhere in the world.

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Beijing

China currently allows Australian passport holders to enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, for tourism, business, family visits or transit, under a unilateral policy that's set to run through 31 December 2026. Your passport needs at least six months' validity from your arrival date. Given the policy has an end date, it's worth double-checking it's still active before you book travel later in 2026 or beyond.

Time difference between Sydney and Beijing

Beijing sits three hours behind Sydney standard time, widening to four hours behind while Sydney runs on daylight saving.

Our tips for getting the best price on flights

• Book 4–8 weeks ahead on the direct service to secure the better fare classes.
• Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week if you can – both push fares and hotel prices up sharply.
• Compare direct against one-stop options – a connecting flight via Guangzhou or Shanghai can sometimes undercut the nonstop fare.
• Set a Price Alert on Traveloka to track fares automatically.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking?

• Compare direct and connecting options side by side in one search.
• Easy Reschedule – helpful given China's visa-free window is time-limited.
• Secure AUD payment – book in Australian dollars, no hidden conversion costs.

From the Great Wall to the hutongs of the old city, Beijing packs a lot into one trip. Compare fares on the direct Sydney–Daxing service, or a connecting alternative, on Traveloka before you book.