Transit Desk

Crossing brief

How far is it from United States to Australia?

Distance
It is about 15,944 km (9,907 mi) from United States to Australia as the crow flies — roughly 21 h 46 min by non-stop flight.

Washington, D.C. to Canberra

United States Australia
Distance
15,944 km
In miles
9,907 mi
Flight time
21 h 46 min
Time change
14 h east

Distance is the great-circle distance between the capitals (Washington, D.C. and Canberra); flight time is an estimate for a non-stop route at cruising speed. Real schedules vary with routing, winds and connections.

This is a ultra-long-haul route: among the 59 countries we cover, Australia is the #58 closest to United States, making it one of the more distant destinations.

Crossing from United States to Australia

The practical differences you will notice on this specific trip.

Time on arrivalYou fly east and lose 14 h. On arrival your body clock reads 14 h behind local time — eastward trips take a little longer to adjust to.
PowerPack a plug adapter — Australia uses Type I sockets your United States plugs do not fit. Voltage changes from 120V to 230V, so check single-voltage devices.
Money1 USD = 1.452 AUD — exchange US Dollar for Australian Dollar before or on arrival.

Common questions

How far is United States from Australia?

About 15,944 km (9,907 miles) in a straight line between the two capitals.

How long is the flight from United States to Australia?

A non-stop flight takes roughly 21 h 46 min, though actual times depend on the exact airports and routing.

Will I be jet-lagged flying to Australia?

You fly east and lose 14 h. On arrival your body clock reads 14 h behind local time — eastward trips take a little longer to adjust to.

Updated July 2, 2026