Flights from Australia
There's no everyday non-stop service today, so most Australians connect once. Qantas's one-stop routing (e.g. Sydney–Auckland–New York JFK) totals roughly 20.5 hours of flying plus connection time. Other routings go via Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas or a Gulf/Asian hub. Total door-to-door time is usually around 22–26 hours from Sydney or Melbourne. A planned non-stop Sydney–New York service (~18+ hours) has been pushed to roughly late 2026/2027 — verify for your dates.
Visas & entry requirements
Australian passport holders normally travel under the US Visa Waiver Program and do NOT need a full visa for tourism up to 90 days. Instead you apply online for an ESTA, ideally well before departure (at least 72 hours ahead). You need a valid Australian e-passport and an onward/return ticket. An ESTA is typically valid two years. The fee has been around US$40, but fees and rules change — confirm at the official US CBP ESTA site (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) and check Smartraveller before booking. Only use the official government site.
Time difference
New York is well behind Australian eastern time. In September, Sydney/Melbourne are on AEST and New York is on Eastern Daylight Time, making New York about 14 hours behind Sydney. Expect a few days of jet lag; the eastbound trip tends to be the harder adjustment.
Best time to go
The US Open's timing (late Aug–mid-Sept) is a good window for NYC. Late August is warm and humid (daytime highs in the high 20s to low 30s C, with occasional thunderstorms), easing into pleasant late-summer conditions through September. Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection and a rain layer; book accommodation early.
Money & the Aussie dollar
The Australian dollar buys well under one US dollar. In mid-June 2026 the AUD was around US$0.70, so a US$100 ticket is about A$140 before card/FX fees. Tipping (commonly ~18–20%) and sales tax added at the register push real-world costs above listed prices. Use a low-FX-fee travel card and notify your bank of travel.
Getting around
Flushing Meadows is easy by public transport. The quickest cheap option is the subway 7 train to Mets–Willets Point, right by the tennis center (~25 minutes from Midtown for a standard fare). The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) runs to Mets–Willets Point from Penn Station and Grand Central, fast on busy days. Taxis/rideshares work but face heavy event-day traffic.
Visa, entry and on-sale details change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with official government and event sources before booking travel or tickets.
US Open Tennis tickets
52 priced events, from EUR 89. Shown in your currency at checkout.
US Open (tennis – Grand Slam) - New York City, NY
27 Aug 2026 · New York City, NY
Men’s / Women’s 1st Round: Session 1 – Grandstand Only
30 Aug 2026 · New York City, NY
Men’s / Women’s 1st Round: Session 2 – Arthur Ashe
30 Aug 2026 · New York City, NY
Men’s / Women’s 1st Round: Session 2 – Armstrong
30 Aug 2026 · New York City, NY
Men’s / Women’s 1st Round: Session 1 – Arthur Ashe
30 Aug 2026 · New York City, NY
Men’s / Women’s 1st Round: Session 1 – Armstrong
30 Aug 2026 · New York City, NY
New to buying these tickets? Read our how to buy US Open Tennis tickets guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I buy US Open tickets to be safe?
Through official channels: Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com/usopentennis), usopen.org, the on-site box office, or On Location for hospitality. For resale, use Ticketmaster Verified Resale. This avoids counterfeit tickets, a real risk on unofficial sites.
What's the difference between a Grounds Pass and a stadium ticket?
A Grounds Pass is general admission to the grounds and outer courts and gives access to Louis Armstrong and Grandstand general-admission areas, but does NOT include Arthur Ashe. Arthur Ashe, Louis Armstrong and Grandstand tickets are reserved seats in those courts (Arthur Ashe also includes grounds access).
Do day and night sessions need separate tickets?
Yes. Most days have a separate day and night session, each requiring its own ticket. Night sessions are pricier with fewer, higher-profile matches; early-round day sessions offer the most matches for the money.
When do tickets go on sale?
For 2026 the Amex presale ran May 26–27 and general on-sale opened May 28 — months before the August event. Buy early for the best selection and to beat resale price climbs, especially for night sessions and second-week matches.
Do Australians need a visa for the US Open?
Generally no full visa for tourism. Australians travel under the Visa Waiver Program and apply online for an ESTA (about US$40, valid roughly two years), needing a valid e-passport and onward/return ticket. Apply early via the official CBP site and confirm current rules on Smartraveller.
How long is the flight from Australia to New York?
Expect a long-haul trip with at least one connection. Qantas's one-stop Sydney–Auckland–New York routing is about 20.5 hours of flying plus connection; total journeys are commonly around 22–26 hours.
What's the time difference and weather like?
In September New York is about 14 hours behind Sydney/Melbourne, so plan for jet lag. Weather is warm late-summer — humid high-20s to low-30s C in late August, easing through September, with occasional thunderstorms.
How do I get to Flushing Meadows from Manhattan?
The easiest cheap option is the subway 7 train to Mets–Willets Point (about 25 minutes from Midtown). The LIRR from Penn Station or Grand Central is faster on busy days. Taxis/rideshares face heavy event-day traffic.
Sources
- 2026 US Open Tickets Guide — Ticketmaster Blog
- 2026 US Open Tennis Tickets — Ticketmaster (official partner)
- US Open Ticket Plans — usopen.org
- Official 2026 US Open Tennis Packages — On Location
- USA Travel Advice — Smartraveller (Australian Government)
- Getting to the National Tennis Center on public transit — MTA