How to find cheap flights from Colombia to Australia

Traveling from Colombia to Australia is no easy task... or a cheap one! The distance, lack of direct flights, and the need for multiple layovers make the trip quite complicated. On top of that, since the pandemic, some routes that were previously more direct have become longer. For example, the Bogotá–Santiago–Australia route, which used to be one of the most efficient, now often includes an additional stop in New Zealand.

But don’t worry — in this article I’ll share key strategies to help you find cheaper flights and plan your trip without overspending. Australia is waiting for you!

First things first: How important is your Visa?

Before searching for flights, you need to be clear on what visa you have — or can obtain in time — because that will determine which routes are available to you. For example:

• U.S. visa: Required if your flight connects through the United States.

• Transit visa for Europe: In some European countries like the UK, you may need a transit visa, even if you don’t leave the airport.

• New Zealand visa: If you have a layover there, you might need an electronic visa depending on your nationality.

You can check which countries require visas for your nationality at VisaIndex.com. Note that some countries require a transit visa even if you’re only passing through the airport. It's best to check official immigration websites for the most up-to-date visa requirements.

Common routes from Colombia to Australia

Here are the most common flight paths from Latin America to Australia and what to consider for each:

1. Via the United States (requires a U.S. visa)

Typical route: Bogotá – Miami / Dallas / San Francisco – Los Angeles – Sydney or Melbourne.

• Airlines: American Airlines, Qantas, Delta, United.

• Tip: If you book a full itinerary from Bogotá to Australia (even with different airlines), you’re more protected. If there are delays or missed connections, the airline will rebook you at no extra cost.

2. Via Chile and New Zealand

Route: Bogotá – Santiago – Auckland – Australia.

Airlines: LATAM, Qantas, Air New Zealand.

This is the most direct route operated by LATAM, but it's also one of the most expensive.

3. Via Europe and the Middle East

Route: Bogotá – Madrid / London – Doha / Dubai – Australia.

Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways.

This can be cheaper than the Chile route, but the journey is longer — sometimes over 30 hours.

4. Via Asia

Route: Bogotá – an Asian city (Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok) – Australia.

Airlines: ANA, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, etc.

Not the most popular option, but sometimes you can find great deals.

Flexibility is your best friend

If you don’t have fixed dates for your trip, you’ll have more chances to find lower prices. Some tips:

• Use “whole month” search options on Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak to compare fares.

• Avoid traveling during Australia’s high season (December to February).

• Cheapest seasons: April to June, and August to November.

Luggage, layovers, and comfort

Price isn’t everything. Consider these other factors:

• Check if luggage is included. Sometimes a cheap ticket becomes expensive if they charge for your bag.

• Fewer layovers = less stress. If it’s your first long-haul trip or you’re unfamiliar with international airports, choose more direct routes.

• Pay attention to layover durations. Too short and you risk missing your flight; too long and it can be exhausting.

Round-trip or One-way ticket?

• Sometimes round-trip tickets are cheaper than one-way tickets.

• But if you're staying long-term (for work, study, etc.) or don’t know your return date, it may be best to buy a one-way ticket and book your return later.

When should you buy your ticket?

• Ideally, book your flight 3 to 6 months in advance.

• Important: Don’t buy your ticket until your visa is approved.

• Avoid buying during peak booking times (e.g., weekends, Christmas, or Easter), unless you have no other choice.

Beware of getting separate tickets

If you buy separate tickets (e.g., Bogotá–Miami and then Miami–Sydney), make sure to allow enough time between flights. If your first flight is delayed, the second airline isn’t responsible because it’s not part of the same itinerary.

Final thoughts

Traveling from Colombia to Australia may seem complicated, but with good planning, it’s totally possible to find affordable flights. Make sure to check visa requirements based on your route, compare different itineraries, and use flexible date search tools to find the best deals.