CNS

$93 Find Cheap Flights to Cairns – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
$187
Typical prices: $263-$545
Jetstar
Wed 31/10Thu 1/11
BNE - CNS • Direct
Cheapest one-way flight
$93
Typical prices: $151-$371
Jetstar
Sun 21/10
BNE - CNS • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with Qantas Airways, Jetstar, and others. Average duration is 2h 13m.
FAQs
FAQs
Top airlines
Most flights • 139 per week
Best reviews • 9.5 score
Airline reviews
+1
Airline reviews
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 53% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 11 weeks in advance save around 25% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 15% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Cairns!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights to Cairns

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals to Cairns

Sat, 31 Oct - Sun, 1 Nov
Jetstar Logo
06:40 - 09:00BNE  Brisbane-CNS Cairns
2h 20mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:15CNS  Cairns-BNE Brisbane
2h 15mdirect
$187Jetstar
Sat, 31 Oct - Sun, 1 Nov
Jetstar Logo
06:40 - 09:00BNE  Brisbane-CNS Cairns
2h 20mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:15CNS  Cairns-BNE Brisbane
2h 15mdirect
$188Jetstar
Sat, 17 Oct - Wed, 21 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:00 - 08:30BNE  Brisbane-CNS Cairns
2h 30mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:00 - 08:15CNS  Cairns-BNE Brisbane
2h 15mdirect
$225Multiple Airlines
Thu, 5 Nov - Sun, 8 Nov
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:40 - 09:00BNE  Brisbane-CNS Cairns
2h 20mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:00 - 08:20CNS  Cairns-BNE Brisbane
2h 20mdirect
$225Multiple Airlines
Fri, 5 Feb - Sun, 14 Feb
Virgin Australia Logo
06:10 - 08:35BNE  Brisbane-CNS Cairns
2h 25mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
06:00 - 08:20CNS  Cairns-BNE Brisbane
2h 20mdirect
$246Virgin Australia
Mon, 8 Feb - Thu, 11 Feb
Virgin Australia Logo
14:15 - 16:40BNE  Brisbane-CNS Cairns
2h 25mdirect
Virgin Australia Logo
14:40 - 17:00CNS  Cairns-BNE Brisbane
2h 20mdirect
$256Virgin Australia
Thu, 29 Oct - Sun, 1 Nov
Rex Logo
18:00 - 19:05TSV  Townsville-CNS Cairns
1h 05mdirect
Rex Logo
08:05 - 09:05CNS  Cairns-TSV Townsville
1h 00mdirect
$345Rex
Sat, 14 Nov - Sun, 15 Nov
Rex Logo
08:00 - 09:05TSV  Townsville-CNS Cairns
1h 05mdirect
Rex Logo
16:10 - 17:10CNS  Cairns-TSV Townsville
1h 00mdirect
$351Rex
Sat, 31 Oct - Sun, 1 Nov
Qantas Airways Logo
06:05 - 08:30BNE  Brisbane-CNS Cairns
2h 25mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
06:00 - 08:20CNS  Cairns-BNE Brisbane
2h 20mdirect
$407Qantas Airways
Thu, 12 Nov - Sun, 15 Nov
Qantas Airways Logo
06:05 - 08:30BNE  Brisbane-CNS Cairns
2h 25mdirect
Qantas Airways Logo
06:00 - 08:20CNS  Cairns-BNE Brisbane
2h 20mdirect
$413Qantas Airways
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for Australia to Cairns flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from Australia to Cairns with more confidence.

What is the cheapest flight to Cairns?

Brisbane to Cairns is the cheapest route at $187 return, found in the past 5 days on KAYAK. KAYAK data shows this is also the most popular route.

How much is a flight to Cairns?

A return flight to Cairns costs $355 on average, based on data over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Return fares from Brisbane average $258, while Maroochydore runs a bit higher at $271.

What is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns?

Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns at $376 return on average over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Monday is the most expensive at $409.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

•January is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns with an average price of $303 return.
•July ($421) and June ($421) are the most expensive.
•Based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Cairns?

Evening flights to Cairns are the cheapest at $340 return on average. Night flights are the most expensive at $437.

What is a good deal for flights to Cairns?

Flights under $263 are considered a good deal. 25% of KAYAK users found return flights to Cairns at or below these prices, with the lowest fares from:
•Brisbane $211
•Maroochydore $219
•Coolangatta $228.

When are flights to Cairns the cheapest?

Flights to Cairns are cheapest 11 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 25% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for flights to Cairns

Low season

March

Cheapest flight

$93
Best time to beat the crowds (14% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (6% more expensive on average)
Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

When to book flights to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel to Cairns based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Flights to Cairns: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew to Cairns 
TimothyFlew with Jetstar-June 2026
Pack your own device, noise cancelling head phones, free water and a spine board to protect back from person behind,
AndrewFlew with Virgin Australia-June 2025
Save up and fly business. Sounds ridiculous,but if you are tall, it would be better.
Verified travelerFlew with Virgin Australia-Nov 2024
Bring a tablet, ear phones, charging cable and some snacks for when on the flight.

Your questions about flights to Cairns, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking questions.

  • I have someone picking me up, what are the parking options at Cairns Airport?

    There are three car parks servicing Cairns Airport: T1 Budget, T2 Domestic and T2 Covered. They vary in distance to the terminals, from about a 2min to 7min walk. If you are in need of parking at Cairns Airport, be sure to book online in advance to save up to 40% on costs.

  • What kind of facilities are there for those travelling with children at Cairns Airport?

    There are changing facilities and parenting rooms in both terminals, both before and after security. There are some baby supplies in the convenience shops of the airport, if needed, and any of the cafes or restaurants will happily assist with hot water for bottles. There is no play area; although, a trip to Lego Kaboom may be a fun way for older kids to burn off some energy and maybe find an activity for a long flight or drive.

  • How can you travel into Cairns from the airport?

    Cairns Airport is very close to downtown Cairns, situated only a 10-minute drive from the waterfront. To get there you can take the Airport Connect bus service, run by Sun Palm Transport; purchase tickets online or stop at the transport desk. The bus will take you to the Tobruk Pool bus stop where you can transfer to another service to take you across the city.

  • What shopping options are there at Cairns Airport?

    For those looking for shopping opportunities at Cairns Airport you can find a wide range of products in either terminal, whether it is duty-free technology from Tech2Go, beauty from MAC or souvenirs from Australian Made or Discover Dreamtime.

  • Which hotels are near to Cairns Airport?

    If your flight to Cairns is only for transit or you’re looking for a hotel convenient to the airport, there are a number of options very close by. You can find some luxury 4- or 5-star hotels along the waterfront, such as the Waterfront Suites with its picturesque views or the upmarket Shangri-La Hotel. For those on a budget, the Nomads Cairns Hostel is also nearby.

  • What are some of the dining options at Cairns Airport?

    If you need a bite to eat while you’re at the airport, you can find a number of dining options throughout the terminals. For those craving a good bar and grill, you’ll find the Great Northern Bar in Terminal 2, not far from Hungry Jacks. Otherwise, if you’re after a coffee or a quick bite to eat, track down one of the Grinders Coffee Carts.

  • What is the difference between the most popular and the most frequent airline at Cairns?

    Qantas Airways operates the most flights from Australia to Cairns at 139 per week, while Jetstar is the airline most often selected by KAYAK users searching for flights from Australia to Cairns. The two are often different because flight volume reflects an airline's schedule, while popularity reflects traveller choice.

  • How long are direct flights to Cairns from different departure cities?

    Direct flight time to Cairns varies depending on your departure city:

    • from Melbourne Airport: 3h 15m
    • from Sydney: 3h 00m
    • from Horn Island: 1h 45m
    • from Aurukun Mission: 1h 35m
    • from Mornington: 1h 45m

  • How many flights serve Cairns?

    Cairns receives 57 flights per day and 398 per week from across the world. Brisbane has the most flights to Cairns with 93 weekly flights.

  • How do I know if a flight to Cairns is a good deal?

    A good deal on a flight to Cairns is around $263 return. This fare is in the lowest 25% of return flight prices searched on KAYAK, averaged across the cities most often searched as origins by KAYAK users.

  • How expensive are last-minute flights to Cairns?

    Last-minute fares to Cairns – booked within 2 weeks of departure – run 21% above the average return fare of $355.

  • Which airlines should I consider for flights to Cairns?

Your guide to booking Cairns flights

From booking to airport arrival, find tips to help you plan your flight with more confidence.
  • For the best chance at a low fare to Cairns, aim to book around 11 weeks before you fly. That window historically saves about 25% versus last-minute pricing based on KAYAK booking data over the last 12 months.
  • For flights to Cairns, recent KAYAK data shows that stronger deals tend to be around $263 return. If you see a fare below that threshold, it's a good deal – book before the price climbs back up.
  • If you can choose when to go, aim to travel to Cairns in January. Return fares historically average $303 that month – typically the cheapest month to travel based on the last 12 months.
  • Before you book:

    • Check the route's typical price range so you can spot a deal.
    • Confirm baggage fees and seat selection costs on budget carriers.
    • Verify whether you need any travel documents beyond an ID.
    • Pick a departure airport, since your nearest may not be the cheapest origin.
  • Shift your departure to afternoon to save up to $97 per return. Afternoon flights to Cairns average $340 compared to $437 for evening flights. See the time-of-day chart above for the full breakdown.
  • Bag allowances vary by airline, fare type, cabin class, and route. On flights to Cairns, some airlines may include bags at no extra cost. For example, Jetstar includes a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class, Virgin Australia includes a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class, and Qantas Airways includes a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class. Always check the fare details before booking, since bag policies can change by ticket type.
  • Once you arrive in Cairns, a few great places to start are Cairns Convention Centre, Reef Hotel Casino, and Cairns Regional Gallery. These are popular with first-time visitors and can give you a good feel for the area.
  • If you are in need of any assistance, directions, advice or travel information once you’ve arrived at Cairns Airport (CNS), keep an eye out for staff in blue shirts. These are Airport Ambassadors, a team of volunteer staff who dedicate their time to assist those travelling into Cairns, to ensure they have a memorable time with tips from locals.
  • There is a good range of services for car hire at Cairns Airport, and KAYAK can help you find the deals. Once you’ve entered your preferred dates and hit the search button above, you can click ‘Cars’ from the menu on the left of the page to search for Cairns Airport car hire.
  • As a busy destination airport, serving as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and many surrounding cities, this small airport does get busy. You will find that if you are transiting through here on a weekend, you will have less fellow travellers to queue with.
  • There are two terminals in Cairns Airport: Terminal 1 serves the international routes and Terminal 2 the domestic travellers. If you are continuing your journey from Cairns Airport, the easiest way to get between the two terminals is to walk. It takes about 10 minutes and all you need to do is to follow the Green Line.
  • If you find yourself in transit at Cairns Airport, there are three premium passenger lounges. Terminal 1 has a passenger lounge run by Cathay Pacific, whereas Terminal 2 has lounges for Virgin Australia and Qantas not far from Gate 20. If you have a membership, these places are great spots to relax and enjoy complimentary tea and coffee.
  • Cairns Airport is a popular place to fly into for those travelling through the north of Queensland. It is one of the major gateways to the Great Barrier Reef and you can find many reef tours setting sail from the marina. For those looking to head to Port Douglass, this is only an hour away from Cairns Airport. You can either drive up the coast in a rental car (available from the airport) or catch the Queensland Rail link.
  • For those looking for additional assistance with their luggage, you can book a porterage service in advance through the airport website. There are also trolleys available in Terminals 1 and 3 for $3 each. Finally, for those only in Cairns for the day, you can store your luggage at the airport in the lockers located opposite the T2 car park service kiosk.
  • Are you getting picked up at the airport? You can direct your driver to the new standby zone between Terminals 1 and 2 on Gypsy Moth Drive, a safe and free waiting area where they can stop their car for up to 30 minutes to pick you up, instead of circling the airport as you pass through baggage collection.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to Cairns

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with to Cairns? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
9.5
RexOverall score based on 28 reviews
8.0Food
9.2Boarding
7.0Entertainment
8.7Comfort
9.6Crew
Airline reviews

Fantastic staff and plane Only issue was flying out from terminal 2 at Perth nothing was open to get food or drink, we were there 3 hours early with 2 kids and not prepared to not be able to purchase food or drinks. Having self check in and bag drop would be wonderful too, as we had to wait for staff to arrive to check in despite checking in online the day before . Nothing major but would have made a great trip fantastic!

10.0 ExcellentBec, July 2024
Read more Rex reviews

Fantastic staff and plane Only issue was flying out from terminal 2 at Perth nothing was open to get food or drink, we were there 3 hours early with 2 kids and not prepared to not be able to purchase food or drinks. Having self check in and bag drop would be wonderful too, as we had to wait for staff to arrive to check in despite checking in online the day before . Nothing major but would have made a great trip fantastic!

Enjoyed the comfort of the seats, slight delay to departure time but prompt takeoff and landing.

It asks about entertainment tho it’s not applicable. 10/10 for Rex 👌🏻

Not sure how to answer on the entertainment as there wasn’t any.. Comfort, I wasn’t comfortable as I was on the window side and a morbidly obese man sat in the middle and eased out into my space. I had sciatica so I wasn’t able to move much to get comfortable. Food wise I have a wheat allergy and asked if there was a gluten free option and was given a Byron bay cookie which was lovely tho it wasn’t wheat free. Not to worry. I wasn’t expecting there to be any appropriate snacks for me anyhow. The staff were very generous with the snacks and their concern for the passengers. The staff were amazing tho. Truly amazing ! One of the staff must have noticed my discomfort and helped me out to stand in the back of the plane to stretch which I really appreciated. I would fly with REX again without hesitation. Thank you very much. It was my first flight with you and I look forward to my return flight home on Tuesday. Best wishes to your company 👌🏻

All good, was a one hour flight so no food or entertainment which was expected

Rex is an underrated airline. Its my first time flying them and they were fantastic. the only things that annoyed me about my flight were things other passengers did so it was nothing i or REX could change

Really enjoyed flying with Rex the boarding and booking baggage on was easier than most. I will beat using Rex next time.

On time and a quick flight and staff vert good

New aircraft and flight was running on time, but adverse weather conditions meant we were unable to land on the first two approaches. Third attempt resulted in a very smooth and safe landing.

Very good it will be my choice of airline while in Australia.

Very friendly staff. No food service and no entertainment. Only 1hr 20min flight

I bought flights in August and there wasn’t a flight in the system

Our 6.30am flight was boarded then cancelled to fly at 10.55am . We were flying to Brisbane to attend a funeral at 12 noon an hour away . This means missing the funeral due to unreliability of Virgin . Unimpressed !!

Virgin has always provided a smooth and comfortable flight. This one was no different. Seats are comfortable. Staff are great. This is my favourite airline.

Virgin changed the flight to an Alliance flight. Smaller plane, tea coffee and water the only refreshments available and not sure what happened to the extra money I paid to sit in a selected seat with extra leg room. This is obviously a regular switch as it happened on our flight there and back. Do not recommend.

Cramped, crowded flight, with no complimentary food except coffee, tea, or water.

Check-in was good and efficient, Boarding was quick and easy. Didn't like the entertainment side of things requiring your phone to connect for a screen, my eyes are bad enough to use my phone more than I already do. Trip was comfortable and baggage claim was good. If coffee and tea were free, then why not a soda or juice as well, its not like its an alcoholic drink.

On time, lovely crew, economy-X seating worth the $ for the legroom. In flight entertainment not working, but I wasn’t going to use it anyway. Never had a bad Virgin experience.

Small twin prop plane. Basic flight. Food was half a chicken & pesto sandwich. As the flight departed after 12pm alcohol was available. No on board entertainment. No wifi services.

I liked the refreshments as the flight was short and the free WiFi. The seats were comfortable.

I never flew with alliance. Kayak is a joke and none of the flights or times were correct. Won’t ever use kayak again

My experience was great overall. Tanya was particularly friendly and helpful the entire trip. I was very pleased with her customer service skills. The plane was an older aircraft but the entire way was comfortable with barely any turbulence at all. Qantas should speed up its fleet renovation. Totally recommend using this airline.

Flight was canceled. I was not alerted. It was only kayak that alerted me

I love flying with Qantas. There was no onscreen entertaining on this flight, and only a snack provided (not a meal) but still better than Jetstar or Virgin (in my opinion) so still happy.

Wheelchair assistance to move through the terminals and to/from the plane door was excellent. No vegan snack on the flight, only something with salami and cheese in it.

Boarding was over 3 hrs late and we didn’t land until almost 1:30am

It’s a very long flight and there are so many people on board. Perhaps a warm washcloth now and then to freshen up

I really appreciated the fact that when I checked my bags at the Quantas counter after arriving from an international flight an hour early, the agent noticed I had a very long layover. He then found an earlier flight that allowed me to get to Cairns several hours earlier than I planned. That was amazing because I had already traveled over 20 hours and wasn’t looking forward to such a long layover. It allowed me to see my daughter and grandchildren much earlier (it had been two years since I visited last).

Knees in back from passenger behind, limited seat pockets, no entertainment.

Great. Seats are a little cramped with only a very small recline. Service was great. Food was fine.

Flight was fine with boarding starting a few minutes early. Not a fan of the crew pushing political messaging regarding indigenous naming of Brisbane city… really pushed it like I haven’t heard on Jetstar before.

Flight was delayed both directions but once in the air was ok. Boarding out of Melbourne is just a mess.

Delayed twice. Poor communication and people made to change gates too often.

Excellent help with Wife needing disability access at Brisbane airport

Flight was delayed more than 1.5 hours. Gate changed multiple times

The good thing is that the flight got us from Darwin to Brisbane. However, it would have to be the most uncomfortable flight I have ever taken and if I can possibly avoid flying Jetstar again, I will.

My Dad needed assistance to board the plane. The Jetstar staff were excellent with him and made the experience a lot easier😁

Plane was late leaving darwin so we didn’t get home till 1130pm 2nd time in a fortnight that has happened. Hard when you have to work the next day

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