BNE - CNS

$96 Find Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns departing on 16/7. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Cairns

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Brisbane to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Brisbane to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Everything you should know

Cheapest return fare
$165
Typical prices: $194-$328
Jetstar
Sat 15/8Sun 16/8
BNE - CNS • Direct
Cheapest one-way flight
$96
Typical prices: $139-$290
Jetstar
Thu 16/7
BNE - CNS • Direct
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $165 (return)
Best reviews • 7.6 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Direct flights
You can fly direct with Jetstar, Qantas Airways, and Virgin Australia. Average duration is 2h 29m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 91% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 36% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 19% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Cairns!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns (BNE-CNS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Brisbane to Cairns that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Brisbane to Cairns

Sat, 15 Aug - Sun, 16 Aug
Jetstar Logo
18:35 - 21:00
BNE
-
CNS
2h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$165Jetstar
Tue, 11 Aug - Sun, 16 Aug
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:30
BNE
-
CNS
2h 30mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$168Jetstar
Sat, 15 Aug - Sun, 16 Aug
Jetstar Logo
18:35 - 21:00
BNE
-
CNS
2h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$170Jetstar
Sat, 15 Aug - Sun, 16 Aug
Jetstar Logo
18:35 - 21:00
BNE
-
CNS
2h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$171Jetstar
Sat, 15 Aug - Sun, 16 Aug
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:30
BNE
-
CNS
2h 30mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$173Jetstar
Sat, 15 Aug - Sun, 16 Aug
Jetstar Logo
18:35 - 21:00
BNE
-
CNS
2h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$174Jetstar
Sat, 8 Aug - Sat, 15 Aug
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:30
BNE
-
CNS
2h 30mdirect
Jetstar Logo
09:10 - 11:20
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$175Jetstar
Sat, 25 Jul - Sat, 1 Aug
Jetstar Logo
18:35 - 21:00
BNE
-
CNS
2h 25mdirect
Jetstar Logo
15:35 - 17:45
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$177Jetstar
Tue, 18 Aug - Sat, 22 Aug
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:30
BNE
-
CNS
2h 30mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$178Jetstar
Thu, 23 Jul - Thu, 30 Jul
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:30
BNE
-
CNS
2h 30mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:00 - 08:10
CNS
-
BNE
2h 10mdirect
$180Jetstar
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Brisbane to Cairns flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Brisbane to Cairns to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a return flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

This analysis is based on the cheapest return trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns departing in August.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Brisbane to Cairns?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Brisbane to Cairns clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Cairns on a Thursday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Monday is the most expensive day to fly from Brisbane to Cairns. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Thursday and avoiding Mondays for the best deals.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Brisbane to Cairns?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Brisbane to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Brisbane to Cairns is January, where tickets cost $199 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $336 and $278 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Brisbane to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Brisbane to Cairns, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 36% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 5 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$96
Best time to beat the crowds (6% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 2% lower on average.
Flight from Brisbane to Cairns

When to book flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Brisbane to Cairns based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Brisbane to Cairns

  • Is there anything to eat at Cairns Airport?

    If you’re looking for a bite to eat after your flight, you can find something to suit you in the Domestic Terminal of the Cairns Airport. Hudsons Coffee can offer you a quick pastry and a shot of caffeine to keep you going, or there’s the Macchinetta Coffee just outside the terminal where you can sit down in the fresh air.

  • How do I get from Cairns Airport to Cairns?

    There aren’t any public transport options available to take you from the Cairns Airport into the city centre. There are a few private shuttle and bus companies that offer shared services to your destination of choice, including Excellence Coaches or Cairns Bus Charters. Many visitors to Cairns use the CairnsTaxi from the taxi ranks directly outside the Domestic Terminal. It takes about 10 minutes to get to downtown Cairns.

  • What parking is available at the Brisbane Airport?

    If you need to leave your car somewhere during your flight from Brisbane to Cairns, Brisbane Airport has several different parking options available to suit all kinds of travellers. Premium long-term parking can be found directly outside the Domestic Terminal on Level 3, next to the skywalk. Budget-friendly travellers can choose between open or undercover parking with AIRPARK, who also offer a shuttle service from the carparks to the terminal.

  • Is there anywhere I can relax before my flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Brisbane Airport offers many opportunities to relax before your flight. If you enjoy shopping, you can use the free shuttle to head over to the Skygate Mall where you can find a range of shopping and eateries, or just relax at the Anton & Blair hair salon. Massage and acupuncture are also available there at the Chi Link spa.

  • Where can I store my luggage at Cairns or Brisbane Airport?

    If you need to store some luggage during your stay in Cairns, you can find self-service storage lockers at the Cairns Airport undercover, near the Terminal 2 Carpark. Storage for oversized items is also available. If you prefer to leave your luggage at the Brisbane Airport, storage is available outside the Virgin and Qantas areas of the Domestic Terminal.

  • What kind of food is served on flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    The flight from Brisbane to Cairns is quite short, usually around 2h 30min. For most airlines, this means the food offered will be light meals and snacks like sandwiches, small pies or sausage rolls (served hot) and bakery items like croissants and muffins. Note that on most airlines operating this route, food costs extra, while water, tea and coffee are usually complimentary.

  • Do any major airlines operate flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Qantas does offer flights from Brisbane to Cairns. However, these are sometimes connecting flights with a stopover in Townsville. They do offer a few direct flights, and these are often the flights with the smallest carbon footprint.

  • How can I book special assistance on this route?

    Book special assistance at least 48 hours in advance through your airline. Most airlines can take bookings over the phone or online. Qantas asks passengers who need a wheelchair to book through their Wheelchair Assistance Request online.

  • Where is the car hire centre at Cairns Airport?

    If you're planning on hiring a car in Cairns, it can be convenient to pick it up at the airport. There are car hire counters in both terminals in the arrivals area. A couple of available companies include Avis and Budget, and they have desks in both terminals.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns was $96 for a one-way ticket and $165 for a return.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Brisbane airport is called Brisbane and the only airport in Cairns is Cairns.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Brisbane to Cairns?

    The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Brisbane to Cairns flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    oneworld is the only airline alliance operating flights between Brisbane and Cairns.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Brisbane to Cairns?

    There are direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Brisbane to Cairns, Virgin Australia or Qantas Airways?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Brisbane to Cairns are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways. With an average price for the route of $263 and an overall rating of 7.6, Virgin Australia is the most popular choice. Qantas Airways is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $403 and an overall rating of 7.5.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Brisbane to Cairns.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Brisbane to Cairns?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Brisbane is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Cairns with an airline and back to Brisbane with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Cairns from Brisbane up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Brisbane to Cairns

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $147 or less one-way and $222 or less round-trip.
  • Direct flights regularly fly from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Cairns Airport (CNS). You can find direct flights to suit your needs from local airline services including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Tigerair.
  • Rental car companies are available in the Arrivals Area, in the northern end of the Domestic Terminal at Cairns Airport. The pickup and drop off location for rental cars is across the road from the terminal in the parking building.
  • Brisbane Airport is made up of two terminals—the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. If you need to move between these terminals, it’s a short walk or you can take advantage of the free-to-use AirTrain.
  • Virgin Australia or Qantas fliers can take advantage of the airline lounges in the Domestic Terminal of the Brisbane Airport. Qantas Club members or pay-to-use guests can find the Qantas Lounge on Level 2, or there is the Virgin Australia Lounge opposite Gate 41.
  • If you’re feeling a little lost or need some help with the airport facilities, you can find Airport Ambassadors throughout the Brisbane Airport. They’re easy to spot in their blue shirts with a bright yellow ‘i’ on the back.
  • Getting dropped off at Brisbane Airport? You can find a drop-off point kerbside of the terminal. However, you won’t be given much time to say goodbye before being waved on by a Kerbside Officer. For an extended farewell, you can park in the nearby short-term parking.
  • Virgin Australia offers multiple flights each day from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Cairns Airport (CNS). You can choose between their Flex, Choice and Business fares. All three offer checked luggage and the option to choose your seat. Flex also offers extra flexibility around changing your flight dates. In Business, you'll get extra space and priority boarding.
  • If you only need to bring cabin luggage on your flight from Brisbane to Cairns, consider booking with Jetstar. They offer budget-friendly fares with the option to book checked luggage as an additional extra. You can also upgrade your fare slightly to get up to 14 kg of carry-on luggage.

Prefer to fly direct from Brisbane to Cairns?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Brisbane to Cairns.
Find which airlines fly direct from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Brisbane to Cairns

Monday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Brisbane

Monday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Tuesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Wednesday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Thursday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Friday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Saturday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

Sunday

Jetstar,Qantas Airways,Virgin Australia

Jetstar,Qantas Airways, +1 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 3 airlines flying from Brisbane to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Brisbane to Cairns. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Brisbane 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.
7.6
Virgin AustraliaOverall score based on 462 reviews
6.4Food
7.7Boarding
8.2Crew
7.5Comfort
6.4Entertainment
Airline reviews

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

2.0 MediocreJan, Feb 2026
MEL - CNS
Read more Virgin Australia reviews

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

Checked Baggage line up was long but moved quickly, rest of the process, boarding, crew was excellent

Late boarding, late departure due to weather and slow boarding, packed 5+hour flight, only 2 toilets for main cabin, tight leg room, no free food except tea, coffee, and water, arrived 75 minutes late.

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.

Boarding was smooth after a 25 min delay. Notification of delay could be more efficient and change in boarding gate was not notified on the flights board or app.

I did not use the in flight entertainment, but the selection appeared to be decent. Take off was delayed, but otherwise the process was uneventful.

Virgin Australia passed this flight onto Alliance, so my rating and comments are based on my experience with crew, aircraft and available options. Alliance only offers drinks which consisted of tea, coffee and water, free of charge. There was no on board entertainment. The aircraft seating although narrow accommodated my 6 foot 2 body with little discomfort.

Flight departed in time and arrived on time, no issues at all.

There is no not applicable button to tick. Due to turbulence there was no food/drink offered. That’s expected and was fine 👌🏻

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.

I missed my flight due to unforeseen circumstances It was, however , an excellent price !

Qantas is always subpar beyond comfy chairs for a domestic flight

Airline running better than post Covid, proper boarding process now implemented, some aircraft feeling a bit old and tired, crew fine, online experience better.

The old Plane had not been cleaned properly in a long time.

The plane was delayed about 3 hours so anything else is immaterial

For a long haul, the flight was good. We left an hour late due to a seat in business class not working. But they made up time and we still got in on time or even early thanks to tailwinds. The crew was friendly. The meals were okay, nothing special.

The seats are too close together and are smaller than they used to be. Makes for a cramped experience.

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).

First flight on Quantas. High marks all around. Plus it appears as if the have a comparatively new flight. Excellent airline!

The flight was delayed more than half an hour. The checked baggage took ages to be offloaded from the flight. It is also a "full service" flight for two hours over lunch time - served a crappy packet of biscuits for the inflight snack!

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.

stuck in the aircraft for over three hours due to engineering work, significantly delayed and made a lot of passengers missed the connecting transport, no mention any compensation

Very quiet plane!! One of the quietest planes we have been on.

I got what I paid for - flight was clean, staff were friendly

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

Every single one of my flight were delayed. On top of that when I asked for water I didn’t get it the first time. I had to ask for it multiple of time.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Brisbane to Cairns

Other airlines flying from Brisbane to Cairns

Flights from the other most popular airlines that fly from Brisbane to Cairns according to KAYAK users. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.