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BNE - CNS

$99 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 7/10. 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.
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Search 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
In the last 7 days, travellers have searched 45,960,529 times on KAYAK, and here's why:

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Cheap flight deals from Brisbane to Cairns (BNE-CNS)

Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip 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 and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
15:00 - 19:35BNE-CNS
4h 35m2 stops
10:00 - 14:25CNS-BNE
4h 25m1 stop
$191Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Do, 31 Okt - So, 3 Nov
10:05 - 16:45BNE-CNS
6h 40m1 stop
17:35 - 07:30CNS-BNE
13h 55m1 stop
$194Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Do, 31 Okt - So, 3 Nov
06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS
2h 25mdirect
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
$196Jetstar
Find Deal
Do, 10 Okt - Di, 15 Okt
10:05 - 16:45BNE-CNS
6h 40m1 stop
15:45 - 21:00CNS-BNE
5h 15m1 stop
$197Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Do, 31 Okt - So, 3 Nov
06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS
2h 25mdirect
06:00 - 08:15CNS-BNE
2h 15mdirect
$199Jetstar
Find Deal
Di, 22 Okt - Mi, 30 Okt
20:55 - 13:30BNE-CNS
16h 35m2 stops
18:45 - 21:00CNS-BNE
2h 15mdirect
Do, 31 Okt - So, 3 Nov
14:50 - 17:20BNE-CNS
2h 30mdirect
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
$202Jetstar
Find Deal
Sa, 12 Okt - Mi, 16 Okt
19:00 - 21:20BNE-CNS
2h 20mdirect
06:00 - 08:15CNS-BNE
2h 15mdirect
$203Jetstar
Find Deal
Mi, 23 Okt - Mi, 6 Nov
14:50 - 17:20BNE-CNS
2h 30mdirect
06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE
2h 10mdirect
$206Jetstar
Find Deal
Sa, 12 Okt - Mo, 14 Okt
06:00 - 08:20BNE-CNS
2h 20mdirect
05:00 - 07:15CNS-BNE
2h 15mdirect
$208Jetstar
Find Deal
Do, 31 Okt - So, 3 Nov

Flights from Brisbane to Cairns - Travel Insights & Trends

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.

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

The average price of all flights from Brisbane to Cairns clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.
When flying from Brisbane to Cairns, you should consider leaving on a Tuesday and avoid Sundays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Brisbane, you’ll find the best rates on Thursdays and the most expensive ones on Fridays.

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 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 May, where tickets cost $215 on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and September, where the average cost of tickets is $353 and $287 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from Brisbane to Cairns?

The average price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.
No, with an average price for the route of $1,415, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

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

To calculate daily average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each day before departure over the last year for 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 month.
To get a below average price on the flight from Brisbane to Cairns, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 147 days before departure.

Good to know

Low season

February

High season

June

Cheapest flight

$99
Best time to beat the crowds (6% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (3% more expensive 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

  • 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.

  • 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 is the cheapest flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns was $66 for a one-way ticket and $128 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, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between Brisbane and Cairns, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • 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 $260 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 $462 and an overall rating of 7.6.

  • 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.

See more FAQs

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 $115 or less one-way and $216 or less round-trip.
  • 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.
  • 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.
See more tips

Prefer to fly 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

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Tuesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +11 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Wednesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Thursday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Friday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Saturday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Sunday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Brisbane

Monday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Tuesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Wednesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Thursday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +8 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Friday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Saturday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +8 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Sunday

Air New Zealand, American Airlines, China Southern, +7 more

Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +8 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top 4 airlines serving 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.
9.5
RexOverall score based on 25 reviews
8.6Comfort
9.6Crew
7.9Food
6.8Entertainment
9.2Boarding
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 2024PER - ADL
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

The crew was very helpful to my family, especially when my daughter became sick during the flight. Will fly with them again.

Too many passengers are bringing on too many large items as part of carry on baggage where it should be checked in. This is not the fault of Qantas but the stupid mindset passengers have now about trying to bring anything and everything on as carry on luggage where it should be checked in.

Better than expected, normally I don't use this airline because they are too expensive for me, but if you can afford it, good on you, you won't regret it. Regards.

The flight was delayed over 2 hours. We had to wait on the plane and the air conditioning was turned off. The food was average and the cutlery was wooden!

Perfect. The flight was on time and the crew were very friendly and helpful.

Plane a little late departing, but not an issue. The pilots humour when he said “I will try to make up some time…. I know a few short cuts to Adelaide” made the passengers chuckle. This is what makes Qantas “Australian”.

I have never had a problem with flying Qantas, so this flight was the same as any other.

After British Airways cancelled my London to Sydney and Virgin Australia refused to refund, there was no ways I would try Virgin Australia again, so it was Qantas - what a good flight experience. So much easier to get off an international flight and get a local flight without having to add extra amounts for baggage

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

It was so hot on the plane mixed with being quite turbulent and a rough landing. We all felt very nauseous for hours afterwards. Crew were lovely though.

I'll never transit from international through Sydney with Virgin until they improve the domestic transfer system. It's ridiculous that you have to take oversize baggage to the transfer desk to get it activated then struggle onto the shuttle bus (carrying a 25kg, 2m long ski bag and carry-on - along with about 6 others in the same situation) then negotiate the terminal and queue to put it onto the oversize receival bag drop.

For a red eye flight it is pretty uncomfortable. They provide nothing in the way of pillows, etc.

2 hrs + delay! Times kept changing, Onboard menu was half depleted, Entertainment wifi was N/A Overall very frustrating flight and I never slate Virgin.

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.

When the flight is full out would be good to allow the use of the front toilet as well as the rear. Otherwise it was an uneventful flight.

When I made the booking I was not aware I had to book our checked baggage separately. As we had no checked luggage booking, I had to pay A$120 per bag (total 2 bags) so you can imagine I was not pleased. I am an experienced traveller so something needs to be done to improve the booking app,

Toasties not available (only GF option). Hot drinks not able to be served No usb charging port

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

Boarding took place at the front and back. Weight of luggage was unclear and cost an arm and a leg.

The flight between Canberra and Coolongatta passed very quickly and was comfortable. The crew were very efficient and helpful. The boarding process is a bit slow and not done by rows. Overall, Virgin does a fairly good job.

The flight was over an hour late due to staff shortages and due to it being the last evening flight, I got back to Sydney very late

This was the most horrific experience we have ever had. I would advise people to steer clear of this airline at all costs.

Online checkin was a nightmare. They kept popping me into Chinese language site which I can't understand.

a constant reminder that you need to work harder so you can avoid this airline

Note that food has to be purchased in flight. No free food. And no entertainment in flight. So I’ve treated these two items as okay which, in this case, means neutral/not applicable.

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

No food taken so can't rate also no entertainment so can't rate.

Boarding was easy and unstressful, though the early "final call" was a bit off-putting. The crew were pleasant, and the seats were comfortable. The prices for food and drink were reasonable, apart from tea and coffee, where simple percolated coffee was charged at espresso prices. Deboarding was OK, though some Jetstar passengers appear to have a bad habit of pushing forward from their assigned rows, making it more difficult to get out for passengers that have paid a premium to sit up-front. Jetstar might want to look to address this to stop it from spreading.

I got to the airport earlier than I expected, and they let me change to an earlier flight with no trouble.

It was a super crowded time to travel out of Melbourne, but the flight was OK

Book cheap flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Recent one-way flight deals

 
Only flying one-way? Below are some of the best one-way flight deals from Brisbane to Cairns found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.
7/10Mo
directJetstar
2h 25mBNE-CNS
$99
13/11Mi
directJetstar
2h 20mBNE-CNS
$100
6/10So
directJetstar
2h 25mBNE-CNS
$102
27/10So
directJetstar
2h 20mBNE-CNS
$106
25/9Mi
directVirgin Australia
2h 30mBNE-CNS
$112
25/9Mi
directVirgin Australia
2h 30mBNE-CNS
$120
20/11Mi
1 stop
12h 05mBNE-CNS
$246
16/9Mo
directQantas Airways
2h 25mBNE-CNS
$266
16/9Mo
directQantas Airways
2h 25mBNE-CNS
$270
25/10Fr
1 stop
13h 25mBNE-CNS
$282

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Last minute flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

 
These last-minute flight deals are the cheapest flights found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours for flights from Brisbane to Cairns that are departing in the next 10 days.
17/9Di
direct
2h 20mBNE-CNS
2/10Mi
direct
2h 15mCNS-BNE
$385
15/9So
direct
2h 25mBNE-CNS
18/9Mi
direct
2h 15mCNS-BNE
$403
17/9Di
multi-stop
6h 45mBNE-CNS
2/10Mi
direct
2h 15mCNS-BNE
$438
16/9Mo
directJetstar
2h 30mBNE-CNS
23/9Mo
directJetstar
2h 10mCNS-BNE
$445
17/9Di
multi-stop
6h 45mBNE-CNS
1/10Di
direct
2h 15mCNS-BNE
$448
16/9Mo
directVirgin Australia
2h 30mBNE-CNS
23/9Mo
directVirgin Australia
2h 15mCNS-BNE
$471
16/9Mo
directVirgin Australia
2h 30mBNE-CNS
20/9Fr
directVirgin Australia
2h 15mCNS-BNE
$506
17/9Di
directJetstar
2h 20mBNE-CNS
21/9Sa
directJetstar
2h 10mCNS-BNE
$589
15/9So
directQantas Airways
2h 25mBNE-CNS
19/9Do
multi-stopQantas Airways
23h 35mCNS-BNE
$798
16/9Mo
multi-stopQantas Airways
14h 00mBNE-CNS
23/9Mo
multi-stopQantas Airways
22h 45mCNS-BNE
$1,241

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports