Find flights
Deals
Insights
When to book
FAQs & Tips
Direct Flights
Airlines

CNS - SYD

$112 Find cheap flights from Cairns to Sydney

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Cairns to Sydney departing on 1/10. 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.
1 adult

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Sydney

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Cairns to Sydney, 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 Cairns to Sydney, 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:

Save 19% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Cheap flight deals from Cairns to Sydney (CNS-SYD)

Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Cairns to Sydney 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
06:40 - 10:40CNS-SYD
3h 00mdirect
06:00 - 08:00SYD-CNS
3h 00mdirect
$236Jetstar
Find Deal
Tue, 10 Dec - Thu, 12 Dec
06:00 - 16:50CNS-SYD
9h 50m1 stop
22:00 - 14:00SYD-CNS
17h 00m2 stops
Thu, 24 Oct - Sun, 27 Oct
18:55 - 21:50CNS-SYD
2h 55mdirect
20:45 - 22:50SYD-CNS
3h 05mdirect
$239Jetstar
Find Deal
Tue, 1 Oct - Tue, 8 Oct
17:55 - 21:50CNS-SYD
2h 55mdirect
11:30 - 13:30SYD-CNS
3h 00mdirect
$248Jetstar
Find Deal
Thu, 24 Oct - Sun, 27 Oct
17:55 - 21:50CNS-SYD
2h 55mdirect
11:30 - 13:30SYD-CNS
3h 00mdirect
$254Jetstar
Find Deal
Thu, 24 Oct - Sun, 27 Oct
15:45 - 19:45CNS-SYD
3h 00mdirect
06:50 - 08:55SYD-CNS
3h 05mdirect
$330Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Wed, 29 Jan - Thu, 30 Jan
17:35 - 21:35CNS-SYD
3h 00mdirect
07:00 - 11:00SYD-CNS
5h 00m1 stop
$353Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Sun, 10 Nov - Mon, 11 Nov
06:30 - 22:25CNS-SYD
14h 55m2 stops
21:35 - 19:55SYD-CNS
23h 20m1 stop
$1,150Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Sat, 9 Nov - Mon, 11 Nov
06:00 - 18:45CNS-SYD
11h 45m2 stops
08:35 - 19:55SYD-CNS
12h 20m2 stops
$1,216Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Sat, 9 Nov - Mon, 11 Nov
09:10 - 07:50CNS-SYD
21h 40m2 stops
09:55 - 22:45SYD-CNS
13h 50m2 stops
$1,961Air New Zealand
Find Deal
Wed, 29 Jan - Thu, 30 Jan

Flights from Cairns to Sydney - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Cairns to Sydney 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 Cairns to Sydney?

The average price of all flights from Cairns to Sydney clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.
For Cairns to Sydney, Thursday is the cheapest day to fly on average and Sunday is the most expensive. Flying from Sydney back to Cairns, the best deals are generally found on Tuesday, with Friday being the most expensive.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights from Cairns to Sydney, 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 Cairns to Sydney is May, where tickets cost $266 on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and January, where the average cost of tickets is $375 and $347 respectively.

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

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 $645, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

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

To calculate daily average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each day before departure over the last year for flights from Cairns to Sydney, 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 Cairns to Sydney, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 57 days before departure.

Good to know

Low season

July

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$112
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 10% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly (19% more expensive on average)
Flight from Cairns to Sydney

When to book flights from Cairns to Sydney

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Cairns to Sydney 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 Cairns to Sydney

  • Which budget airlines fly from Cairns to Sydney?

    Several budget airlines fly from Cairns to Sydney. Jetstar, for example, offers a number of daily flights. Jetstar is owned by Qantas, so Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn points on their Jetstar flights. Virgin Australia is another budget-friendly option offering frequent flights.

  • What airlines let me bring more luggage on board?

    Most airlines allow you to bring up to 7 kg of carry-on luggage. Jetstar's economy flex fare allows you to bring up to 14 kg of luggage across your carry-on luggage and your personal item. No individual bag can weigh more than 10 kg. These are perfect for those who want to bring a little bit of extra luggage but don't need enough to book checked luggage.

  • Which major airlines fly from Cairns to Sydney?

    Qantas is a major airline that runs flights from Cairns to Sydney. Most flights are direct but a few have a stopover at Brisbane Airport (BNE). If you're flying business class or are a lounge member, you can visit the Qantas Lounge during your stopover, spread across three levels.

  • How can I get special assistance at the airport?

    If you need assistance moving through the airport or on your flight, you can book mobility assistance through your airline. Make sure to book it at least 48 hours in advance. You can usually access your assistance from the check-in desk. At Cairns Airport, there's a disability drop-off area, right next to the other drop-off area.

  • Does Cairns Airport offer free Wi-Fi?

    Whether you need to make a last-minute booking, get some more information on your destination or finish up some work, you can stay connected with the free Wi-Fi offered in all areas of both Cairns Airport terminals. Access is unlimited and granted after a short and simple registration process.

  • Does Cairns Airport have parents’ facilities?

    If you’re travelling with infants, you can take care of changing, feeding and the rest of your parental responsibilities in one of the several parenting rooms at Cairns Airport. Parents’ facilities are conveniently located both before and after security control in T1 International and T2 Domestic.

  • How much is a taxi fare to Sydney city centre from the airport?

    Taxis can be easily hired at the taxi ranks outside the arrivals area on Level 1 of the terminal building for travellers who prefer a private transfer to their final destination. The duration of the trip between Sydney Airport and the city centre can be anywhere from 20 to 25 minutes, with fares at around $45-55.

  • Does Sydney Airport have an on-site hotel?

    For travellers with early return flights, or those that simply wish to stick close to the terminal, the Mantra Hotel and Ibis Hotel are a short walk from Sydney Airport’s Domestic Terminals 2 & 3. Ibis offers both standard and budget accommodation to serve travellers on any budget. Rates can fluctuate depending on the season, so try to book early for a good price.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Cairns to Sydney?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Cairns to Sydney was $75 for a one-way ticket and $158 for a return.

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

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

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Cairns to Sydney?

    oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between Cairns and Sydney, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

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

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

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Cairns to Sydney are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways. With an average price for the route of $337 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 $536 and an overall rating of 7.6.

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

    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 Cairns to Sydney.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Sydney from Cairns 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 Cairns to Sydney?

    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 Sydney with an airline and back to Cairns with another airline.

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

    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 Sydney from Cairns 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 Cairns to Sydney

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $162 or less one-way and $257 or less round-trip.
  • If you're hoping to relax in a lounge before your flight from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD), consider booking a flight with Qantas. Their Qantas Club Lounge in the domestic terminal is usually open to business class passengers and Qantas Club members. You can find it on Level 1 of the T2 Terminal.
  • For this domestic route, most airlines ask that you arrive at least 45 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. Of course, arriving earlier is a good idea, particularly during school holidays.
  • Non-stop flights from Cairns to Sydney are quick and easy to find with domestic airlines like TigerAir Australia and Jetstar. Flights between the two cities are generally affordable and will arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. Sydney Airport serves the entire Sydney area and is located approximately 8 km from the city centre.
  • Once your flight lands, you can easily reach hotels and destinations in central Sydney by using public transport. One of the most popular ways to reach the city centre is to take the train. Trains leave from the northern end of the terminal approximately every ten minutes and cost around $19.
  • Renting a car is a good alternative if your travels around Sydney involve areas not served by public transport routes. There is a long list of different rental car agencies that operate at Sydney Airport, including Hertz, Budget and Avis. The car rental kiosks are located on the Arrivals level in Terminal 1.
  • Parking at Cairns Airport is affordable and accessible compared to other busy Australian airports. All car parks are located a short walk away from the terminals, and can be conveniently booked ahead of time via the Cairns Airport online booking system. Fees for parking start at approximately $7 per day.
  • If you’re booking a return or transit flight from Cairns to Sydney, you can grab a bite to eat and relax in one of the many airport lounges located at Sydney Airport. There are varying entrance requirements for the seven different lounges, but six of them can be accessed with single-entry passes starting at approximately $50.
See more tips

Prefer to fly direct from Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith?

Find which airlines fly direct from Cairns Airport to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Cairns to Sydney Kingsford Smith

Monday

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Tuesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Wednesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Thursday

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Friday

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Saturday

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

Sunday

ANA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +13 more

ANA, Air Canada, +14 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns

Monday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +15 more

ANA, Air Canada, +16 more

Tuesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +16 more

ANA, Air Canada, +17 more

Wednesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +15 more

ANA, Air Canada, +16 more

Thursday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +15 more

ANA, Air Canada, +16 more

Friday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +15 more

ANA, Air Canada, +16 more

Saturday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +15 more

ANA, Air Canada, +16 more

Sunday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +15 more

ANA, Air Canada, +16 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top 3 airlines serving from Cairns to Sydney

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Cairns to Sydney. 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 Cairns to Sydney? 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
Qantas AirwaysOverall score based on 851 reviews
7.5Comfort
8.2Crew
7.0Food
7.3Entertainment
7.7Boarding
Airline reviews

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.

8.0 ExcellentElio, Aug 2024SYD - ADL
Read more Qantas Airways reviews

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.

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.

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.

No internet on international flights in this dsy and age is bad.

Good. BUT the Kayak app kept sending me wrong messages saying that there was a Gate change. That same thing is happening today.

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.

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.

The price difference/saving isn't sufficient to compensate the experience difference, don't recommend unless flight is under 3 hours. Huge queues for check in and the priority lane of other ailines blocked checked in Jetstar passengers from proceeding through to screening. Gate change to a "dungeon gate" that didn't have toilets in the vicinity. 45minute delay in boarding, no updates or explaination, let alone apology for any inconvenience. 1 scanner working for a full fight to board, no coordination. Loaded on to crowded buses to get on the plane in the middle of the tarmac, up stairs with no explaination. 4 bus trips. No system for boarding in sections. Over an hour late departing. Nothing complimentary, not even water or in-flight music. Pay wave not available and no cash sales. Staff onboard were friendly and professional.

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

Book cheap flights from Cairns to Sydney

Recent one-way flight deals

 
Only flying one-way? Below are some of the best one-way flight deals from Cairns to Sydney found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.
1/10Tue
directJetstar
3h 00mCNS-SYD
$112
4/12Wed
directJetstar
3h 00mCNS-SYD
$117
28/9Sat
directJetstar
2h 55mCNS-SYD
$118
15/1Wed
directJetstar
3h 00mCNS-SYD
$120
20/9Fri
directVirgin Australia
2h 55mCNS-SYD
$136
21/9Sat
directVirgin Australia
2h 55mCNS-SYD
$143
10/1Fri
1 stopQantas Airways
10h 55mCNS-SYD
$251
10/10Thu
1 stopQantas Airways
13h 50mCNS-SYD
$279
26/11Tue
2 stops
13h 05mCNS-SYD
$293
30/12Mon
1 stop
28h 20mCNS-SYD
$308

Search by stops

Search by airline

Search by price

Last minute flights from Cairns to Sydney

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 Cairns to Sydney that are departing in the next 10 days.
13/9Fri
direct
2h 55mCNS-SYD
15/9Sun
direct
3h 05mSYD-CNS
$405
14/9Sat
directJetstar
2h 55mCNS-SYD
15/9Sun
directJetstar
3h 05mSYD-CNS
$412
13/9Fri
directVirgin Australia
2h 55mCNS-SYD
15/9Sun
multi-stopVirgin Australia
7h 10mSYD-CNS
$472
14/9Sat
multi-stop
9h 20mCNS-SYD
15/9Sun
direct
3h 05mSYD-CNS
$491
14/9Sat
directJetstar
2h 55mCNS-SYD
21/9Sat
directJetstar
3h 05mSYD-CNS
$493
14/9Sat
directVirgin Australia
2h 55mCNS-SYD
21/9Sat
multi-stopVirgin Australia
5h 10mSYD-CNS
$557
14/9Sat
multi-stopVirgin Australia
9h 20mCNS-SYD
15/9Sun
multi-stopVirgin Australia
4h 55mSYD-CNS
$593
14/9Sat
multi-stopVirgin Australia
9h 20mCNS-SYD
21/9Sat
multi-stopVirgin Australia
5h 10mSYD-CNS
$641
13/9Fri
multi-stopQantas Airways
24h 30mCNS-SYD
15/9Sun
multi-stopQantas Airways
24h 15mSYD-CNS
$871
14/9Sat
multi-stopQantas Airways
11h 50mCNS-SYD
15/9Sun
multi-stopQantas Airways
21h 50mSYD-CNS
$1,446

Search by stops

Search by airline

Search by price

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports