Prices are in Australian Dollars.

Find cheap flights from Cairns to Sydney

CNS - SYD

Find cheap flights from Cairns to Sydney

Return
Economy
Cairns (CNS)
Sydney Kingsford Smith
Sat. 29/2
Sat. 7/3
Any month
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Information for flights to Sydney from Cairns

Avg. flight duration 3h 01m
Flights arrive in Sydney
Flights depart from Cairns
Flight price $224
Distance 1,972 km
Airlines Jetstar, Tigerair Australia, Virgin Australia

Good to know

Low season:
February
Best time to beat the crowds
3%
expected price decrease
High season:
December
Most popular time to fly
9%
expected price increase
Average price:
$263
(avg. price over the last 2 weeks)
Good deal:
$168
or less (return)

When to book flights from Cairns to Sydney

Average price per month
Flight prices as travel date approaches
-1 day
-2 days

Top tips for finding a cheap flight

Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $167 or less.
The cheapest flight from Cairns to Sydney was found, on average, 90 days before departure.
Book at least 6 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price.
Morning departure is around 18% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*.
*Average of the lowest prices shown in KAYAK’s search results for departures within the next 30 days
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.

FAQs for booking Cairns to Sydney flights

How long does a flight from Cairns to Sydney take?
The average direct flight takes 2h 55m, covering a distance of 1971 km.
How many flights are there between Cairns and Sydney?
There are 821 (direct) flights between Cairns and Sydney per week, averaging 117 per day.
Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from Cairns to Sydney?
In the past 3 days, the cheapest return tickets were found on Jetstar ($224), Tigerair Australia ($234) and Virgin Australia ($342).
Which airlines fly most frequently between Cairns and Sydney?
Qantas Airways (15 times daily), Virgin Australia (9 times daily), Singapore Airlines (9 times daily) are the most frequent flyers on this route.
What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Cairns to Sydney?
For Cairns to Sydney, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly on average and Monday is the most expensive. Flying from Sydney back to Cairns, the best deals are generally found on Tuesday, with Monday being the most expensive.
Which airports will I be using when flying from Cairns to Sydney?
When flying out of Cairns you will be using Cairns, often referred to as Cairns Airport. You will be landing at Sydney Kingsford Smith, also known as Sydney Airport.
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.
How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?
KAYAK processes over 2 billion travel queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with car hire, holiday packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.
How can Hacker Fares save me money?
Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional return ticket.
Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?
Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.
How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?
KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

Book cheap flights from Cairns to Sydney (return)

Airports
Origin
Cairns
$224
only
$224
Destination
Sydney
$224
only
$224
Wed., 11 Mar.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
2h 55m
Mon., 16 Mar.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 05m
Trip: 6 days
6.4Good Show reviews
Overall 6.4 Good
Based on 133 reviews
Overall
6.4
Boarding
6.6
Comfort
6.1
Crew
6.9
Entertainment
5.1
Food
5.3
CNS
SYD
Excellent 10.0

Pros: Exit row seating with lots of leg room.

CNS
SYD
Okay 4.6

Cons: We flew from Sydney to Cairns with a carry on suitcase and a personal item (backpack/purse) with no problem. On the way back, we were charged AUD$50 and were forced to check our bags. It was clearly not due to a space limitation but rather just a way to make money as not everyone was forced to check bags.

CNS
SYD
Good 6.0

Pros: Board and disembark available at both the front and back of the plane. Flight and crew were good.

Cons: Seated in last row with non reclining seats despite many open seats. Charged $60 ASD to check each bag with max weight of 15kg for a checked bag (vs other airlines allowing ~23kg and one checked bag free of charge). Drinks and snacks on plane were an extra charge.

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing

Cons: They charge you for everything

CNS
SYD
Excellent 10.0

Pros: For the amount of time on a flight, it was as good as it gets

Fri., 20 Mar.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 00m
Sun., 22 Mar.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 05m
Trip: 3 days
6.7Good Show reviews
Overall 6.7 Good
Based on 13 reviews
Overall
6.7
Boarding
6.8
Comfort
6.4
Crew
7.4
Entertainment
5.2
Food
5.9
CNS
SYD
Good 6.0

Cons: Crew in the air were fine, crew at check in was very unfriendly and tried to say I was over with baggage - 2 bags at 10kg for 2 people - I dont think so.......7kg each

PPP
SYD
Excellent 9.5

Pros: We had emergency exit seats so very good leg room and seat back magazine small item holder.

Cons: Flight was 20min late.

BNE
CNS
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing.

Cons: Flight time rescheduled meaning we had very little time for connecting flight. Then they checked our luggage in (weighed 8.5kg and only 7 allowed (charged $108). The booking in of the bags meant one of our party missed connecting flight. She arrived at gate while plane was still there and Capt said he would wait but ground staff over-ruled decision. Not happy.

MEL
HBA
Good 7.0

Pros: The flight was routine and got us to where we wanted to go

Cons: The flight was 20 minutes late leaving

CNS
BNE
Excellent 8.3

Pros: We had to change aircraft as the one we were on wasn’t flying. However staff were happy and just got the job done!

Mon., 13 Apr.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
2h 55m
Mon., 20 Apr.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 10m
Trip: 8 days
8.0Excellent Show reviews
Overall 8.0 Excellent
Based on 66 reviews
Overall
8.0
Boarding
8.1
Comfort
7.9
Crew
8.4
Entertainment
7.3
Food
7.2
CNS
SYD
Excellent 10.0

Pros: Professional service

Cons: Food was not very appetising

LAX
SYD
Excellent 9.3

Pros: At the check-in counter, Alieta was extremely helpful and went out of her way to assist me with a mistake on my travel visa. The flight attendant crew was superb, attentive, and friendly.

CNS
SYD
Excellent 8.3

Pros: Crew were great - some in cabin entertainment would have been great. Or since it was available for phone this should have been explained.

Cons: Allow power outlets for the mobile phones if movies were accessible

CNS
SYD
Excellent 10.0

Pros: There was a medical emergency on board and the crew handled it calmly and quietly. Very professional.

CNS
SYD
Okay 4.6

Cons: There was a lot of confusion for people trying to use the kiosks to check in. Finally a representative stood by the machine and told people not to bother, just queue up for the desk to get boarding passes and drop of luggage , which took for ever. Once on the plane the seats are very cramped.

Sat., 7 Mar.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
2h 55m
Sun., 8 Mar.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 05m
Trip: 2 days
6.4Good Show reviews
Overall 6.4 Good
Based on 133 reviews
Overall
6.4
Boarding
6.6
Comfort
6.1
Crew
6.9
Entertainment
5.1
Food
5.3
CNS
SYD
Good 6.0

Pros: Board and disembark available at both the front and back of the plane. Flight and crew were good.

Cons: Seated in last row with non reclining seats despite many open seats. Charged $60 ASD to check each bag with max weight of 15kg for a checked bag (vs other airlines allowing ~23kg and one checked bag free of charge). Drinks and snacks on plane were an extra charge.

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 2.6

Cons: Rude flight attendants. Overly complicated luggage requirements. No food. No drinks, not even water. No entertainment. Uncomfortable seats. Needless to say, I wouldn't fly Jetstar unless you can get your ticket a lot cheaper than with any other airline.

CNS
SYD
Good 6.0

Pros: Staff and crew

Cons: Very strict baggage policy you have to be exactly same weight or less with baggage

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 3.6

Cons: Hit with $100 extra baggage charges for carry-ons that were judged to be too heavy despite ample room in overhead and under seat compartments.

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: I am on six jetstar flights and they charged me over 1,000 dollars for bags just a much as my flight from usa to Australia. Totally ridiculous because yoi site does not have a place to add bag charge. Really putting a damper on my trip. I will never use your sitee again. It is not fair to put this extra expense on someone when it could have been taking care of at the beginning. Of you all set your website up right!

Thu., 5 Mar.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 00m
Mon., 9 Mar.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 05m
Trip: 4 days
6.7Good Show reviews
Overall 6.7 Good
Based on 13 reviews
Overall
6.7
Boarding
6.8
Comfort
6.4
Crew
7.4
Entertainment
5.2
Food
5.9
CNS
SYD
Excellent 9.5

Pros: crew was friendly, online checkin opens 72 hrs before and they send notification email as a reminder.

MEL
SYD
Excellent 10.0

Pros: Free upgrade to exit seats because I’m tall! Didn’t even ask!

Cons: Nothing, was everything we could have expected of a short hall flight!

SYD
MEL
Excellent 10.0

Pros: Punctual

Cons: Aircraft not the cleanest

SYD
OOL
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing.

Cons: Flight delayed about 50 mins. Lost baggage. Pooooooooor.

BNE
CNS
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing.

Cons: Flight time rescheduled meaning we had very little time for connecting flight. Then they checked our luggage in (weighed 8.5kg and only 7 allowed (charged $108). The booking in of the bags meant one of our party missed connecting flight. She arrived at gate while plane was still there and Capt said he would wait but ground staff over-ruled decision. Not happy.

Sat., 21 Mar.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
2h 55m
Sun., 22 Mar.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 05m
Trip: 2 days
6.4Good Show reviews
Overall 6.4 Good
Based on 133 reviews
Overall
6.4
Boarding
6.6
Comfort
6.1
Crew
6.9
Entertainment
5.1
Food
5.3
CNS
SYD
Mediocre 2.0

Cons: We missed our international connection after being forced to check a bag.

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing

Cons: They charge you for everything

CNS
SYD
Excellent 10.0

Pros: For the amount of time on a flight, it was as good as it gets

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 3.3

Pros: Ticket price was cheap.

Cons: $60 to check a bag and you need to if it is over 7kg. They have scales at check in and boarding gate. Was not allowed to take coffee on board and when they offered some it turns out it's $4 per paper cup of it, tea is the same. No seat back pockets to put things in. Seats so thin you can feel everybody's knees from 3 rows behind you. I will never fly with Jet Star again. I will spend more on the ticket to not feel like I'm being robbed blind on the plane.

CNS
SYD
Good 6.0

Pros: Board and disembark available at both the front and back of the plane. Flight and crew were good.

Cons: Seated in last row with non reclining seats despite many open seats. Charged $60 ASD to check each bag with max weight of 15kg for a checked bag (vs other airlines allowing ~23kg and one checked bag free of charge). Drinks and snacks on plane were an extra charge.

Fri., 20 Mar.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 00m
Sun., 29 Mar.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 10m
Trip: 10 days
6.7Good Show reviews
Overall 6.7 Good
Based on 13 reviews
Overall
6.7
Boarding
6.8
Comfort
6.4
Crew
7.4
Entertainment
5.2
Food
5.9
BNE
MEL
Good 7.0

Pros: Clean and tidy aircraft, pleasant crew, on time

Cons: wouldnt want a longer journey as the seats are narrow and uncomfortable

CNS
SYD
Okay 4.0

Pros: Cheap flights

Cons: All the extra costs and pedantic staff

CNS
SYD
Good 7.6

Pros: Some of the crew was great, some not so friendly.

Cons: Not charge for every little bag

CNS
SYD
Excellent 9.5

Pros: crew was friendly, online checkin opens 72 hrs before and they send notification email as a reminder.

SYD
OOL
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing.

Cons: Flight delayed about 50 mins. Lost baggage. Pooooooooor.

Sun., 1 Mar.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
3h 00m
Mon., 2 Mar.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 05m
Trip: 2 days
6.7Good Show reviews
Overall 6.7 Good
Based on 13 reviews
Overall
6.7
Boarding
6.8
Comfort
6.4
Crew
7.4
Entertainment
5.2
Food
5.9
CNS
BNE
Good 6.6

Pros: The window seats are good for sleeping.

Cons: No major issues on this flight.

MEL
PER
Good 7.5

Pros: Seat didnt have adjustable head rest, seat did not recline. Lights stayed on nearly the entire time even though it was a flight from 10-2am AEST.

MEL
SYD
Okay 4.5

Cons: To fly on time.

SYD
OOL
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing.

Cons: Flight delayed about 50 mins. Lost baggage. Pooooooooor.

BNE
MEL
Good 7.5

Pros: Very friendly crew, helpful check-in people

Cons: I don't think any of the seats reclined.

Tue., 7 Jul.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
2h 55m
Mon., 20 Jul.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 05m
Trip: 14 days
6.4Good Show reviews
Overall 6.4 Good
Based on 133 reviews
Overall
6.4
Boarding
6.6
Comfort
6.1
Crew
6.9
Entertainment
5.1
Food
5.3
CNS
SYD
Okay 4.0

Cons: Boarding was late and congested Not organized

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 3.0

Pros: Departed and arrived on time

Cons: I always travel with a backpack so I don't have to check anything. I fly with it all the time. I have never, ever been told it is too big... that is absurd! An agent stopped me at boarding and weighed it... it was a hair over and they charged me $50 to check it. Really? I can understand charging for roller bags that take up space, but it fits under the seat!

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 3.6

Cons: Kayak did not disclosed the price quoted did not include fees for luggage. I would never buy a ticket thru Kayak again.

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing , horrible service and excessive luggage fees

Cons: Horrible service, they measured your luggage by the ounces

CNS
SYD
Excellent 8.0

Pros: on time departure and arrival

Cons: the extra service fees for luggage, and they didnt actually check at the gate

Wed., 8 Apr.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
2h 55m
Sat., 18 Apr.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 10m
Trip: 11 days
6.7Good Show reviews
Overall 6.7 Good
Based on 13 reviews
Overall
6.7
Boarding
6.8
Comfort
6.4
Crew
7.4
Entertainment
5.2
Food
5.9
BNE
MEL
Good 6.4

Pros: Material of seat cover was better than fabric one

SYD
CNS
Good 7.2

Pros: The crew was amazing. Super nice and acodating.

Cons: They don’t tell you that you have to pay for baggage and that if you pay at the airport it is 3x the amount! I was astonished and I felt lied to!

MEL
CBR
Excellent 10.0

Pros: Everything went smoothly as on earlier experiences. Friendly and helpful staff at airport.

Cons: The departure gate was not displayed on the electronic board at the airport until an announcement that boarding was 'commencing' which caused some unnecessary anxiety.

CNS
SYD
Good 6.0

Pros: Cheap Add-ons to customize flight

Cons: Flight crew let's people cut into line Some seats double booked

CNS
SYD
Good 6.0

Cons: Crew in the air were fine, crew at check in was very unfriendly and tried to say I was over with baggage - 2 bags at 10kg for 2 people - I dont think so.......7kg each

Mon., 6 Jul.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
2h 55m
Sun., 19 Jul.
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 05m
Trip: 14 days
6.4Good Show reviews
Overall 6.4 Good
Based on 133 reviews
Overall
6.4
Boarding
6.6
Comfort
6.1
Crew
6.9
Entertainment
5.1
Food
5.3
CNS
SYD
Mediocre 3.6

Cons: Hit with $100 extra baggage charges for carry-ons that were judged to be too heavy despite ample room in overhead and under seat compartments.

CNS
SYD
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing

Cons: They charge you for everything

CNS
SYD
Excellent 8.0

Pros: I liked that we left on-time this time. The previous flight a week ago was delayed by 1 hour.

Cons: That they made us dump out our coffee and didn't let us bring it onboard. But, then they didn't offer complimentary coffee or tea or offer water. Providing those refreshments to Guests would cost very little and offering those kinds of amenities goes a long way.

CNS
SYD
Okay 4.0

Pros: Nothing.

Cons: Plane was an hour late..baggage fees were $344 AUS for two bags, never again, very poor airline.

CNS
SYD
Okay 5.0

Pros: Crew

Cons: Ridiculous amount of fees. Fee to select a seat?! Baggage fees are crazy. Not even free peanuts. Won’t fly Jetstar again.

Sat., 25 Apr.
CNS
Cairns
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
2h 55m
Tue., 5 May
SYD
Sydney Kingsford Smith
CNS
Cairns
3h 05m
Trip: 11 days
6.7Good Show reviews
Overall 6.7 Good
Based on 13 reviews
Overall
6.7
Boarding
6.8
Comfort
6.4
Crew
7.4
Entertainment
5.2
Food
5.9
CNS
SYD
Good 6.0

Cons: Crew in the air were fine, crew at check in was very unfriendly and tried to say I was over with baggage - 2 bags at 10kg for 2 people - I dont think so.......7kg each

CNS
SYD
Excellent 9.5

Pros: crew was friendly, online checkin opens 72 hrs before and they send notification email as a reminder.

SYD
OOL
Excellent 9.0

Pros: Complimentary water

BNE
CNS
Mediocre 2.0

Pros: Nothing.

Cons: Flight time rescheduled meaning we had very little time for connecting flight. Then they checked our luggage in (weighed 8.5kg and only 7 allowed (charged $108). The booking in of the bags meant one of our party missed connecting flight. She arrived at gate while plane was still there and Capt said he would wait but ground staff over-ruled decision. Not happy.

MEL
HBA
Okay 4.5

Pros: We got here safely

Cons: USB port

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The fares displayed include all taxes and fees for economy class travel and were found by the provider in the last 72 hours. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights and days. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Some carriers charge additional fees for extra checked bags. Please check the carriers' sites.
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