CHI - CNS

$1,176 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Cairns – Compare and Save

1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
$1,759
Typical prices: $2,116-$2,372
Air Canada
Fri 26/10Fri 2/11
ORD - CNS • 2 stops
Cheapest one-way flight
$1,176
Typical prices: $964-$1,619
Multiple Airlines
Fri 26/10
ORD - CNS • 2 stops
Direct flights
Not available
There are currently no direct flights between Chicago and Cairns. You'll need to take a connecting flight to reach the destination.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
November
Cheapest • 10% price drop
April
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Cairns!
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Cairns (CHI-CNS)

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

Recent return flight deals from Chicago to Cairns

Mon, 26 Oct - Mon, 2 Nov
Air Canada Logo
15:30 - 14:00ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
31h 30m2 stops Vancouver Intl Brisbane
Air Canada Logo
06:00 - 14:37CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
24h 37m2 stops Brisbane Vancouver Intl
$1,759Air Canada
Fri, 16 Oct - Tue, 20 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
15:40 - 17:25ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
34h 45m2 stops Vancouver Intl Sydney Kingsford Smith
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:00 - 14:43CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
23h 43m2 stops Brisbane Vancouver Intl
$1,894Multiple Airlines
Fri, 16 Oct - Tue, 20 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
14:15 - 17:25ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
36h 10m3 stops Toronto Pearson Intl Vancouver Intl Sydney Kingsford Smith
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:00 - 20:06CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
29h 06m2 stops Brisbane Vancouver Intl
$1,905Multiple Airlines
Mon, 9 Nov - Tue, 1 Dec
Multiple Airlines Logo
15:30 - 17:15ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
33h 45m2 stops Vancouver Intl Brisbane
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:05 - 14:37CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
36h 32m2 stops Sydney Kingsford Smith Vancouver Intl
$2,180Multiple Airlines
Mon, 9 Nov - Tue, 1 Dec
Multiple Airlines Logo
15:30 - 17:15ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
33h 45m2 stops Vancouver Intl Brisbane
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:05 - 14:37CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
36h 32m2 stops Sydney Kingsford Smith Vancouver Intl
$2,181Multiple Airlines
Sat, 24 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
15:40 - 13:30ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
30h 50m2 stops Vancouver Intl Sydney Kingsford Smith
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:00 - 20:01CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
29h 01m2 stops Brisbane Vancouver Intl
$2,223Multiple Airlines
Sat, 24 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct
Multiple Airlines Logo
14:15 - 13:30ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
32h 15m3 stops Toronto Pearson Intl Vancouver Intl Sydney Kingsford Smith
Multiple Airlines Logo
06:00 - 20:01CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
29h 01m2 stops Brisbane Vancouver Intl
$2,234Multiple Airlines
Sat, 13 Feb - Wed, 17 Feb
Air Canada Logo
15:35 - 14:00ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
30h 25m2 stops Vancouver Intl Brisbane
Air Canada Logo
06:00 - 14:32CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
24h 32m2 stops Brisbane Vancouver Intl
$2,286Air Canada
Mon, 26 Oct - Mon, 2 Nov
Air Canada Logo
12:50 - 14:55ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
35h 05m3 stops Toronto Pearson Intl Vancouver Intl Sydney Kingsford Smith
Air Canada Logo
06:00 - 19:59CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
29h 59m2 stops Brisbane Vancouver Intl
$2,311Air Canada
Mon, 9 Nov - Tue, 1 Dec
Multiple Airlines Logo
15:30 - 17:15ORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CNS Cairns
33h 45m2 stops Vancouver Intl Brisbane
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:05 - 20:48CNS  Cairns-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
42h 43m3 stops Sydney Kingsford Smith Vancouver Intl Toronto Pearson Intl
$2,350Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

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

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

How much is a return flight from Chicago to Cairns?

Return flights from Chicago to Cairns start at $1,759. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical return fares ranging from $2,116 to $2,372. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $1,759 on Air Canada.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Cairns flight route?

There's little price difference between Chicago to Cairns routes. They average around $2,223 return, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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Key details for Chicago to Cairns flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$1,176
Flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Cairns

When to book flights from Chicago to Cairns

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

Your Chicago to Cairns flight questions, answered

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

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Chicago to Cairns?

    Flights from Chicago to Cairns may depart from several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD). Flights usually arrive at Cairns (CNS).

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Chicago to Cairns?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 22% on the Chicago to Cairns route. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $2,116 return on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $2,686, a difference of $570. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What popular places can I visit in Cairns?

    Some of the most popular sights in Cairns are Cairns Esplanade, Cairns Railway Station, and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. These are among the most viewed places in Cairns on KAYAK.

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to Cairns?

    A direct flight from Chicago to Cairns takes 0h 00m, covering 22,931 km.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to Cairns?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How are flight prices from Chicago to Cairns looking right now?

    One-way fares from Chicago to Cairns are currently higher than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $3,333, which is 179% above the typical average for this route.

  • What is the time difference between Chicago and Cairns?

    Cairns is 15 hours ahead of Chicago (Eastern Australia Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • Which car hire options are available at Cairns Airport (CNS)?

    Cairns Airport (CNS) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates starting from around $18 for economy cars. Top options include:
    • Bargain Car Rentals
    • East Coast Car Rentals
    • Simba Car Hire
    • Ace Rental Cars
    • Budget

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Chicago to Cairns flight?

    Return flights from Chicago to Cairns range from $2,116 to $2,372, with an average of $2,223 over the past 12 months. Anything below $2,116 counts as a good deal.

Your guide to booking Chicago to Cairns flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure instead of Saturday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $2,116 – about $570 less than Saturday (21% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago to Cairns trip for November. Fares historically average $2,011 return in that month – typically $1,156 less than the most expensive month, which is January (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Cairns Airport.
    - Cairns Colonial Club Resort
    - Cairns Harbourside Hotel
    - Cairns Sheridan Hotel

More options for your flight from Chicago to Cairns

Complete your trip to Cairns with a hotel stay or car hire

Car hire in Cairns
Hotels in Cairns
Holidays in Cairns