SYD - CNS

$131 Find Cheap Flights from Sydney to Cairns – Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Sydney to Cairns departing on 18/7. 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.
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1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return fare
$215
Typical prices: $240-$426
Jetstar
Wed 29/7Wed 5/8
SYD - CNS • Direct
Cheapest one-way flight
$131
Typical prices: $148-$350
Jetstar
Sat 18/7
SYD - CNS • Direct
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $215 (return)
Best reviews • 7.6 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Direct flights
Every day
You can fly direct with Jetstar, Qantas Airways, and Virgin Australia. Average duration is 3h 11m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 88% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 3 weeks in advance save around 26% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 14% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
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We hope you love your trip to Cairns!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Sydney to Cairns (SYD-CNS)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Sydney 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 Sydney to Cairns

Wed, 29 Jul - Wed, 5 Aug
Jetstar Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
19:10 - 22:05
CNS
-
SYD
2h 55mdirect
$215Jetstar
Tue, 28 Jul - Thu, 30 Jul
Jetstar Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:45 - 09:45
CNS
-
SYD
3h 00mdirect
$220Jetstar
Tue, 21 Jul - Sat, 25 Jul
Jetstar Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:45 - 09:45
CNS
-
SYD
3h 00mdirect
$223Jetstar
Wed, 5 Aug - Fri, 7 Aug
Jetstar Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
19:10 - 22:05
CNS
-
SYD
2h 55mdirect
$225Jetstar
Wed, 5 Aug - Thu, 6 Aug
Jetstar Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
15:35 - 18:30
CNS
-
SYD
2h 55mdirect
$226Jetstar
Mon, 3 Aug - Wed, 5 Aug
Jetstar Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
19:10 - 22:05
CNS
-
SYD
2h 55mdirect
$229Jetstar
Sat, 18 Jul - Sat, 25 Jul
Jetstar Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:45 - 09:45
CNS
-
SYD
3h 00mdirect
$231Jetstar
Mon, 3 Aug - Thu, 6 Aug
Jetstar Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:45 - 09:45
CNS
-
SYD
3h 00mdirect
$232Jetstar
Tue, 21 Jul - Sat, 25 Jul
Jetstar Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Jetstar Logo
06:45 - 09:45
CNS
-
SYD
3h 00mdirect
$233Jetstar
Mon, 20 Jul - Thu, 23 Jul
Multiple Airlines Logo
19:15 - 22:25
SYD
-
CNS
3h 10mdirect
Multiple Airlines Logo
19:15 - 22:10
CNS
-
SYD
2h 55mdirect
$235Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Sydney to Cairns flights

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

How much is a return flight from Sydney 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 Sydney to Cairns departing in July.

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

The average price of all round-trip flights from Sydney 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 Tuesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Friday is the most expensive day to fly from Sydney to Cairns. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Wednesday and avoiding Sundays for the best deals.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Sydney 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 Sydney to Cairns is January, where tickets cost $277 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and December, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $372 and $362 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney to Cairns, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 26% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 4 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$131
Best time to beat the crowds (6% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (7% more expensive on average)
Flight from Sydney to Cairns

When to book flights from Sydney to Cairns

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

  • What lounges are available in the domestic terminals of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?

    If you’d like to relax in comfort before your flight, there are various lounge options in the domestic terminals of Sydney Airport. Terminal 3 has Qantas Business Lounge and The Qantas Club Lounge, which are both located in the departures area, opposite Gates 4 and 5. Terminal 2 has Virgin Australia Lounge, located after security near the main security checkpoint. Please check with your airline for your eligibility to use their lounge.

  • How do you get to Sydney Airport from the Sydney centre?

    There are many options to get from Sydney centre to Sydney Airport. The metro will get you to the airport from Central Station in about 15min. Be sure to get use your Opal card, if you have one, for discounted fares. You can also take a taxi or rideshare service; the cost depends on what part of Sydney you are heading to.

  • How is Cairns Airport accessible for people with disabilities?

    The airport has accessible toilets and public phones. It also has a number of hearing loops that reduce distortion and background noise for those using hearing aids. You can also request a disability-friendly taxi through the taxi concierge staff in the taxi area.

  • Are there smoking areas at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?

    Smoking areas at this airport are located outside the terminal buildings. There is a no smoking policy inside the terminal buildings, so if you are a smoker, make a note of the location of the designated spaces (marked on terminal maps) and take advantage of them before going through security.

  • Is there free Wi-Fi at both Sydney Kingsford Smith and Cairns Airport?

    Sydney Airport offers free Wi-Fi – select ‘-FREE SYD WiFi-’, follow the registration instructions, click proceed and you can start surfing. Cairns Airport also has a Wi-Fi service in all terminals – it is free for 30 minutes in T2 and for 60 minutes in T1 – thereafter you will need to pay.

  • How do I transfer between terminals at Cairns Airport?

    The terminals at Cairns Airport are within walking distance of each other and you can get from one to the other via a covered walkway. From T2 Arrivals to T1 Departures, follow the Green line and from T1 Arrivals to T2 Departures follow the Blue line. The walk takes between 5 and 7minutes.

  • Can I use public transport to get from Cairns Airport to Cairns city centre?

    If you wish to use public transport from Cairns Airport ,you will need to catch the Airport Connect bus service which, for around AUD6 one way and AUD8 return, will take you from the airport to the Sheridan Street bus stops, where you can continue your journey north towards beaches or southwards towards Cairns.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Sydney to Cairns?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from Sydney to Cairns was $131 for a one-way ticket and $215 for a return.

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

    When flying out of Sydney you will be using Sydney Kingsford Smith. You will be landing at Cairns, also known as Cairns.

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

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

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Sydney to Cairns?

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

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

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

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Sydney to Cairns are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways. With an average price for the route of $358 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 $513 and an overall rating of 7.5.

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

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

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

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

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $182 or less one-way and $289 or less round-trip.
  • If you are travelling with infants or young children, there are parents rooms and baby changing facilities in both Domestic Terminals 2 and 3 of Sydney Airport (SYD).
  • If you’re craving a coffee on arrival in Cairns, there is a Macchinetta in the arrival area of Cairns Airport (CNS) serving coffees as well as focaccias and paninis.
  • A great initiative at Sydney Airport is the Airport Ambassador Program. They are volunteers who give of their time each week to give passengers a warm welcome and assist anyone needing help with finding accommodation, facilities, transport or attractions. Look out for them in their bright blue shirts.
  • Direct flights from Sydney to Cairns operate daily throughout the week. These flights are operated by four domestic carriers – Qantas, Virgin Australia, and the budget airlines Jetstar and Tiger Airways Australia. All these airlines fly into T2 in Cairns, which is the domestic terminal. If you have onward international flights, you will need to switch terminals.
  • Hungry travellers waiting to catch flights from Sydney to Cairns can take advantage of a number of restaurant options at the domestic terminals of Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. From coffee shops, such as Toby’s Estate at T3 domestic terminal and burger bars – Chur Burger and Bistro 2020 in the T2 domestic terminal – there is something to suit every appetite.
  • If you are travelling to Cairns Airport to explore further afield, a good way to do this is to hire a car and collect it upon arrival. There are a number of car hire companies that have desks in the arrivals halls of both terminals. Avis, Budget, Hertz and Europcar are among the car hire companies represented at Cairns Airport.
  • For travellers with babies on flights from Sydney to Cairns, you will be happy to know that Cairns Airport has parents’ facilities in both terminals both before and after security. These are situated close to shops and places to eat and will allow you to change your baby’s nappy in peace and quiet away from the airport before any onward travels.
  • If you only have a limited amount of time in Cairns before moving on elsewhere and would like to explore the city and surrounds without carrying your luggage, there are luggage storage lockers next to the T2 Car Park Service Kiosk at Cairns Airport. The costs range between AUD6 and AUD14 depending on the locker size and the amount of time you need it for.

Prefer to fly direct from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns?

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

Direct departures

Sydney Kingsford Smith 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 Sydney Kingsford Smith

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 Sydney to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Sydney 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 Sydney 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 463 reviews
7.8Boarding
7.5Comfort
6.4Entertainment
6.4Food
8.2Crew
Airline reviews

There were no food or entertainment on this short flight. Friendly staff even before getting on the flight. The seats were snug but it was quick flight

10.0 ExcellentSheila, Apr 2026
SYD - MEL
Read more Virgin Australia reviews

There were no food or entertainment on this short flight. Friendly staff even before getting on the flight. The seats were snug but it was quick flight

Very friendly staff. No food service and no entertainment. Only 1hr 20min flight

Flight was late, food and drink an extra charge, my carry on is five rows behind me, and the seats are too narrow. Don’t ask me to be happy about it

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

Virgin has always provided a smooth and comfortable flight. This one was no different. Seats are comfortable. Staff are great. This is my favourite airline.

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.

The flight was delayed by 45 minutes, but boarding, actual flight, and crew were great. However, there was Zero free food and only water, tea, or coffee to drink. Everything else was for sale. No onboard entertainment but it was a short flight.

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

Flight was cancelled and the next available flight they could get me on was 18:30 that night. I was travelling up for a conference so needed to be in Brisbane by 12:00 at the latest. I had to rebook with another carrier and I've had to follow up three times about the refund for this flight. The flight I rebooked cost over $400.

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.

Business class points redemption - good value for points paid, dubious value if out of your own pocket, domestic class business product okay for this length of flight. The flight left and arrived on time, crew were good, aircraft was a bit old and tired, but still miles ahead of their competitors in Virgin and Jetstar.

Was bumped to a later flight because of inefficiency on part of the airline.

Pretty excellent. I don’t know what the pilot could have done better with the bumping ( there was a storm) nor what happened to my ears coming down into bendigo. It doesn’t happen coming down into Sydney just the return flight. I wonder why?

It’s a two prop flight so I had problems with my ears on re- entering ! But otherwise fine

Wheelchair assistance to move through the terminals and to/from the plane door was excellent. No vegan snack on the flight, only something with salami and cheese in it.

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.

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

Our flight was delayed twice and after we boarded it was delayed again as they were searching for a passenger's small bag. We arrived in Hobart one hour later.

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).

Grubby plane, dirty seat & table, poor food, wait for baggage, staff ok.

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 more than 1.5 hours. Gate changed multiple times

Plane was delayed both on arrival to Sydney and departure. We boarded the plane while it was in the process of being refuelled, which I am certain is against CASA regulations. Comfort for anyone over 6 foot is non existent.

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

They had issues with the plane prior to boarding. You could see it in the gate lounge staff. An hour after the plane was supposed to have taken off, we were still in the gate lounge, not a peep from the staff. Couldn’t seem to bring themselves to give a single verbal update. Then, they give some odd partial message verbally - plane has been downgraded. It’s not going anywhere. We need 37 people with carry on only to volunteer to go onto another flight + we’ll give you a $200 voucher - so this caused chaos, as people rushed to the desk. No mention of what those with checked baggage should do. About another 20 mins later, another lady at the desk makes a reference to going to another gate but stops mid sentence. Fed up, I approach the desk and ask if they can give some clear instructions to those that have checked baggage about what we should do. Another lady then gives a message over the PA telling those with checked baggage to go to a different gate. So we go to the new gate, spend an hour there waiting while the confusion between staff and passengers continues. Eventually board only to sit on the plane for about another hour as confused staff clearly have too many people on the plane and not enough seats. They finally figure it out and the flight leaves 3h25mins late. Things like this happen all the time I’d imagine, so you’d think dealing with it should be their bread and butter. Keep customers updated. Give clear instructions. Apologise for the delays. Not hard, but seemingly all lost on the Jetstar team that day. Pathetic.

The flight was cancelled 7 hours before it was due to fly and Jetstar said they couldn't get us on any other flight that day. We took a refund and easily booked a Virgin flight close to the time of the canvelled Jetstar flight.

Why is it so hard for Jetstar to get boarding a plane correct? In this current environment why have everyone on the plane early to just sit on the plane while they work out where their boarding system went wrong resorting to using a hand held counter to check numbers on the plane Having everyone on the plane for longer than necessary is very annoying then when arriving at the destination it takes 1/2 for ground crew handling baggage to get the bags out again this creates issues with keeping people in confined spaces longer than necessary

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

Other airlines flying from Sydney to Cairns

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