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Cheap flights to Cairns from $127

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 12/6. 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.
BOS — CNS
21 May — 28 May1
1 adult
Tue 21/5
Tue 28/5

Flights to Cairns in 2024

Find the latest flights to Cairns in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 536,630 searches and data was last updated on 16 May 2024.

Popular in

June

Cheapest in

May

Average price

$304

Return from

$254

One-way from

$127
High demand for flights, 8% potential price rise
Best time to find cheap flights, 2% potential price drop
Average for return flights in May 2024
From Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns
One-way flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Cheap flights to Cairns in May & June 2024

Discover affordable flights and deals to Cairns in May and June 2024. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 536,630 searches and data was last updated on 16 May 2024.
The below flights offer some of the lowest fares to Cairns in May and June 2024. If these deals fall outside of your budget, be sure to come back soon as prices update often.
Wed 26/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 30/606:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$254
Sat 15/615:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 22/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$265
Fri 14/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Mon 17/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$266
Mon 10/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 14/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$269
Sun 9/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 12/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 15/5$271
Wed 12/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 12/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$272
Mon 3/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Thu 6/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$278
Fri 21/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 23/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$283
Thu 30/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Thu 6/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$284

Cairns 2024 flight deals

Explore flight deals for Cairns in 2024, offering the best prices and options to suit your preferences. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 536,630 searches and data were last updated on 16 May 2024.
Browse some of the best deals on flights to Cairns in 2024. Check back in a little while for more flight options.
Wed 26/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 30/606:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$254
Mon 2/1206:00SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Wed 4/1206:40CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$260
Sun 18/819:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 21/806:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$263
Sat 15/615:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 22/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$265
Fri 14/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Mon 17/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$266
Mon 10/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 14/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$269
Sun 9/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 12/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 15/5$271
Wed 12/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 12/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$272
Tue 30/715:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 2/806:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$277

Flights to Cairns departing soon

Discover available last-minute flight options to Cairns, providing immediate availability and potentially lower prices. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 536,630 searches and data was last updated on 16 May 2024.
Have a look at some of the best last-minute flights available departing to Cairns. Make sure to double check the price, time, and destination to confirm all are correct.
Wed 22/519:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 5/616:10CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$292
Tue 21/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 25/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$346
Wed 22/518:25SYD - CNS
1 stop14h 00mJetstar
Wed 5/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$355
Tue 21/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 24/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$361
Sat 25/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mMultiple Airlines
Sat 1/606:00CNS - SYD
1 stop10h 40mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 16/5$376
Tue 21/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 25/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$391
Tue 21/515:00SYD - CNS
1 stop5h 10mVirgin Australia
Fri 24/519:15CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mVirgin Australia
Deal found 16/5$392
Sat 25/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 1/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$404
Tue 21/517:00SYD - CNS
1 stop6h 55mMultiple Airlines
Sat 25/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 16/5$419

One-way flights to Cairns

Explore one-way flight options to Cairns for greater flexibility in your travel plans. Find up-to-date pricing and availability for one-way flights. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 536,630 searches and data was last updated on 16 May 2024.
These are some of the best available deals on flights to Cairns. Users seeking round-trip flights to Cairns should update the search form at the top of the page accordingly.
Wed 12/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$127
Thu 18/719:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$129
Mon 12/806:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$130
Mon 10/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$135
Mon 3/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$138
Tue 28/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$144
Thu 30/515:20SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mVirgin Australia
Deal found 16/5$145
Mon 27/519:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$150
Thu 30/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$151

Direct flights to Cairns

Wed 26/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 30/606:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$254
Sun 18/819:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 21/806:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$263
Sat 15/615:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 22/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$265
Fri 14/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Mon 17/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$266
Mon 10/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 14/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$269
Sun 9/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 12/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 15/5$271
Wed 12/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 12/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$272
Tue 30/715:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 2/806:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$277
Mon 3/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Thu 6/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 16/5$278

Find flights to Cairns within your budget

Locate flights to Cairns that fit your budget, with regularly updated fares and availability. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 536,630 searches and data was last updated on 16 May 2024.

Fly from

Any airport

Budget

$254 - $480

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Sydney Kingsford SmithCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 26/6

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Sun 30/6

Nonstop3h 00m

$254

Sydney Kingsford SmithCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Sat 15/6

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Sat 22/6

Nonstop2h 55m

$265

Sydney Kingsford SmithCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Fri 14/6

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Mon 17/6

Nonstop2h 55m

$266

Sydney Kingsford SmithCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Mon 10/6

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Fri 14/6

Nonstop2h 55m

$269

Sydney Kingsford SmithCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Mon 10/6

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Sun 23/6

Nonstop2h 55m

$289

Sydney Kingsford SmithCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Thu 30/5

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Fri 7/6

Nonstop2h 55m

$290

Sydney Kingsford SmithCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Tue 9/7

Nonstop3h 05m

Cairns

Mon 29/7

Nonstop2h 55m

$323

Sydney Kingsford SmithCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Wed 10/7

1 stop5h 45m

Cairns

Mon 15/7

1 stop10h 10m

$382

Sydney Kingsford SmithCairns

SYD - CNS

SYDCNS

Sydney Kingsford Smith

Tue 9/7

1 stop12h 25m

Cairns

Mon 29/7

1 stop10h 20m

$480

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 16/5

Average price of flights to Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. The average price of a one-way flight to Cairns is currently $139 while a return flight costs $313. Price data was last updated on 12 May 2024.

Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to Cairns (average of $188). Flying to Cairns in June will prove the most costly (average of $280). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

January

$281

February

$283

March

$284

April

$293

May

$287

June

$419

July

$377

August

$317

September

$335

October

$292

November

$296

December

$299

Peak season

The city is one of Australia’s most visited destinations between July and October so you’ll need to be on the ball to secure your cheap flights to Cairns. The number one drawcard that has tourists clamouring for flight tickets to Cairns is the Great Barrier Reef, closely followed by Daintree Rainforest. Cairns city itself has plenty of diversions between reef or rainforest, with an energetic nightlife, exotic flora and fauna and numerous outdoor activities. The Cairns Show in July attracts 80,000 visitors and is the biggest community event in the city so avoid this month if you want a quieter visit.

Off Season

November to March is the wet season, which brings torrential rains and high humidity, and a good chance of cyclones. Travellers come to Cairns during the off-season for diving specials and accommodation discounts. If you’re willing to brave the rains it’s also a good time to book cheap flights to Cairns.

Temperature and rainfall in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month.

CNS

Temperature

21 - 27 °C

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Cairns, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, January is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 27.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of June, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 21.0 C).

When is the best time to book a flight to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 10 May 2024.

August is the optimum time to visit Cairns as this is when the temps are comfortable in the mid-20Cs and there is less humidity and rainfall. It is advised to book flight tickets as early as possible if visiting in August to avoid disappointment. In general, April to May is the best time to dive and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. June and July are not as suitable for swimming, but still warm enough to enjoy other attractions, and the months you’re likely to get the cheapest flights to Cairns. The right side of the plane is recommended as the best side for views of the Great Barrier Reef as you’re flying north.

Search Deals

When is the cheapest time to fly to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 12 May 2024.
Morning
Midday
Afternoon
Evening
All times are departure.
Users looking for the lowest fares to Cairns should consider flying on Tuesday at midday, when prices are typically cheapest. Budget-minded travellers will want to avoid Sunday at midday, when prices are usually at their highest.
Search Deals

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 16 May 2024.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways to Cairns. In addition to providing an overall rating, users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
9.2
Wonderful
26 reviews

Food

7.5

Crew

9.3

Entertainment

6.4

Overall

9.2

Comfort

8.3

Boarding

8.9

Reviews

1 / 2

Very good. On time, very pleasant staff, more legroom than some other airlines. Our airline of choice

9.2
Wonderful
26 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
26 reviews

Food

7.5

Crew

9.3

Entertainment

6.4

Overall

9.2

Comfort

8.3

Boarding

8.9

Reviews

1 / 2

Very good. On time, very pleasant staff, more legroom than some other airlines. Our airline of choice

8.3
Very Good
626 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
26 reviews

Food

7.5

Crew

9.3

Entertainment

6.4

Overall

9.2

Comfort

8.3

Boarding

8.9

Reviews

1 / 2

Very good. On time, very pleasant staff, more legroom than some other airlines. Our airline of choice

7.8
Good
649 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
26 reviews

Food

7.5

Crew

9.3

Entertainment

6.4

Overall

9.2

Comfort

8.3

Boarding

8.9

Reviews

1 / 2

Very good. On time, very pleasant staff, more legroom than some other airlines. Our airline of choice

7.6
Good
967 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
26 reviews

Food

7.5

Crew

9.3

Entertainment

6.4

Overall

9.2

Comfort

8.3

Boarding

8.9

Reviews

1 / 2

Very good. On time, very pleasant staff, more legroom than some other airlines. Our airline of choice

6.8
Okay
638 reviews
9.2
Wonderful
26 reviews

Food

7.5

Crew

9.3

Entertainment

6.4

Overall

9.2

Comfort

8.3

Boarding

8.9

Reviews

1 / 2

Very good. On time, very pleasant staff, more legroom than some other airlines. Our airline of choice

Cheap Flights to Cairns

What is good to know if travelling to Cairns?

  • Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s Tropical Rainforests. If you are looking to book a flight you must check out our selection of 20 things to do in Cairns.
  • Whether you are on a luxury break or visiting family you can still get the most out of your visit by reading our guide on Cairns and Port Douglas on a budget.
  • How long is the flight to Cairns?

    Flights from Sydney to Cairns – 3 hrs 7 mins Flights from Melbourne to Cairns – 3 hrs 19 mins Flights from Brisbane to Cairns – 2 hrs 20 mins Flights from Adelaide to Cairns – 2 hrs 55 mins Flights from Perth to Cairns – 4 hrs 5 mins

  • Which airlines operate flights to Cairns?

    All major Australian cities have direct flights to Cairns Airport which services a total of 30 domestic and 18 international destinations. Sydney to Cairns is the most competitive route with approximately 10 direct flights per day to far North Queensland. Travellers should look for cheap flights to Cairns with Jetstar, Tiger Airways, Virgin Australia and Qantas.

  • How to get from the airport to the city centre?

    Cairns Airport (CNS) is located 7kms north of central Cairns. The cheapest way to reach the city after your flight has landed is to take the courtesy hotel shuttle if your accommodation offers it. If not, then the airport shuttle bus connects with certain hotels and the city centre, as well as other destinations in the region. For between $15 and $20 you can catch a taxi to the CBD or rent a car if you want an independent means of travel.

  • What does CNS mean?

    This is defined as Cairns Airport (CNS). Codes like CNS are often used to just call airports uniquely.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns?

    Most people fly into Cairns (CNS) if they book a flight to Cairns. Cairns is conveniently located just 4.4 km from Cairns’s city centre. There are 20 flights from Sydney to Cairns per day from 3 different airlines.

  • Can I find cheaper flights to Cairns if I am willing to have stopovers?

    Yes, flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Cairns on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

  • What is the best airline to fly to Cairns?

    Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Rex is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Cairns.

  • What is the cheapest airport to fly to in Cairns?

    Cairns Airport is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in Cairns. One-way flights to Cairns Airport typically cost $56, while return flights cost around $101.

  • How much is a return flight to Cairns?

    A return flight to Cairns will typically cost around $282, however they can be found for as little as $67.

  • Where does the fastest flight to Cairns depart from?

    For those looking to save time traveling to Cairns, Townsville offers the quickest one-way flight (0 hours 55 minutes).

  • Does Cairns Airport have car hire?

    Yes. Those touching down at Cairns Airport can take advantage of the car hire services offered upon their arrival.

  • Are there hotels close to Cairns Airport?

    Yes. Cairns Airport has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Homestay - Butterfly Haven is the closest property to Cairns Airport (0.0 km away from Cairns Airport).

See more FAQs

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