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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 20/6. 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.
ICT — CNS
11 May — 18 May1
1 adult
Sat 11/5
Sat 18/5

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 537,230 searches and data was last updated on 6 May 2024.

Popular in

June

Cheapest in

May

Average price

$305

Return from

$240

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 537,230 searches and data was last updated on 6 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.
Tue 21/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Thu 23/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$251
Tue 11/615:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Thu 13/616:10CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$254
Thu 13/615:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Tue 18/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$255
Sat 15/615:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Tue 18/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$261
Mon 20/519:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 24/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$263
Wed 29/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 31/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$264
Wed 5/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 8/618:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$266
Thu 20/615:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 26/606:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$269
Mon 3/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mMultiple Airlines
Mon 4/1114:45CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 6/5$272

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 537,230 searches and data were last updated on 6 May 2024.
Browse some of the best deals on flights to Cairns in 2024. Check back in a little while for more flight options.
Sun 10/1106:00SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Wed 13/1118:20CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 5/5$180
Thu 1/819:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 4/806:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$198
Sat 3/806:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 7/906:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$199
Sun 18/806:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 21/816:10CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$211
Sun 4/819:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 6/906:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$214
Tue 30/715:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 2/806:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$219
Sun 1/906:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Tue 3/916:10CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 5/5$226
Wed 11/906:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 15/906:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$237
Mon 22/706:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 27/706:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$240

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 537,230 searches and data was last updated on 6 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.
Mon 13/515:20SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mVirgin Australia
Fri 17/519:15CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mVirgin Australia
Deal found 6/5$278
Tue 14/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Tue 21/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$284
Mon 13/519:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 17/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$287
Sun 12/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Thu 16/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$293
Sat 11/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 15/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$308
Tue 14/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 18/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 5/5$319
Mon 13/519:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 18/518:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 5/5$332
Mon 13/518:30SYD - CNS
1 stop5h 25mVirgin Australia
Fri 17/519:15CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mVirgin Australia
Deal found 6/5$349
Tue 14/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mMultiple Airlines
Tue 21/511:50CNS - SYD
1 stop4h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 6/5$355

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 537,230 searches and data was last updated on 6 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.
Thu 20/606:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$127
Wed 19/619:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$130
Tue 21/506:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$131
Wed 17/719:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$133
Tue 30/710:45SYD - CNS
1 stop6h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$134
Mon 20/519:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$137
Mon 13/515:20SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mVirgin Australia
Deal found 6/5$148
Mon 13/519:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$151
Wed 17/720:45SYD - CNS
1 stop21h 45mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$156

Direct flights to Cairns

Thu 1/819:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 4/806:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$198
Sat 3/806:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 7/906:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$199
Sun 18/806:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Wed 21/816:10CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$211
Sun 4/819:45SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 6/906:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$214
Tue 30/715:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 2/806:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$219
Sun 1/906:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Tue 3/916:10CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 5/5$226
Wed 11/906:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sun 15/906:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$237
Mon 22/706:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Sat 27/706:35CNS - SYD
Nonstop3h 00mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$240
Fri 2/806:10SYD - CNS
Nonstop3h 05mJetstar
Fri 6/918:55CNS - SYD
Nonstop2h 55mJetstar
Deal found 6/5$245

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 $300. Price data was last updated on 5 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 $279). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

January

$284

February

$285

March

$287

April

$296

May

$296

June

$421

July

$379

August

$322

September

$337

October

$294

November

$297

December

$302

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 3 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.

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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 5 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.
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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 6 May 2024.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways and Jetstar 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.
8.3
Very Good
637 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.7

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

8.3
Very Good
637 reviews
8.3
Very Good
637 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.7

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

7.8
Good
665 reviews
8.3
Very Good
637 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.7

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

7.7
Good
974 reviews
8.3
Very Good
637 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.7

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

6.8
Okay
652 reviews
8.3
Very Good
637 reviews

Crew

8.8

Boarding

8.4

Food

7.7

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

7.9

Overall

8.3

Reviews

1 / 10

The crew, food, and entertainment were amazing. The leg room/distance from the row in front of you seems smaller than other airlines which is very uncomfortable.

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 $55, while return flights cost around $106.

  • How much is a return flight to Cairns?

    A return flight to Cairns will typically cost around $227, however they can be found for as little as $70.

  • 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).

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