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Cheap flights to Cairns from $991

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 21/4. 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.
WAS — CNS
3 Apr — 10 Apr1
1 adult
Wed 3/4
Wed 10/4

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 639,854 searches and data was last updated on 29 March 2024.

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

October

Average price

$336

Return from

$249

One-way from

$121
High demand for flights, 14% potential price rise
Best time to find cheap flights, 3% potential price drop
Average for return flights in March 2024
From Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns
One-way flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Cheap flights to Cairns in March & April 2024

Discover affordable flights and deals to Cairns in March and April 2024. In the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made a total of 639,854 searches and data was last updated on 29 March 2024.
The below flights offer some of the lowest fares to Cairns in March and April 2024. If these deals fall outside of your budget, be sure to come back soon as prices update often.
Mon 8/408:20HNL - CNS
1 stop18h 30mJetstar
Fri 12/416:10CNS - HNL
1 stop33h 40mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,189
Sun 31/308:30HNL - CNS
1 stop36h 55mJetstar
Thu 4/406:35CNS - HNL
1 stop19h 15mJetstar
Deal found 27/3$1,561
Sun 14/423:55LAX - CNS
2 stops29h 55mMultiple Airlines
Tue 23/407:20CNS - LAX
2 stops22h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/3$1,613
Sun 14/410:10LAX - CNS
2 stops43h 40mMultiple Airlines
Tue 23/412:00CNS - LAX
1 stop37h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/3$1,745
Sun 14/422:50LAX - CNS
1 stop26h 40mQantas Airways
Tue 23/413:45CNS - LAX
1 stop21h 45mQantas Airways
Deal found 28/3$2,305
Thu 25/423:35SFO - CNS
2 stops25h 50mMultiple Airlines
Thu 2/507:00CNS - SFO
2 stops23h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/3$2,465
Thu 25/422:00SFO - CNS
1 stop19h 45mAir New Zealand
Thu 2/506:00CNS - SFO
2 stops23h 50mAir New Zealand
Deal found 28/3$2,534
Thu 25/422:15SFO - CNS
1 stop27h 15mQantas Airways
Thu 2/513:30CNS - SFO
1 stop21h 20mQantas Airways
Deal found 28/3$2,620
Sat 13/400:30LAX - CNS
2 stops49h 00mCathay Pacific
Tue 23/413:30CNS - LAX
2 stops49h 45mCathay Pacific
Deal found 28/3$3,028

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 639,854 searches and data were last updated on 29 March 2024.
Browse some of the best deals on flights to Cairns in 2024. Check back in a little while for more flight options.
Tue 25/608:20HNL - CNS
1 stop18h 30mJetstar
Tue 2/706:35CNS - HNL
1 stop19h 15mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,166
Wed 24/708:30HNL - CNS
1 stop17h 25mJetstar
Thu 1/806:35CNS - HNL
1 stop19h 15mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,174
Mon 8/408:20HNL - CNS
1 stop18h 30mJetstar
Fri 12/416:10CNS - HNL
1 stop33h 40mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,189
Tue 25/608:20HNL - CNS
2 stops28h 05mJetstar
Tue 2/706:35CNS - HNL
1 stop19h 15mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,265
Wed 24/708:30HNL - CNS
1 stop17h 25mJetstar
Thu 1/806:00CNS - HNL
2 stops19h 50mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,283
Tue 25/608:20HNL - CNS
2 stops28h 05mJetstar
Tue 2/706:00CNS - HNL
2 stops19h 50mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,371
Mon 8/708:20HNL - CNS
1 stop18h 30mJetstar
Sat 27/706:35CNS - HNL
1 stop19h 15mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,423
Mon 8/708:20HNL - CNS
2 stops28h 05mJetstar
Sat 27/706:35CNS - HNL
1 stop19h 15mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,461
Mon 8/708:20HNL - CNS
1 stop18h 30mJetstar
Thu 1/806:35CNS - HNL
1 stop19h 15mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,475

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 639,854 searches and data was last updated on 29 March 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 8/408:20HNL - CNS
1 stop18h 30mJetstar
Fri 12/416:10CNS - HNL
1 stop33h 40mJetstar
Deal found 28/3$1,189
Sat 6/401:30JFK - CNS
1 stop36h 55mMultiple Airlines
Thu 25/410:15CNS - JFK
2 stops35h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 27/3$2,299
Sun 7/413:20JFK - CNS
1 stop27h 05mMultiple Airlines
Thu 25/410:15CNS - JFK
2 stops35h 10mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 27/3$2,637
Sun 7/421:30JFK - CNS
2 stops46h 20mMultiple Airlines
Thu 25/412:00CNS - JFK
3 stops36h 29mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 27/3$2,914
Sun 7/421:30JFK - CNS
2 stops35h 05mMultiple Airlines
Thu 25/415:00CNS - JFK
2 stops36h 15mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 27/3$3,079
Sun 7/401:55JFK - CNS
2 stops40h 45mMultiple Airlines
Sun 5/518:40CNS - JFK
2 stops39h 55mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 27/3$3,186
Mon 8/412:05HNL - CNS
2 stops29h 00mQantas Airways
Fri 12/411:30CNS - HNL
1 stop18h 20mQantas Airways
Deal found 28/3$3,487
Sat 6/401:55JFK - CNS
2 stops41h 20mMultiple Airlines
Thu 25/407:00CNS - JFK
2 stops37h 00mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 27/3$3,510
Mon 8/412:05HNL - CNS
2 stops29h 00mQantas Airways
Fri 12/406:00CNS - HNL
2 stops23h 50mQantas Airways
Deal found 28/3$3,530

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 639,854 searches and data was last updated on 29 March 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.
Sun 21/422:00SFO - CNS
1 stop19h 45mAir New Zealand
Deal found 28/3$991
Mon 9/910:55LAX - CNS
1 stop24h 30mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/3$995
Wed 8/511:00LAX - CNS
3 stops53h 15mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/3$1,013
Sun 21/422:00SFO - CNS
2 stops28h 50mAir New Zealand
Deal found 28/3$1,025
Wed 8/521:40LAX - CNS
2 stops37h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/3$1,031
Wed 8/512:29LGA - CNS
3 stops49h 56mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/3$1,102
Wed 8/518:09EWR - CNS
2 stops44h 16mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/3$1,123
Mon 9/910:55LAX - CNS
2 stops25h 15mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/3$1,133
Sun 28/422:00LAX - CNS
1 stop19h 45mAir New Zealand
Deal found 29/3$1,136

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 639,854 searches and data was last updated on 29 March 2024.

Fly from

Any airport

Budget

$1,166 - $2,534

Route

Depart

Return

Price

HonoluluCairns

HNL - CNS

HNLCNS

Honolulu

Tue 25/6

1 stop18h 30m

Cairns

Tue 2/7

1 stop19h 15m

$1,166

HonoluluCairns

HNL - CNS

HNLCNS

Honolulu

Wed 24/7

1 stop17h 25m

Cairns

Thu 1/8

1 stop19h 15m

$1,174

HonoluluCairns

HNL - CNS

HNLCNS

Honolulu

Tue 25/6

2 stops28h 05m

Cairns

Tue 2/7

1 stop19h 15m

$1,265

Los AngelesCairns

LAX - CNS

LAXCNS

Los Angeles

Sat 10/8

2 stops25h 20m

Cairns

Sat 17/8

2 stops43h 40m

$1,615

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Sun 26/5

1 stop19h 45m

Cairns

Sun 18/8

2 stops23h 50m

$1,756

Los AngelesCairns

LAX - CNS

LAXCNS

Los Angeles

Thu 30/5

1 stop21h 50m

Cairns

Sun 30/6

1 stop21h 45m

$2,124

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Wed 21/8

1 stop36h 30m

Cairns

Wed 11/9

1 stop32h 25m

$2,394

San FranciscoCairns

SFO - CNS

SFOCNS

San Francisco

Mon 12/8

1 stop23h 55m

Cairns

Wed 21/8

1 stop17h 25m

$2,474

NewarkCairns

EWR - CNS

EWRCNS

Newark

Wed 8/5

2 stops29h 00m

Cairns

Fri 24/5

2 stops38h 29m

$2,534

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 28/3

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 $1,061 while a return flight costs $1,833. Price data was last updated on 24 March 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 $278). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

January

$289

February

$290

March

$293

April

$318

May

$348

June

$427

July

$374

August

$324

September

$332

October

$301

November

$302

December

$304

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 28 January 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 24 March 2024.
Morning
Midday
Afternoon
Evening
All times are departure.
Users looking for the lowest fares to Cairns should consider flying on Saturday 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 29 March 2024.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Jetstar, Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia 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.
9.0
Wonderful
24 reviews

Crew

9.2

Boarding

8.7

Overall

9.0

Entertainment

6.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.3

Reviews

1 / 2

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

9.0
Wonderful
24 reviews
9.0
Wonderful
24 reviews

Crew

9.2

Boarding

8.7

Overall

9.0

Entertainment

6.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.3

Reviews

1 / 2

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

8.3
Very Good
685 reviews
9.0
Wonderful
24 reviews

Crew

9.2

Boarding

8.7

Overall

9.0

Entertainment

6.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.3

Reviews

1 / 2

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

7.8
Good
725 reviews
9.0
Wonderful
24 reviews

Crew

9.2

Boarding

8.7

Overall

9.0

Entertainment

6.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.3

Reviews

1 / 2

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

7.7
Good
1,060 reviews
9.0
Wonderful
24 reviews

Crew

9.2

Boarding

8.7

Overall

9.0

Entertainment

6.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.3

Reviews

1 / 2

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

6.9
Okay
718 reviews
9.0
Wonderful
24 reviews

Crew

9.2

Boarding

8.7

Overall

9.0

Entertainment

6.0

Comfort

8.0

Food

7.3

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.

See more FAQs

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