Which airlines fly to Cairns?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Cairns from Brisbane according to our data. Jetstar is the first choice among our users, with 62% of people opting to fly with this airline when travelling to Cairns. Keep in mind that there are 3 different airlines that fly to Cairns on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Brisbane to Cairns?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas Airways are the most popular carriers operating from Brisbane to Cairns

How many flights depart from Brisbane to Cairns on average per week?

330 flights are operational weekly from Brisbane to Cairns as of September 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Sun, with 17% of flights per week taking off on this day.

How many flights depart from Brisbane to Cairns on average per day?

47 flights are operational daily from Brisbane to Cairns as of September 2025. The most popular departure time for this route is 06:00, with 55% of flights per day taking off at midday.

Which airlines fly direct from Brisbane to Cairns?

Two main airlines, Jetstar and Virgin Australia offer direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns, along with Qantas, which offers one or two a day. Most of the direct Brisbane to Cairns flights are operated by Jetstar, and you’ll be able to find many of these daily. They take about 2h and 20min and are the fastest flights you’ll find. Virgin Australia will fly you there in about 2h and 30min . All flights between these two cities depart from Brisbane Airport (BNE) and land at Cairns Airport (CNS), the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The cities aren’t too far apart and are the two main urban areas in Queensland on the eastern coast of Australia, so there aren’t any flights that make stopovers in-between. It’s quite a short hop, and you’ll have no worries finding cheap flights from Brisbane to Cairns.

What is the best way to get in and out of airports in Cairns and Brisbane?

There are two public transport options from Brisbane city centre to get to the airport for flights from Brisbane to Cairns. The fastest is to catch the Skybus that leaves every 3h from the Margaret Street stop. This will take just over 30min to reach Brisbane International Terminal. The second option is to take a TRANSLink QLD train on the VLBD line, which will take about 40min . These depart from Platform 3 at Brisbane Central station. By car or taxi, the drive takes just under 15min . Once you’ve landed in Cairns, your best bet is to hire a Jayride shuttle from the airport, as there isn’t any public transport available. This will take about 8min . You could also take a taxi or hire a town car, also from Jayride, for the same travel time. Which cities can you get to from Cairns airport? Flights from Brisbane to Cairns are usually used by tourists to the Great Barrier Reef, but there are other large towns in far North Queensland that you can reach from there. Visit the Wooroonooran National Park by travelling to Babinda. You can get there in about 45min on the Greyhound Australia GX411 bus. Otherwise, catch the Spirit of Queensland train that will take about anh and 10min . Or head inland to Mariba, which is the start of the mountainous region of Queensland. You can get there in about 1h and 20min on the Trans North Innisfail No 850 bus. It’s about anh’s drive by taxi or car. You can also head north to coastal resorts like Port Douglas. This is about 1h and 15min away on a Coastal Service bus.

What are the benefits of the different airports in Cairns and Brisbane?

There is only one airport on either side that serves flights from Brisbane to Cairns. Brisbane Airport is a domestic and international airport that offers return and one-way flights to Cairns, so you’ll have a wide range of facilities at your disposal. There’s a central domestic terminal area offering an artisanal coffee shop, a bar and a bistro. If you fly with Virgin Australia, you’ll also have access to the Level 2 Virgin Terminal Area, which offers plenty more restaurants, cafés and extra shops. The airport provides an Accessibility Journey Planner for those with limited mobility or similar requirements to plan their way through the airport and arrange assistance. Cairns Airport offers plenty of restaurants, fast food outlets, coffee shops and the like. Its accessibility facilities are covered by the Access for All programme, which offers assistance from the parking lot to boarding, provided by the Airport Ambassadors.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport?

Prices for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport were last updated today.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport?

As of September 2025, there are 3 operators available to choose from for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport.

How old do you have to be to fly from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and stopovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?

The necessary travel and health documents for your Cairns Airport trip may vary depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances. Generally, you should have various documents, such as a national ID card or driver's licence and a passport that is valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date. We recommend seeking advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.

$104 Cheap Flights from Brisbane to Cairns in 2025

Q: What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Brisbane and Cairns?

Prices are currently low for flights on this route. Typical prices usually range from $216 to $353. The lowest price recently found on this route was $174.

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Find the cheapest flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap return flights

06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS

2h 25mdirect

06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE

2h 10mdirect

$174Jetstar

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Fri, 10 Oct - Wed, 15 Oct

06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS

2h 25mdirect

06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE

2h 10mdirect

$176Jetstar

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Tue, 7 Oct - Sat, 11 Oct

06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS

2h 25mdirect

15:35 - 17:45CNS-BNE

2h 10mdirect

$177Jetstar

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Tue, 7 Oct - Tue, 14 Oct

06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS

2h 25mdirect

06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE

2h 10mdirect

$179Jetstar

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Mon, 13 Oct - Wed, 15 Oct

18:35 - 20:55BNE-CNS

2h 20mdirect

06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE

2h 10mdirect

$180Jetstar

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Sat, 11 Oct - Sun, 12 Oct

18:35 - 20:55BNE-CNS

2h 20mdirect

06:00 - 08:10CNS-BNE

2h 10mdirect

$182Jetstar

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Wed, 8 Oct - Sat, 11 Oct

06:00 - 08:25BNE-CNS

2h 25mdirect

09:15 - 11:35CNS-BNE

2h 20mdirect

$206

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Thu, 23 Oct - Thu, 30 Oct

06:10 - 08:35BNE-CNS

2h 25mdirect

09:15 - 11:35CNS-BNE

2h 20mdirect

$228Virgin Australia

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Fri, 14 Nov - Sun, 16 Nov

20:40 - 23:05BNE-CNS

2h 25mdirect

09:15 - 11:35CNS-BNE

2h 20mdirect

$230Virgin Australia

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Fri, 14 Nov - Sun, 16 Nov

17:50 - 20:20BNE-CNS

2h 30mdirect

17:25 - 19:40CNS-BNE

2h 15mdirect

$231Virgin Australia

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Sat, 4 Oct - Wed, 8 Oct

Jetstar flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Our best Jetstar deals on Brisbane to Cairns flight tickets

Jetstar

10 Oct

BNE06:00Brisbane

2h 25m

CNS08:25Cairns

15 Oct

CNS06:00Cairns

2h 10m

BNE08:10Brisbane

$174

Find similar

Jetstar

7 Oct

BNE06:00Brisbane

2h 25m

CNS08:25Cairns

11 Oct

CNS06:00Cairns

2h 10m

BNE08:10Brisbane

$176

Find similar

Jetstar

7 Oct

BNE06:00Brisbane

2h 25m

CNS08:25Cairns

14 Oct

CNS15:35Cairns

2h 10m

BNE17:45Brisbane

$177

Find similar

Virgin Australia flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Our best Virgin Australia deals on Brisbane to Cairns flight tickets

Virgin Australia

14 Nov

BNE06:10Brisbane

2h 25m

CNS08:35Cairns

16 Nov

CNS09:15Cairns

2h 20m

BNE11:35Brisbane

$228

Find similar

Virgin Australia

14 Nov

BNE20:40Brisbane

2h 25m

CNS23:05Cairns

16 Nov

CNS09:15Cairns

2h 20m

BNE11:35Brisbane

$230

Find similar

Virgin Australia

4 Oct

BNE17:50Brisbane

2h 30m

CNS20:20Cairns

8 Oct

CNS17:25Cairns

2h 15m

BNE19:40Brisbane

$231

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Fri 10/10

06:00-08:25

Nonstop2h 25m

Cairns

Wed 15/10

06:00-08:10

Nonstop2h 10m

$174

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Tue 7/10

06:00-08:25

Nonstop2h 25m

Cairns

Sat 11/10

06:00-08:10

Nonstop2h 10m

$176

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Tue 7/10

06:00-08:25

Nonstop2h 25m

Cairns

Tue 14/10

15:35-17:45

Nonstop2h 10m

$177

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Mon 13/10

06:00-08:25

Nonstop2h 25m

Cairns

Wed 15/10

06:00-08:10

Nonstop2h 10m

$179

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Sat 11/10

18:35-20:55

Nonstop2h 20m

Cairns

Sun 12/10

06:00-08:10

Nonstop2h 10m

$180

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Wed 8/10

18:35-20:55

Nonstop2h 20m

Cairns

Sat 11/10

06:00-08:10

Nonstop2h 10m

$182

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Thu 23/10

06:00-08:25

Nonstop2h 25m

Cairns

Thu 30/10

09:15-11:35

Nonstop2h 20m

$206

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Fri 14/11

06:10-08:35

Nonstop2h 25m

Cairns

Sun 16/11

09:15-11:35

Nonstop2h 20m

$228

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Fri 14/11

20:40-23:05

Nonstop2h 25m

Cairns

Sun 16/11

09:15-11:35

Nonstop2h 20m

$230

BrisbaneCairns

BNE - CNS

BNECNS

Brisbane

Sat 4/10

17:50-20:20

Nonstop2h 30m

Cairns

Wed 8/10

17:25-19:40

Nonstop2h 15m

$231

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Brisbane to Cairns

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Other information

What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Brisbane and Cairns?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

The cheapest month to fly to Cairns from Brisbane is in March. Flight prices, which tend to average around $195, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. If you are unable to visit Cairns during the month of March, then departing from Brisbane during the month May is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around $200.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Cairns?

According to our data, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns from Brisbane. The lowest ticket price found for a Wednesday departure recently was $267. Keep in mind that prices can always vary depending on your route and whether or not you are flying domestic or international. If your travel schedule is flexible, try to avoid departing on a Sunday because tickets tend to average around $357. These prices are subject to change though, so be sure to set up a Price Alert for flights to Cairns.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Cairns?

At midday is the cheapest time of day to fly from Brisbane to Cairns when you can find flight prices for as low as $245. Flying to Cairns at midday is an ideal time because this is during off-peak travel hours. If you have a flexible travel schedule, then try to avoid flying in the morning when prices are $298 on average. Flights to Cairns from Brisbane in the morning are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travellers’ schedules.

What is the cheapest Brisbane to Cairns flight route?

Fly from Brisbane to Cairns for the best Brisbane - Cairns flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Cairns?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Cairns from Brisbane when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Cairns for around $240 when searching weeks before you fly. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Cairns from Brisbane for as low as $221 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on Brisbane to Cairns flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on Brisbane to Cairns flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

How have Brisbane to Cairns flight prices changed over time?

As of September 2025, prices for Brisbane to Cairns flights are approximately 9% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

When to book flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Are you open to changing your travel dates? Check out the ideal times to fly from Brisbane to Cairns according to our flight data. Find out which month and days have the cheapest flights.

Estimated return price

Cheap Brisbane to Cairns (BNE to CNS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Brisbane to Cairns

Best price found	$125
Fastest flight time	2h 15m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Cairns	1 airport

The best one-way flight to Cairns from Brisbane in the past 72 hours is $125. The best return flight deal from Brisbane to Cairns found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $203.

The fastest flight from Brisbane to Cairns takes 2h 15m

Direct flights go from Brisbane to Cairns every day.

There is 1 airport near Cairns: Cairns (CNS)

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How far is Brisbane to Cairns by plane?
A flight from Brisbane to Cairns will travel around 1388.5 km. 2h 15m is a normal flight duration for this route.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport?
Prices for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport were last updated today.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport?
As of September 2025, there are 3 operators available to choose from for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport.
How old do you have to be to fly from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and stopovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?
The necessary travel and health documents for your Cairns Airport trip may vary depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances. Generally, you should have various documents, such as a national ID card or driver's licence and a passport that is valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date. We recommend seeking advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.
What is the most popular plane model from Brisbane to Cairns?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked plane model on the route from Brisbane to Cairns is Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets), representing 24.23% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Airbus A320-100/200 at 19.57%, Boeing 737 MAX 8 at 17.94%, and Embraer 190 at 14.39%.
What is the most popular airline from Brisbane to Cairns?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked airline on the route from Brisbane to Cairns is Jetstar, representing 53% of all bookings. The subsequent popular airlines are Virgin Australia at 43% and Qantas Airways at 4%.

Best airlines flying from Brisbane to Cairns

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Brisbane to Cairns with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free cancellation	Price
Jetstar	PriceFrom $116	Free cancellation	Rating 6.5 474 reviews	Search Jetstar flights
Virgin Australia	PriceFrom $132	Free cancellation	Rating 7.5 416 reviews	Search Virgin Australia flights
Qantas Airways	PriceFrom $196	Free cancellation	Rating 7.5 905 reviews	Search Qantas Airways flights

Virgin Australia Flights From Brisbane to Cairns
Virgin Australia is one of the most popular airlines flying from Brisbane to Cairns, operating 23 flights/week on average for this route. A good Virgin Australia flight deal for Brisbane to Cairns starts from $88 round-trip, up to an average price of $170. Our users have rated Virgin Australia at 7.5/10.
Qantas Airways Flights From Brisbane to Cairns
Qantas Airways is also a popular choice for this route. Qantas Airways flight deals for Brisbane to Cairns start from as low as $130 round-trip, depending on your selected dates, with average Qantas Airways deals seen on momondo around $281. Qantas Airways operates 62 flights to Cairns from Brisbane in an average week. Users have rated it 7.5/10 across 905 reviews.

Port Douglas

Palm Cove

Trinity Beach

Mission Beach

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Brisbane to Cairns?

momondo compares prices from hundreds of airlines and agents so you can find and book the best deal on flights from Brisbane to Cairns . Millions of users trust and use momondo every year so you are in good hands.

Can I find flights from Brisbane to Cairns with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Flights from Brisbane to Cairns with flexible booking policies can be found by using the search form above and then selecting our dedicated flexible booking filter, which will highlight only the flights where this policy is applied.

How can momondo help me find flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

Once you have performed a search for Brisbane to Cairns flights, momondo helps you find the right one by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

I’m not ready to book a flight from Brisbane to Cairns right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Price alerts on flights to Cairns from Brisbane are quick and easy to set up on momondo. Simply perform a search and select the price alert feature. It is as simple as that.

An easier way to manage your Cairns trip

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Cheap flights from Brisbane to Cairns from $104

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns departing on 7/10. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Brisbane to Cairns

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Brisbane and Cairns?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Cairns?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Cairns?

What is the cheapest Brisbane to Cairns flight route?

Fly from Brisbane to Cairns for the best Brisbane - Cairns flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Cairns?

What cabin class options are available on Brisbane to Cairns flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on Brisbane to Cairns flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

How have Brisbane to Cairns flight prices changed over time?

As of September 2025, prices for Brisbane to Cairns flights are approximately 9% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Brisbane to Cairns?

Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas Airways are the most popular carriers operating from Brisbane to Cairns

Which airlines fly to Cairns?

How many flights depart from Brisbane to Cairns on average per day?

47 flights are operational daily from Brisbane to Cairns as of September 2025. The most popular departure time for this route is 06:00, with 55% of flights per day taking off at midday.

How many flights depart from Brisbane to Cairns on average per week?

330 flights are operational weekly from Brisbane to Cairns as of September 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Sun, with 17% of flights per week taking off on this day.

When to book flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Cheap Brisbane to Cairns (BNE to CNS) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Brisbane to Cairns

Best price found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Cairns

How far is Brisbane to Cairns by plane?

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport?

How old do you have to be to fly from Brisbane Airport to Cairns Airport?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cairns Airport?

What is the most popular plane model from Brisbane to Cairns?

What is the most popular airline from Brisbane to Cairns?

Best airlines flying from Brisbane to Cairns

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Brisbane to Cairns with momondo

Virgin Australia Flights From Brisbane to Cairns

Qantas Airways Flights From Brisbane to Cairns

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Brisbane to Cairns?

Can I find flights from Brisbane to Cairns with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

I’m not ready to book a flight from Brisbane to Cairns right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

An easier way to manage your Cairns trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organise and travel with friends or family. Trips is free – and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to Australia

Airports servicing Queensland