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Cheap flights to Cairns from $178

This is the cheapest return flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to Cairns departing on 16/4. 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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Cheap Cairns flight deals and tips

Summary info about Cairns flight prices, duration and airlines

Best One-Way Price

$99

Best Round-Trip Price

$178

Fastest flight time

2h 15m

Operated By

2 airlines
The best one-way flight price to Cairns from Australia in the last 72 hours is $99 (Brisbane to Cairns).
The best round-trip flight price to Cairns from Australia in the last 72 hours is $178 (Brisbane to Cairns).
The fastest flight to Cairns from Australia takes 2h 15m (Brisbane to Cairns).
There are 2 airlines operating flights to Cairns, including Jetstar and Virgin Australia.

Cairns flights insights and trends

Explore insights for your Cairns flight to craft the best travel plan

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

The cheapest month to fly to Cairns from Australia is in October. Flight prices, which tend to average around $317, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. If you are unable to visit Cairns during the month of October, then departing from Australia during the month August is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around $323.

What is the absolute cheapest flight to Cairns?

See prices from:

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

According to our data, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns from Australia. The lowest ticket price found for a Tuesday departure recently was $343. 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 Friday because tickets tend to average around $375. 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 Australia to Cairns when you can find flight prices for as low as $335. 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 evening when prices are $381 on average. Flights to Cairns from Australia in the evening are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travellers’ schedules.

How long does it take to fly to Cairns?

If you’re flying from a popular airport in Australia, such as Sydney Kingsford Smith or Melbourne, and flying into the most popular airport in Cairns (Cairns), then you can expect flight times to average 3h and 3h 15m, respectively.

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

We recommend purchasing flights from Australia to Cairns 47 days ahead of your departure date because this is when momondo users tend to see the best flight rates. On average, our users have found flights to Cairns for $391.

Cheapest flights to Cairns airports

Find the cheapest flights to these Cairns airports from your nearest city or airport
Sydney
Cairns

CHEAPEST ROUTE FROM Sydney TO Cairns

Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)

Typically, flights to Cairns from Sydney are cheaper when flying from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Cairns, which has an average price of $391

CHEAPEST MONTH TO FLY TO CAIRNS FROM SYDNEYOctober20% cheaperFlying from Sydney to Cairns costs on average just $317 in October
MOST EXPENSIVE MONTH TO FLY TO CAIRNS FROM SYDNEYDecember36% more expensiveIt costs about $535 for flights to Cairns from Sydney in December
MOST POPULAR MONTH TO FLY TO CAIRNS FROM SYDNEYDecember557% more users visitedMore momondo users searched in flights to Cairns from Sydney in December than any other month

Frequently asked questions about flying to Cairns

Cairns is a breathtaking city located right on the water. It boasts a tropical climate, which means temperatures are favourable year-round. The area has two distinct seasons: winter and summer. The winter months, which are April – September have cooler temperatures, minimal rainfall, and clear skies. Late August is the ideal time to visit because then you skip the holiday tourist season. Average temperatures at this time are 17.4 – 26.5 degrees Celsius.

What is there to do in Cairns when it’s raining?

If you are planning a flight to Cairns and are looking to avoid the rain, you should avoid traveling during the months of January, February, and March. These months will typically see 5.1 inches or more of rain, meaning that rain is likely. If you do run into rain while in Cairns, there are still things to do and ways to enjoy your trip. For those looking to take in an art gallery during their visit, Cairns Regional Gallery is a well-known gallery in the area. Shopping centres like Cairns Central Shopping Centre are very popular destinations for those visiting the Cairns area. Cairns Central Shopping Centre is a great place to go if you’re looking to spend some time inside.

Is there an alternative airport near Cairns?

Those flying to Cairns could potentially find better pricing at Bloomfield Airport (126 km from Cairns city centre) depending on the month and departure airport.

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

Prices for flights to Cairns Airport refresh daily.

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

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

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and stopovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel to Cairns Airport.

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

The travel and health documents required for your trip to Cairns Airport can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s licence, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Cairns Airport. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.


Cairns flight deals found on momondo

Check out some of the best fares from airports in Australia to Cairns found recently by users on momondo
Jetstar
16 Apr
BNE06:00Brisbane
2h 25m
CNS08:25Cairns
23 Apr
CNS16:00Cairns
2h 10m
BNE18:10Brisbane
Jetstar
17 Apr
BNE06:00Brisbane
2h 25m
CNS08:25Cairns
21 Apr
CNS06:00Cairns
2h 10m
BNE08:10Brisbane
Jetstar
19 Apr
BNE19:00Brisbane
2h 20m
CNS21:20Cairns
21 Apr
CNS06:00Cairns
2h 10m
BNE08:10Brisbane
Jetstar
15 Apr
BNE19:00Brisbane
2h 20m
CNS21:20Cairns
22 Apr
CNS06:00Cairns
2h 10m
BNE08:10Brisbane
Multiple Airlines
16 June
BNE21:25Brisbane
2h 30m
CNS23:55Cairns
20 June
CNS06:00Cairns
2h 10m
BNE08:10Brisbane
Jetstar
16 June
BNE06:00Brisbane
2h 25m
CNS08:25Cairns
20 June
CNS16:00Cairns
2h 10m
BNE18:10Brisbane

Find the cheapest one-way flights to Cairns

If you're looking for one-way flights from Australia to Cairns, view some of our deals below provided by Jetstar and Virgin Australia
Jetstar
15 Apr
BNE19:00Brisbane
2h 20m
CNS21:20Cairns
Jetstar
8 Apr
BNE19:00Brisbane
2h 20m
CNS21:20Cairns
Virgin Australia
21 Apr
BNE21:25Brisbane
2h 30m
CNS23:55Cairns

How to travel around Cairns

Walking

Cairns has a flat landscape and is a tightly put together city, so a vast majority of the attractions are accessed by walking around, including the CBD area. If you want to venture up to the tablelands and rainforest, however, you will need other means of transportation.

Bus

The Sunbus operates throughout Cairns and runs daily. It is the most affordable way to get around the area, and there are around 18 routes. The daily fare starts at $4.40 AUD for travel within zone 1 and can go up to $13.40 AUD for travel to zone 9 locations.

Taxis

Taxis are the most expensive means of transportation in Cairns, but to shorten travel times, they might be worth the cost. You can typically hail one from the curb, but you can also locate a taxi rank or contact the company for a booking. The booking fee is $1.50 AUD, and the flag fare starts at $2.90 AUD. The price after that is $2.26 AUD per kilometre and $0.82 AUD per minute wait time.

Ride Share

To get from one end of Cairns to the other, or to venture up to the rainforest, you can book a ride-share through Uber using their smartphone app. The fare depends on how far you are driving and the vehicle selected.

Boat

Boats are useful when you want to venture across the harbour, take a tour of the local reefs, or just travel along the waterfront. River cruises take anywhere from 1 – 14 hours depending on how far out you go. The cost depends on which tour you book, the company, type of boat, and party size.


Best things to do and see in Cairns

Things to Do and Places of Interest in Cairns

Most people come to Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef, but there is plenty more to do after you have snorkeled your way through the reef. The cafe culture is amazing in Cairns, and you will find gourmet coffee shops on almost every corner of the CBD. There are also local eateries featuring Aussie wines, fusion cuisine, and popular foods. In the Cairns Highlands, you will find Tarzali Lakes platypus park. Cairns has several museums and tourist sites dedicated to the Aboriginal culture, including the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. It will be worth your time to book a rainforest trip and hike through the forests that are over 135 million years old.

Tips and Tricks for Visiting Cairns

Try a Hostel

If you are the adventurous type and do not need a luxury hotel, then book a hostel in the CBD. Hostels are the most cost-effective type of lodging, and you can find a room for as little as $17 AUD or a private accommodation for $55 – $90 AUD.

Purchase Day Tickets

The bus is by far the cheapest means of transportation in Cairns, but it can be costly if you pay per zone. Consider purchasing a day pass to save on transportation costs.

Drink Goon

Enjoy a boxed wine, which is much cheaper than purchasing bottled Australian wines in Cairns.

Be Aware of Stinger Season

During the rainy season, Cairns experiences the infamous Stinger Season, which is when the jellyfish make their way into the waters around Cairns. During this time, the Box Jellyfish may be in the water. Their sting can be fatal; therefore, only swim around the stinger nets during this season and follow all safety precautions posted along the beach.


Why use momondo?

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

We help find the flight that best suits your needs; momondo compares prices from hundreds of airlines and travel agents and helps you filter them to find the best flight for you.

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

All flight searches to Cairns on momondo can be filtered to show those which offer flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights to Cairns?

Once you have performed a search in the form on the page, momondo provides useful filters and insights. We can show you the cheapest days and times to fly as well as filter your options to help you make an informed choice when booking flights to Cairns.

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

Price alerts on flights to Cairns 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.


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