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

Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia are the most popular carriers operating from Darwin to Cairns

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

As of November 2026, 2 flights take off from Darwin and land in Cairns each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 08:00, with 100% of daily flights taking off at midday.

Which airlines fly to Cairns?

Qantas Airways, Airnorth and Virgin Australia are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Cairns from Darwin according to our data. Qantas Airways is the first choice among our users, with 61% 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.

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

17 flights are operational weekly from Darwin to Cairns as of November 2026. The most popular departure day for this route is Fri, with 24% of flights per week taking off on this day.

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

Prices for flights from Darwin Airport to Cairns Airport refresh daily.

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

The number of operators available for flights from Darwin Airport to Cairns Airport is 3 as of November 2026.

How old do you have to be to fly from Darwin Airport 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 from Darwin Airport 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.

$300 Cheap Flights from Darwin to Cairns in 2026/27

Discover deals from 900+ travel sites with momondo.

Find the cheapest flights from Darwin to Cairns

Return

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap return flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

08:15 - 12:35DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

3h 50m1 stop Nhulunbuy Gove

13:35 - 16:45CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

3h 40m1 stop Nhulunbuy Gove

$587Airnorth

Sat, 19 Dec - Sat, 26 Dec

07:05 - 10:10DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

2h 35mdirect

12:20 - 15:20CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

3h 30m1 stop Nhulunbuy Gove

$645Multiple Airlines

Mon, 1 Feb - Sun, 21 Feb

19:05 - 11:20DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

15h 45m1 stop Brisbane

12:20 - 15:20CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

3h 30m1 stop Nhulunbuy Gove

$649Multiple Airlines

Mon, 1 Feb - Sun, 21 Feb

07:05 - 10:10DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

2h 35mdirect

16:25 - 19:35CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

3h 40m1 stop Nhulunbuy Gove

$659Multiple Airlines

Mon, 1 Feb - Mon, 1 Feb

07:05 - 10:10DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

2h 35mdirect

10:50 - 12:55CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

2h 35mdirect

$687Qantas Airways

Sat, 5 Dec - Mon, 7 Dec

07:05 - 10:10DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

2h 35mdirect

10:50 - 12:55CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

2h 35mdirect

$689Qantas Airways

Sat, 5 Dec - Mon, 7 Dec

14:20 - 23:05DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

8h 15m1 stop Brisbane

06:00 - 13:35CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

8h 05m1 stop Brisbane

$779Virgin Australia

Sun, 22 Nov - Sat, 28 Nov

14:20 - 23:05DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

8h 15m1 stop Brisbane

06:00 - 13:35CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

8h 05m1 stop Brisbane

$818Virgin Australia

Fri, 26 Feb - Sun, 28 Feb

08:00 - 12:00DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

3h 30m1 stop Nhulunbuy Gove

16:25 - 16:35CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

24h 40m1 stop Nhulunbuy Gove

$1,039Airnorth

Wed, 23 Dec - Wed, 30 Dec

08:15 - 12:35DRW Darwin-CNS Cairns

3h 50m1 stop Nhulunbuy Gove

13:35 - 16:45CNS Cairns-DRW Darwin

3h 40m1 stop Nhulunbuy Gove

$1,047Airnorth

Tue, 22 Dec - Tue, 29 Dec

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Qantas Airways flights from Darwin to Cairns

Our best Qantas Airways deals on Darwin to Cairns flight tickets

Qantas Airways

5 Dec

DRW07:05Darwin

2h 35m

CNS10:10Cairns

7 Dec

CNS10:50Cairns

2h 35m

DRW12:55Darwin

$687

Qantas Airways

5 Dec

DRW07:05Darwin

2h 35m

CNS10:10Cairns

7 Dec

CNS10:50Cairns

2h 35m

DRW12:55Darwin

$689

Qantas Airways

5 Dec

DRW07:05Darwin

2h 35m

CNS10:10Cairns

7 Dec

CNS10:50Cairns

2h 35m

DRW12:55Darwin

$693

Virgin Australia flights from Darwin to Cairns

Our best Virgin Australia deals on Darwin to Cairns flight tickets

Virgin Australia

11 Nov

DRW14:20Darwin

8h 15m

1 stop

CNS23:05Cairns

18 Nov

CNS06:00Cairns

8h 05m

1 stop

DRW13:35Darwin

$751

Virgin Australia

22 Nov

DRW14:20Darwin

8h 15m

1 stop

CNS23:05Cairns

28 Nov

CNS06:00Cairns

8h 05m

1 stop

DRW13:35Darwin

$779

Virgin Australia

22 Nov

DRW14:20Darwin

8h 15m

1 stop

CNS23:05Cairns

26 Nov

CNS06:00Cairns

8h 05m

1 stop

DRW13:35Darwin

$822

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest return flight

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Sat 19/12

08:15-12:35

1 stop3h 50m

Cairns

Sat 26/12

13:35-16:45

1 stop3h 40m

$587

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Mon 1/2

07:05-10:10

Nonstop2h 35m

Cairns

Sun 21/2

12:20-15:20

1 stop3h 30m

$645

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Mon 1/2

19:05-11:20

1 stop15h 45m

Cairns

Sun 21/2

12:20-15:20

1 stop3h 30m

$649

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Mon 1/2

07:05-10:10

Nonstop2h 35m

Cairns

Mon 1/2

16:25-19:35

1 stop3h 40m

$659

Fastest return journey

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Sat 5/12

07:05-10:10

Nonstop2h 35m

Cairns

Mon 7/12

10:50-12:55

Nonstop2h 35m

$687

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Sat 5/12

07:05-10:10

Nonstop2h 35m

Cairns

Mon 7/12

10:50-12:55

Nonstop2h 35m

$689

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Sun 22/11

14:20-23:05

1 stop8h 15m

Cairns

Sat 28/11

06:00-13:35

1 stop8h 05m

$779

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Fri 26/2

14:20-23:05

1 stop8h 15m

Cairns

Sun 28/2

06:00-13:35

1 stop8h 05m

$818

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Wed 23/12

08:00-12:00

1 stop3h 30m

Cairns

Wed 30/12

16:25-16:35

1 stop24h 40m

$1,039

DarwinCairns

DRW Darwin - CNS Cairns

DRWCNS

Darwin

Tue 22/12

08:15-12:35

1 stop3h 50m

Cairns

Tue 29/12

13:35-16:45

1 stop3h 40m

$1,047

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 Darwin 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 Darwin and Cairns?

Prices are currently low for flights on this route.

Typical prices usually range from $710 to $804.
The lowest price recently found on this route was $587.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

The cheapest month to fly to Cairns from Darwin is in January. Flight prices, which tend to average around $617, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. If you are unable to visit Cairns during the month of January, then departing from Darwin during the month July is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around $629.

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

According to our data, Thursday is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns from Darwin. The lowest ticket price found for a Thursday departure recently was $750. 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 $1,583. 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?

In the afternoon is the cheapest time of day to fly from Darwin to Cairns when you can find flight prices for as low as $770. Flying to Cairns in the afternoon is an ideal time because this is during off-peak travel hours. If you have a flexible travel schedule, then try to avoid flying at midday when prices are $1,018 on average. Flights to Cairns from Darwin at midday are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travellers’ schedules.

What is the cheapest Darwin to Cairns flight route?

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

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

There are 2 cabin classes available to choose from on Darwin to Cairns flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on Darwin to Cairns flights?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between Darwin to Cairns.

How have Darwin to Cairns flight prices changed over time?

As of November 2026, prices for Darwin to Cairns flights are approximately 67% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

When to book flights from Darwin to Cairns

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

Estimated return price

Cheap Darwin to Cairns (DRW to CNS) flight deals and tips

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

Best price found	$300
Fastest flight time	2h 35m
Direct flights	Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun
Airports in Cairns	1 airport

The best one-way flight to Cairns from Darwin in the past 72 hours is $300. The best return flight deal from Darwin to Cairns found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $587.

The fastest flight from Darwin to Cairns takes 2h 35m

Direct flights go from Darwin to Cairns on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Airline offering direct flights is Qantas Airways..

There is 1 airport in Cairns. From Darwin there are direct flights to Cairns (CNS).

Search flight deals

Frequently asked questions about flying from Darwin to Cairns

How far is Darwin to Cairns by plane?
Darwin and Cairns are 1678.3 km apart from one another. 2h 35m is a normal flight duration for this route.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from Darwin Airport to Cairns Airport?
Prices for flights from Darwin Airport to Cairns Airport refresh daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Darwin Airport to Cairns Airport?
The number of operators available for flights from Darwin Airport to Cairns Airport is 3 as of November 2026.
How old do you have to be to fly from Darwin Airport 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 from Darwin Airport 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.
What is the most popular plane model from Darwin to Cairns?
Based on momondo bookings for flights between Darwin and Cairns, the leading plane model is Embraer 190, making up 85.71% of the total bookings. Other popular models include Embraer 170 / 175 / 190 / 195 with 11.90% and Embraer 170 with 2.38%.
What is the most popular airline from Darwin to Cairns?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked airline on the route from Darwin to Cairns is Qantas Airways, representing 61% of all bookings. The subsequent popular airlines are Airnorth at 28% and Virgin Australia at 10%.

Best airlines flying from Darwin to Cairns

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

Airline	Rating	Free cancellation	Price
Virgin Australia	PriceFrom $276	Free cancellation	Rating 7.6 484 reviews	Search Virgin Australia flights
Airnorth	PriceFrom $550	Free cancellation	Rating 0.0 0 reviews	Search Airnorth flights
Qantas Airways	PriceFrom $615	Free cancellation	Rating 7.5 1,123 reviews	Search Qantas Airways flights

Qantas Airways Flights From Darwin to Cairns
Across 13 Qantas Airways flights from Darwin to Cairns this week, the average price was $786, with the best Qantas Airways deals starting from $615 round-trip. 1,123 users have rated Qantas Airways on momondo, with an average score of 7.5/10.

Port Douglas

Palm Cove

Mission Beach

Trinity Beach

Why use momondo?

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

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

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

Yes. All flights to Cairns from Darwin on momondo can be compared and filtered by various policies on offer, including flexible booking.

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

momondo helps you find the best flight between Darwin and Cairns by providing filters to narrow your choice of flights to those matching your criteria. You can select flights based on numerous factors such as price, departure and landing times, airport and airline.

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

If you are simply researching potential flights to Cairns, momondo offers a useful price alert feature which will track prices for flights to Cairns from Darwin and alert you when they change.

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Cheap flights from Darwin to Cairns from $300

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Darwin to Cairns departing on 20/2. 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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Qantas Airways flights from Darwin to Cairns

Our best Qantas Airways deals on Darwin to Cairns flight tickets

Virgin Australia flights from Darwin to Cairns

Our best Virgin Australia deals on Darwin to Cairns flight tickets

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Darwin to Cairns

What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Darwin 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 Darwin to Cairns flight route?

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

Can stopping save me money on Darwin to Cairns flights?

How have Darwin to Cairns flight prices changed over time?

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

Which airlines fly to Cairns?

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

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

When to book flights from Darwin to Cairns

Cheap Darwin to Cairns (DRW to CNS) flight deals and tips

Best price found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Cairns

Frequently asked questions about flying from Darwin to Cairns

Best airlines flying from Darwin to Cairns

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

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Why use momondo?

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.

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