Cheap flights from Darwin to Cairns from $269

The cheapest month to fly to Cairns from Darwin is in January. Flight prices, which tend to average around $609, 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 June is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around $678.

According to our data, Friday is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns from Darwin. The lowest ticket price found for a Friday departure recently was $763. 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 $871. These prices are subject to change though, so be sure to set up a Price Alert for flights to Cairns.

At midday is the cheapest time of day to fly from Darwin to Cairns when you can find flight prices for as low as $763. 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 $797 on average. Flights to Cairns from Darwin in the morning are generally more expensive because this time of day is more convenient for travellers’ schedules.

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

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Cairns from Darwin when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Cairns for around $756 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 Darwin for as low as $509 on momondo.

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

As of May 2026, prices for Darwin to Cairns flights are approximately 76% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

Airnorth, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia are the most popular carriers operating from Darwin to Cairns

Qantas Airways, Airnorth and Jetstar 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 68% 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.

As of May 2026, 3 flights take off from Darwin and land in Cairns each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 08:00, with 94% of daily flights taking off at midday.

22 flights are operational weekly from Darwin to Cairns as of May 2026. The most popular departure day for this route is Mon, with 18% of flights per week taking off on this day.