Cairns and remote areas of Tropical North Queensland are some of Australia's most unique and untouched destinations. When planning a trip to the north of Australia, transport considerations are key to a pleasant stay. Find out all you need to know including airline and flight information, flight deals and your transport options to navigate your way around this incredible part of Australia.
International flights from $485 on Virgin Australia
Available for travel until 15 September 2024. Sample fare departs from Melbourne to Queenstown. Destination includes Apia (Samoa), Denpasar (Bali), Tokyo (Haneda), Nadi (Fiji) and Port Vila (Vanuatu). T&Cs apply.
Available for travel on select dates across Australia at Expedia. Destinations include Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Book a flight to the USA available for travel on select dates at Air New Zealand. Destinations include Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii, Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago. Sample fare departs from Sydney to Honolulu. Fares are subject to change without prior notice. T&Cs apply.
Fly direct from Australia starting at $255 with Air Niugini, Virgin Australia and Qantas, or hop on a connecting route with Philippine Airlines. T&Cs apply.
Book a flight to Tahiti (Papeete) available for travel on select dates at Air New Zealand. Sample fare departs from Melbourne to Tahiti (Papeete). Fares are subject to change without prior notice. T&Cs apply.
Frequently asked questions about flights to Cairns
How much does it cost to fly to Cairns?
Flights to Cairns can go for less than $100 each from within Queensland and during a flight sale from cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
According to data from Cheapflights, fares from cities further west cost approximately $350 return.
Jetstar does tend to have the lowest prices as there are no extra inclusions that come with your ticket, so if you're looking at Qantas or Virgin flights to get checked baggage and rewards points, expect ticket prices to be higher.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Cairns?
Flight prices to Cairns tend not to fluctuate too much throughout the year, but the prices do spike around the school holidays and over Christmas and New Year's time.
Although not too much more expensive than the rest of the year, flights during July and August may be a bit pricier. This is due to higher demand for those living in the southern parts of Australia seeking northern Queensland's winter sun. We think April to September is the best time to visit Cairns weather wise.
How long does it take to fly to Cairns?
Here's how long it takes to fly to Cairns from major cities across Australia. Where a direct flight isn't available, we've made note of the shortest connecting flights' total travel time.
Adelaide: 3 hours direct
Brisbane: 2 hours, 25 minutes direct
Canberra: 3 hours, 14 minutes direct
Darwin: 2 hours, 33 minutes direct
Hobart: 7 hours, 28 minutes with a stopover
Melbourne: 3 hours, 22 minutes direct
Perth: 4 hours, 18 minutes direct
Sydney: 3 hours, 8 minutes direct
Which airlines fly direct to Cairns?
You can find flights to Cairns with the following airlines via these cities.
Airnorth: Darwin, Gove and Toowoomba
Alliance Airlines: Groote Eylandt, Sunshine Coast and Weipa
Hinterland Aviation: Coen and Cooktown
Jetstar: Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth and Sydney
Qantas: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Horn Island, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville and Weipa
Rex Airlines: Bamaga, Mount Isa, Normanton and Townsville
Virgin Australia: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
What's the best airline to fly to Cairns with?
Best for price: Budget carrier Jetstar typically has the cheapest flights to Cairns, just remember checked baggage and other extras aren't included in the base fare.
Best for extra inclusions: Qantas will get you to Cairns with 23kg checked luggage and refreshments included in the cost of your ticket.
These frequent flyer credit card offers can give you more than enough bonus points for a complimentary flight (minus applicable taxes) to Cairns Airport (CNS) from major cities across Australia.
NAB Qantas Rewards Signature Card
Up to 120,000 bonus Qantas Points Discounted $295 first year annual fee
Offer may be withdrawn at any time
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
How far in advance should I book my flights to Cairns?
Cairns pricing data from KAYAK suggests that flights to Cairns are at their cheapest 90 days before your departure date. KAYAK suggests that you book at least 3 weeks prior to your travel date to find a below-average price.
How far is the airport in Cairns?
Cairns Airport (CNS) is a 9 minute drive (5.7km) away from the city centre. Car hire desks can be found at the arrivals hall and taxis are available from the designated taxi ranks just outside. Viator, City Discovery and Jayride offer personalised and private airport shuttle services and transfers from Cairns Airport to your resort, hotel or holiday apartment.
Alternatively, Uber is available from Cairns Airport and costs $10-$15 to Cairns city centre.
Dylan Crismale is a graduate travel writer at Finder. He graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with his major in Italy. Dylan levelled-up his travel know-how on his year abroad and knows all about finding the right deal to get the most for your money.
For safety in the air, these airlines are like no other – and included in this list are 20 of the safest low-cost airlines in the world.
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