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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.
Virgin Australia
Happy Hour sale: Flights from $45 each way
Ends
Available on select travel dates from October 2022 – April 2023 to destinations including Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Nadi and more. Sample fare is Ballina-Sydney. T&Cs apply.
I Want That Flight
Flights within Australia from $33 each way
Ends
Available on flights until December 2022 to destinations including Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle and more. Sample fare is Ballina-Sydney with Jetstar.
Virgin Australia
Domestic flights from $69 each way
Ends
Available for travel from July 2022 – May 2023 to Gold Coast, Adelaide, Coffs Harbour, Alice Springs, Townsville and more. Sample fare is Ballina-Sydney. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Western Australia flights from $199 each way
Ends
Available on flights until 30 October 2022 when you book 21 days in advance. Sample fare is Peth-Broome. Other destinations include Kununurra. T&Cs apply.
Trip.com
Get $50 off flights with code
Ends
Available from 24 June 2022 – 30 March 2023 on Australia and New Zealand flights. Minimum spend of $99 required. T&Cs apply.
Cheap Flights
Australia-wide flights from $69 return
Ends
Available on flights until September 2022 to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Hobart, Adelaide, Launceston, Alice Springs, Ballina and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Melbourne with Jetstar.
Virgin Australia
International flights from $555 return
Ends
Available on flights 31 July 2022 – 24 February 2023. Destinations include Bali and Fiji. Sample fare is Sydney-Nadi. T&Cs apply.
Kayak
Fiji flights from $357 return
Ends
Available on flights from July – December 2022. Sample fare is Sydney-Nadi with Jetstar. Other airlines include Virgin Australia from $480, Fiji Airways from $497 and more.
Kiwi.com
Get EUR€20 off flights with code
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of EUR€200. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand and more.
Kiwi.com
Get EUR€10 off flights with code
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of EUR€100. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand and more.
Priceline.com
Up to 50% off worldwide flights
Available on select dates when you book Express Deals. Destination include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and more. T&Cs apply.
Cairns's airport:
Cairns Airport (CNS)
Get the best price:
April to September
Book in advance by:
90 days
Best airline (price):
Jetstar
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.
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.
Cheapest months to fly:
April to September
Priciest months to fly:
July and August
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.
You can find flights to Cairns with the following airlines via these cities.
| Departure city | Points required for a return Qantas flight | Points required for a return Virgin flight |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | 28,800 | Not available |
| Alice Springs | 36,000 | Not available |
| Brisbane | 24,000 | 23,600 |
| Darwin | 19,200 | Not available |
| Gold Coast | 19,200 | 23,600 |
| Melbourne | 36,000 | 35,600 |
| Perth | 28,800 | Not available |
| Sydney | 36,000 | 35,600 |
Offer may be withdrawn at any time
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
Offer may be withdrawn at any time
Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply
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.
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.
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