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.
Flight Centre
Up to $2800 bonus value on select flights, holidays and accommodations
Ends
Enjoy $2199 bonus value on Fiji family getaways, $2800 bonus value on a Maldives escape and save up to $495 on a tropical Cairns holiday. Plus take the family to Gold Coast with $450 bonus value, save up to $500 on Bali and more at Flight Centre's Big Red Sale. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Wotif
100% off return flights on select holiday packages
Fly for free when you book your flight and hotel together with select Australia holiday packages at Wotif. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Kayak
Australia flights starts at $45 one way on Jetstar
Available on select dates from 4 July 2023 to 14 March 2024. The sample fare is from Sydney to Ballina Byron via Jetstar. T&Cs apply.
Skyscanner
Cheap Flights to Port Moresby Airport from $255
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.
Air New Zealand
Australia to the USA flights from $2409
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.
Virgin Australia
Black Friday sale: Up to 30% off flights to 35 destinations in Australia
Ends
Available for travel until 30 September 2024. Destinations include Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.
Air New Zealand
Australia to Tahiti (Papeete) flights from $739
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.
Virgin Australia
Welcome Abroad fares: International flights from $299 on Virgin Australia
Ends
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.
Virgin Australia
Cairns to Sydney from $305 return on Jetstar
Ends
Available for travel until 31 December 2024. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Gold Coast to Melbourne from $240 return on Jetstar
Ends
Available for travel until 31 December 2024. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Brisbane to Melbourne from $258 return on Jetstar
Ends
Available for travel until 31 December 2024. T&Cs apply.
Virgin Australia
Flights to Vanuatu from $492
Book your flights now to Vanuatu starting from just $492. T&Cs apply.
Cheap Flights
Cheap Flights to Fiji from $178
Get the cheapest flights from Australia to Fiji starting from just $178. T&Cs apply.
Cheap Flights
Australia to East Timor flights from $318
Get the cheapest flights from Australia to East Timor starting from $318. T&Cs apply.
Momondo
Noumea flights from $350
Don't miss out on cheap flights from Australia to Noumea from $350. T&Cs apply.
Cheap Flights
New Zealand flights from $180
Don't miss out on cheap flights from Australia to New Zealand starting from $180. T&Cs apply.
Skyscanner
Cheap flights to Timor-Leste from $579
Get the cheapest flights from Australia to Dili, Timor-Leste, starting at $579 per passenger at Skyscanner. T&Cs apply.
Skyscanner
Cheap Flights to Vanuatu from $309
Fly to 26 different places in Vanuatu from Australia starting from just $309. T&Cs apply.
Priceline.com
Up to 50% off worldwide flights
Available on select dates when you book Express Deals. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, United Kingdom 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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