Find flights
Deals
Insights
When to book
FAQs & Tips
Direct Flights
Airlines

BNE - CNS

Find cheap flights from Brisbane to Cairns

1 adult
Wed 5/6
Wed 12/6

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Cairns

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Brisbane to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Brisbane to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
In the last 7 days, travellers have searched 42,830,901 times on KAYAK, and here's why:

Save 14% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Flights from Brisbane to Cairns - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Brisbane to Cairns to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Brisbane to Cairns?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights from Brisbane to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.
The cheapest month for flights from Brisbane to Cairns is April, where tickets cost $245 on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are September and June, where the average cost of tickets is $394 and $379 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

To calculate daily average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each day before departure over the last year for flights from Brisbane to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each month.
To get a below average price on the flight from Brisbane to Cairns, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 76 days before departure.

Which airlines fly most frequently between Brisbane and Cairns?

In normal times, Qantas Airways flies from Brisbane to Cairns up to 8 times per day, Virgin Australia up to 5 times per day, and Jetstar up to 3 times per day.

Which airlines fly direct between Brisbane and Cairns?

Airline and price data is aggregated from results in KAYAK’s search results from the last 2 weeks for flights from Brisbane to Cairns.
There are 4 airlines that fly direct from Brisbane to Cairns. They are: Jetstar, Qantas Airways, Rex and Virgin Australia. The cheapest price of all airlines flying this route was found with Virgin Australia at $145 for a one-way flight. On average, the best prices for this route can be found at Jetstar.

How many flights are there between Brisbane and Cairns per day?

Each day, there are between 14 and 21 nonstop flights that take off from Brisbane and land in Cairns, with an average flight time of 2h 27m. The most common departure time is 06:00 and most flights take off in the morning. Each week, there are 119 flights. The most frequent day of departure is Monday, when 18% of all weekly flights depart. The fewest flights depart on a Saturday.

Which cabin class options are there for flights between Brisbane and Cairns?

The average price of flights for each cabin class for the route found by users searching on KAYAK over the last 2 weeks.
There are 2 cabin class options for the route. These are Business and Economy. Perform a search on KAYAK to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines.

What’s the earliest departure time from Brisbane to Cairns?

Early birds can take the earliest flight from Brisbane at 06:00 and will be landing in Cairns at 08:25.

What’s the latest departure time from Brisbane to Cairns?

If you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from Brisbane to Cairns jets off at 21:25 and lands at 23:55.

Good to know

Low season

February

High season

June
Best time to beat the crowds (12% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (26% more expensive on average)

When to book flights from Brisbane to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Brisbane to Cairns based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Brisbane to Cairns

  • Is there anything to eat at Cairns Airport?

    If you’re looking for a bite to eat after your flight, you can find something to suit you in the Domestic Terminal of the Cairns Airport. Hudsons Coffee can offer you a quick pastry and a shot of caffeine to keep you going, or there’s the Macchinetta Coffee just outside the terminal where you can sit down in the fresh air.

  • How do I get from Cairns Airport to Cairns?

    There aren’t any public transport options available to take you from the Cairns Airport into the city centre. There are a few private shuttle and bus companies that offer shared services to your destination of choice, including Excellence Coaches or Cairns Bus Charters. Many visitors to Cairns use the CairnsTaxi from the taxi ranks directly outside the Domestic Terminal. It takes about 10 minutes to get to downtown Cairns.

  • What parking is available at the Brisbane Airport?

    If you need to leave your car somewhere during your flight from Brisbane to Cairns, Brisbane Airport has several different parking options available to suit all kinds of travellers. Premium long-term parking can be found directly outside the Domestic Terminal on Level 3, next to the skywalk. Budget-friendly travellers can choose between open or undercover parking with AIRPARK, who also offer a shuttle service from the carparks to the terminal.

  • Is there anywhere I can relax before my flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Brisbane Airport offers many opportunities to relax before your flight. If you enjoy shopping, you can use the free shuttle to head over to the Skygate Mall where you can find a range of shopping and eateries, or just relax at the Anton & Blair hair salon. Massage and acupuncture are also available there at the Chi Link spa.

  • Where can I store my luggage at Cairns or Brisbane Airport?

    If you need to store some luggage during your stay in Cairns, you can find self-service storage lockers at the Cairns Airport undercover, near the Terminal 2 Carpark. Storage for oversized items is also available. If you prefer to leave your luggage at the Brisbane Airport, storage is available outside the Virgin and Qantas areas of the Domestic Terminal.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Brisbane to Cairns?

    The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Brisbane to Cairns flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between Brisbane and Cairns, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Brisbane to Cairns?

    There are direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns on a daily basis.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Brisbane to Cairns.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Brisbane to Cairns?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cairns from Brisbane is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Cairns with an airline and back to Brisbane with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Brisbane to Cairns?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Cairns from Brisbane up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Brisbane to Cairns

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $128 or less one-way and $194 or less round-trip.
  • Direct flights regularly fly from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Cairns Airport (CNS). You can find direct flights to suit your needs from local airline services including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Tigerair.
  • Rental car companies are available in the Arrivals Area, in the northern end of the Domestic Terminal at Cairns Airport. The pickup and drop off location for rental cars is across the road from the terminal in the parking building.
  • Brisbane Airport is made up of two terminals—the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal. If you need to move between these terminals, it’s a short walk or you can take advantage of the free-to-use AirTrain.
  • Virgin Australia or Qantas fliers can take advantage of the airline lounges in the Domestic Terminal of the Brisbane Airport. Qantas Club members or pay-to-use guests can find the Qantas Lounge on Level 2, or there is the Virgin Australia Lounge opposite Gate 41.
  • If you’re feeling a little lost or need some help with the airport facilities, you can find Airport Ambassadors throughout the Brisbane Airport. They’re easy to spot in their blue shirts with a bright yellow ‘i’ on the back.
  • Getting dropped off at Brisbane Airport? You can find a drop-off point kerbside of the terminal. However, you won’t be given much time to say goodbye before being waved on by a Kerbside Officer. For an extended farewell, you can park in the nearby short-term parking.
See more tips

Prefer to fly direct from Brisbane to Cairns?

Find which airlines fly direct from Brisbane to Cairns, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Brisbane to Cairns

Monday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Tuesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Wednesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +11 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +12 more

Thursday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Friday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

Saturday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +8 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Sunday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +10 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +11 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to Brisbane

Monday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Tuesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Wednesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Thursday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +9 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +10 more

Friday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +8 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Saturday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +8 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +9 more

Sunday

Air New Zealand, American Airlines, China Southern, +7 more

Air New Zealand, American Airlines, +8 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top 3 airlines serving from Brisbane to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Brisbane to Cairns. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Brisbane to Cairns? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.7
Virgin AustraliaOverall score based on 665 reviews
8.4Crew
7.6Comfort
6.8Entertainment
6.8Food
7.9Boarding
Airline reviews

This time is good . Don’t cancel flight with out early notice .

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Mar 2024BNE - MEL
Read more about Virgin Australia reviews

This time is good . Don’t cancel flight with out early notice .

Very good experience, considering the short flight the meals were served promptly after takeoff.

X class seats in row 3 with the new configuration are very poor in fact I feel 3B and 3E should no longer be considered as X class seat as there is no forward seat pocket available to these seats and greatly reduced leg room due the intrusion of the business class armrests/table module

It was pretty good. Everyone friendly. Like all airlines, the draconian limitations on baggage and weight and not giving even a free soda kind of drags down the experience a bit.

Last 10 minutes boarding they canceled the flight and didn’t organise anything

Estheticly the plane looks great, although the seats are way too upright. If the seats were just slightly more reclined then the comfort level would increase tenfold. I had the stiffest neck after just a short flight due to this. A nap was almost out of the question.

Cabin crew were very professional and welcoming. They certainly appeared to have lifted their game. Congratulations

I know not directly a Virgin "thing" but I hold Virgin responsible for their subcontractors. Had to wait 45 minutes waiting for baggage at PER before the belt conveyor even started. This is unacceptable and hopefully Virgin engages with whoever to pull their fingers out. I realise PER staff are generally slow at the best of times but this was ridiculous. Maybe more seating for those waiting, a cafe in the baggage area for a light meal while we wait or at the very least a troop of dancing girls to entertain the punters while they stare at the conveyor belt start light almost willing it to fire up.

There is no not applicable button to tick. Due to turbulence there was no food/drink offered. That’s expected and was fine 👌🏻

Plane was cancelled apparently no seat available on any flight so late in the day I would have missed my connecting flight

Initial flight was cancelled so moved to an alternative flight. As a result, stuck in a middle seat. Flight then place in holding pattern prior to landing resulting in a very late trip home.

There was nothing I didn’t like, prices a little lower would help

Following a marathon flight riddled by delays and changes from Santiago, Chile, my flight to Melbourne from Sydney was on schedule but I was transferred to the next flight. The reason by ticketing and the floor manager was I missed the entry to flight by one minute! That's right, the emphasised that if I was 1 minute earlier I would be on the flight. I asked what was the point them emphasising 1minute overdue and how that helped me or the situation. They didn't care at all. Replying that if it was one minute earlier they would've done something and smirking delivering the information. Australian's do call Australia home, Qantas calls Australian's suckers.

The staff we fantastic and seemed to work very well with each other

Business lounge in Melbourne mediocre. Look at Emirates or Qatar, Qantas! Great friendly crew. Food was good but Emirates is a level above. Business seat good. But can’t compare to Qatar. Main reason for booking Qantas is loyalty and terrific connection via Perth to LHR.

It's only a short trip from Sydney to Melbourne, which i have done many times. The trip met my expectations

I really appreciated the fact that when I checked my bags at the Quantas counter after arriving from an international flight an hour early, the agent noticed I had a very long layover. He then found an earlier flight that allowed me to get to Cairns several hours earlier than I planned. That was amazing because I had already traveled over 20 hours and wasn’t looking forward to such a long layover. It allowed me to see my daughter and grandchildren much earlier (it had been two years since I visited last).

Qantas cancelled my flight for no good reason and rebooked me into a middle seat.

The flight met my expectations. It left and landed on time

Flights delayed multiple times, travellers requests for updates ignored. Qantas continues to desatisfy travelling basics.

a constant reminder that you need to work harder so you can avoid this airline

Note that food has to be purchased in flight. No free food. And no entertainment in flight. So I’ve treated these two items as okay which, in this case, means neutral/not applicable.

My Dad needed assistance to board the plane. The Jetstar staff were excellent with him and made the experience a lot easier😁

No food taken so can't rate also no entertainment so can't rate.

Boarding was easy and unstressful, though the early "final call" was a bit off-putting. The crew were pleasant, and the seats were comfortable. The prices for food and drink were reasonable, apart from tea and coffee, where simple percolated coffee was charged at espresso prices. Deboarding was OK, though some Jetstar passengers appear to have a bad habit of pushing forward from their assigned rows, making it more difficult to get out for passengers that have paid a premium to sit up-front. Jetstar might want to look to address this to stop it from spreading.

I got to the airport earlier than I expected, and they let me change to an earlier flight with no trouble.

It was a super crowded time to travel out of Melbourne, but the flight was OK

Worst experience ever flying Melbourne to Phuket. 5 hours delayed! Didn’t land till 1am in the morning. Staff were rude and unhelpful

Plane was late leaving darwin so we didn’t get home till 1130pm 2nd time in a fortnight that has happened. Hard when you have to work the next day

Worst airline ever. No need to go into detail as everything is terrible. Do not do it - whatever the price.

Book cheap flights from Brisbane to Cairns

One-way flight deals

directAmerican Airlines
2h 25mBNE-CNS
directQatar Airways
2h 20mBNE-CNS
directAir Canada
2h 30mBNE-CNS
directFiji Airways
2h 25mBNE-CNS
directEmirates
2h 25mBNE-CNS
directJetstar
2h 25mBNE-CNS
directChina Eastern
2h 25mBNE-CNS
directVirgin Australia
2h 30mBNE-CNS
directAir New Zealand
2h 25mBNE-CNS
directUnited Airlines
2h 30mBNE-CNS
directRex
3h 00mBNE-CNS
directEtihad Airways
2h 30mBNE-CNS
directQantas Airways
2h 25mBNE-CNS
directChina Southern
2h 25mBNE-CNS
directSingapore Airlines
2h 30mBNE-CNS

Search by stops

Search by airline

Brisbane - Cairns Flights

Departure:

Brisbane (BNE)Australia

Destination:

Cairns (CNS)Australia

Cabin classes:

$125

Browse origins:

  • Flights » 
  • Brisbane

Browse destinations:

  • Flights » 
  • Cairns