CNS

$212 Find Cheap Flights to Cairns

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to Cairns departing on 21/1. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches 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 for flights to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to Cairns, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Everything you should know

Cheapest return fare
$691
Overall average: $1,080
Jetstar
Tue 27/1Sat 31/1
AKL - CNS • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
$491
Typical prices: $530-$608
Jetstar
Mon 24/11Tue 2/12
CHC - CNS • Direct
Top routes
CHC-CNS
Cheapest
AKL-CNS
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
October
Cheapest • 14% price drop
June
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
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KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Cairns!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights to Cairns

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights to Cairns that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals to Cairns

Tue, 27 Jan - Sat, 31 Jan
Jetstar Logo
20:55 - 10:55AKL-CNS
17h 00m1 stop
Jetstar Logo
12:05 - 05:05CNS-AKL
14h 00m1 stop
$691Jetstar
Find Deal
Tue, 5 May - Tue, 19 May
Jetstar Logo
08:20 - 20:50CHC-CNS
14h 30m1 stop
Jetstar Logo
07:00 - 13:55CNS-CHC
4h 55mdirect
$717Jetstar
Find Deal
Wed, 11 Mar - Sun, 22 Mar
Multiple Airlines Logo
08:05 - 17:15AKL-CNS
12h 10m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
07:15 - 21:35CNS-AKL
11h 20m1 stop
$769Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, 5 May - Tue, 19 May
Multiple Airlines Logo
21:00 - 16:55CHC-CNS
21h 55m2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
07:00 - 13:55CNS-CHC
4h 55mdirect
$834Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, 5 May - Tue, 19 May
Air New Zealand Logo
09:55 - 23:10CHC-CNS
15h 15m2 stops
Air New Zealand Logo
11:55 - 08:05CNS-CHC
18h 10m1 stop
$906Air New Zealand
Find Deal
Fri, 6 Mar - Mon, 9 Mar
Virgin Australia Logo
15:05 - 14:55ZQN-CNS
26h 50m1 stop
Virgin Australia Logo
14:40 - 16:40CNS-ZQN
23h 00m1 stop
$940Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Fri, 6 Mar - Mon, 9 Mar
Virgin Australia Logo
15:05 - 16:45ZQN-CNS
28h 40m1 stop
Virgin Australia Logo
17:20 - 16:40CNS-ZQN
20h 20m1 stop
$949Virgin Australia
Find Deal
Sun, 3 May - Wed, 6 May
Qantas Airways Logo
15:50 - 23:10CHC-CNS
9h 20m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
14:55 - 14:35CNS-CHC
21h 40m1 stop
$958Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Sun, 15 Mar - Thu, 19 Mar
Qantas Airways Logo
16:20 - 23:05WLG-CNS
9h 45m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
17:35 - 15:20CNS-WLG
18h 45m1 stop
$958Qantas Airways
Find Deal
Sun, 25 Jan - Mon, 2 Feb
Air New Zealand Logo
06:00 - 14:05WLG-CNS
11h 05m1 stop
Air New Zealand Logo
06:00 - 21:05CNS-WLG
12h 05m2 stops
$1,048Air New Zealand
Find Deal
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for flights to Cairns

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

What is the cheapest flight to Cairns?

These are the best round-trip prices found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight to Cairns was $212 for a one-way ticket from Christchurch and $691 for a return. The most popular route searched for by our users was for flights from Auckland to Cairns and the best return deal found in the last 3 days was $691.

How much is a flight to Cairns?

The average and cheapest price for all round-trip flights to Cairns from each origin found by users searching on KAYAK in the last month.

On average, a flight to Cairns costs $851. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $202 and departed from Christchurch. The most popular routes on KAYAK are Christchurch to Cairns which costs $1,309 on average, and Auckland to Cairns, which costs $1,061 on average.

See prices from:

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights 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 to Cairns is October, where tickets cost $853 on average for one-way flights. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and January, where the average cost of tickets from New Zealand is $1,173 and $1,080 respectively. For return trips, the best month to travel is October with an average price of $853.

What is a good deal for flights to Cairns?

If you’re looking for cheap airfare to Cairns, 25% of our users found tickets to Cairns for the following prices or less: From Christchurch $238 one-way - $540 return, from Auckland $523 one-way - $1,044 return.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights to Cairns, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price, you should book around 0 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 36 days before departure.

Good to know – Book Cheap Cairns Plane Tickets

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$212
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 25% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly (9% more expensive on average)
Flight from Christchurch to Cairns

When to book flights to Cairns

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel 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. The information is for flights to Cairns based on your location. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs - booking Cairns flights

  • What is the cheapest flight to Cairns?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight to Cairns was $212 for a one-way ticket from Christchurch and $691 for a return. The most popular route searched for by our users was for flights from Auckland to Cairns and the best return deal found in the last 3 days was $691.

  • How far is Cairns Airport from central Cairns?

    You’ll need to travel 4 km to reach the Cairns city centre from Cairns Airport.

  • What is the name of Cairns’s airport?

    When flying to Cairns, you'll arrive at Cairns Airport (CNS). The airport is also known as Cairns or Cairns Intl.

  • How much is a flight to Cairns?

    On average, a flight to Cairns costs $851. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $202 and departed from Christchurch Airport.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to Cairns is Wednesday where tickets can be as cheap as $726. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Thursday, where prices are $1,109 on average.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights 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 to Cairns.

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

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

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

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

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight 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 up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Cairns?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to Cairns is generally at night, when flights cost $847 on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Cairns is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,069.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Cairns

  • Looking for cheap airfare to Cairns? 25% of our users found return tickets to Cairns for the following prices or less: From Christchurch $389, from Auckland $784
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Cairns flight deals.

Prefer to fly direct to Cairns?

 
Nonstop data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying nonstop to Cairns.
Find which airlines fly direct to Cairns Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

New Zealand to Cairns

Monday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +28 more

ANA, Air Canada, +29 more

Tuesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +29 more

ANA, Air Canada, +30 more

Wednesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +29 more

ANA, Air Canada, +30 more

Thursday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +29 more

ANA, Air Canada, +30 more

Friday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +28 more

ANA, Air Canada, +29 more

Saturday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +27 more

ANA, Air Canada, +28 more

Sunday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +28 more

ANA, Air Canada, +29 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Cairns to New Zealand

Monday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +28 more

ANA, Air Canada, +29 more

Tuesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +29 more

ANA, Air Canada, +30 more

Wednesday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +29 more

ANA, Air Canada, +30 more

Thursday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +29 more

ANA, Air Canada, +30 more

Friday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +28 more

ANA, Air Canada, +29 more

Saturday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +27 more

ANA, Air Canada, +28 more

Sunday

ANA, Air Canada, Air France, +28 more

ANA, Air Canada, +29 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to Cairns

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying to Cairns. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline from New Zealand to Cairns. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with 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.
8.1
EmiratesOverall score based on 3416 reviews
8.3Crew
8.0Comfort
8.2Entertainment
8.1Boarding
7.9Food
Airline reviews

Wonderful Premium Economy experience. Felt as good as Business Class for food and entertainment. Comfortable sleeping too

10.0 ExcellentRoss, Oct 2025DXB - MEL
Read more Emirates reviews

Wonderful Premium Economy experience. Felt as good as Business Class for food and entertainment. Comfortable sleeping too

Crew were very good. Food service was a little slow and disappointing not having on demand dining and only 3 options. Amenity kits and pyjamas were excellent.

No kids provided. Instead we were told to have contacted the airline that we have kids and require kids meals. We were not the only ones who inquired about kids meals. It’s odd. Emirates and other airlines give kids meals as standard and before the adult food comes out. The rice in our meals was gluggy and under cooked. The chicken was also raw. Sadly not the best experience with Finn Air. The hostesses tried to compensate with the snacks and drinks but missed the mark by a long way. Especially when paying Emirates/Qantas prices

This was my first time flying with Emirates. Overall, the experience was very good. I thought the seats in economy would have been a bit more comfortable, but, they seem to be on par with other airlines. The food was excellent and very satisfying. If you can afford it, I would definitely suggest upgrading to at lest premium economy seats for long haul flights.

Can’t complain Only downside was the Kiosk passport check and customs clearance at Melbourne. When will they improve that service🤔

I lost my lock from my luggage, I don’t know someone took something from my bag.

We travelled in economy, were very satisfied with the comfort and keg space of the seats. Food was great compared to other airlines, the crew were very helpful and friendly. Since i was travelling with kids, i needed assistance multiple of times. Will be definitely taking long flights with Emirates from now on.

One of the female staff from the cabin crew, forgot to ask us about what we want to drink and focused more on other specific people rather than treating everyone politely. I asked her about the drinks to which she said oh I forgot.

Ove the A380 planes. Comfortable seats. Served great Indian food and Masala Chai!

no problem with Emirates it was the underpricer subcontractor Who was ridiculous

Great except paying $240 usd for 2 pounds over on a checked luggage. Outrageous.

Kayak did not propagate my United miles account and I had to manually get credit.

Nice friendly staff and crew. Love the 787 flight. Get meals and lots of drinks!

Great entertainment options on the screen. uSB A and C chargers. Free WiFi! Crew were excellent.

Service was excellent and they’re very helpful and nice

Aircon set too high so VERY warm and VERY uncomfortable.

Not a comfortable trip, the seats are not good, and they look old.

Lost my luggage and brought someone else luggage to my airport.

Not entirely positive. It’s frustrating that everything is done through the united app. One of our flight attendants on our trip from San Francisco to MSP continually had trouble hearing people so she flipped her hair into people’s faces

I flew United from San Francisco to Auckland. My connecting flight from Auckland to Christchurch was canceled with no explanation. I was finally told the cancellation was due to fog. Even though it was clear when we landed. I am from San Francisco, I know what fog is! And I didn't see any fog. I was told the next available flight was 7 hours later. Unacceptable, they should have had a flight ready to go as soon as it was deemed safe to take off.

Plane was late and they wouldn’t check our bags through to Tokyo

Overall experience was good but what really impressed me the most was the care the flight attendants took of a sick passenger who was sitting in front of me. The flight attendants would come and check on her quite regularly providing her support and comfort. Brilliant service!

Only answered OK and poor as there was no entertainment and I didnt have any food

4.5 hr international flight. We got a glass of water. Ranks up there with Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Spirit and Frontier. Expected better.

Gluten free options less explicit on business class, but great service

Very good… seems the virgin staff particularly in the lounge and in flight exceeded expectations.

I liked everything about the experience but would have liked some free snacks!

Crew was great but flight was delayed almost three hours due to a technical issue and we had to go back to the terminal and wait for another one.

Being told why we delayed three hours and not even given an apology by someone. Not a word. Not my airline of choice ever.

Checked Baggage line up was long but moved quickly, rest of the process, boarding, crew was excellent

Couldn't access entertainment on app as said in an email

Excellent as always, I won't fly to Australia, and back to the US on any other airline. The flight crew is always top notch, and have a way to make one feel extra special. Thank you for your service, I would rate Qantas Airways a 10+.

After already paying for excess luggage prior to flight, i was advised AT check in that i had to pay $816 or forfeit my flight! The lady at the counter was SO rude and had already started offboarding me when i said i would pay it after asking her three times for the exact amount! Have lodged a formal complaint yet heard nothing. Will not ever travel via Qantas again

A few more inches of legroom is all i ask

One of the best Qantas business flights I've had. Quality product

Business class points redemption - good value for points paid, dubious value if out of your own pocket, domestic class business product okay for this length of flight. The flight left and arrived on time, crew were good, aircraft was a bit old and tired, but still miles ahead of their competitors in Virgin and Jetstar.

Airline running better than post Covid, proper boarding process now implemented, some aircraft feeling a bit old and tired, crew fine, online experience better.

Five hour flight instead of four hours due to westerly headwinds which wasn’t the fault of Qantas !

The wifi was out. Otherwise it was great flight. Richard, as CSM, was excellent.

Was bumped to a later flight because of inefficiency on part of the airline.

Delayed twice. Poor communication and people made to change gates too often.

Very disappointed with my recent Jetstar experience. Firstly, it was extremely frustrating that we had to pay extra for basic things like in-flight entertainment and meals. Other airlines provide these essentials even with standard tickets, but Jetstar offered no comfort or amenities without additional charges. For a long international journey, this made the experience very uncomfortable. On top of that, there was a delay on our flight from Melbourne to Bangkok due to parts replacement, which was already inconvenient. But the biggest issue was the massive 5 hours and 15 minutes delay on our return flight, which completely disrupted our plans, caused unnecessary stress, and impacted both our time and health. Jetstar provided vouchers, but they were not nearly sufficient to cover proper meals or any meaningful service at Bangkok Airport. After such a long delay, this felt extremely inadequate and did not compensate for the inconvenience we faced. Overall, this has been one of my worst travel experiences. I am extremely disappointed and will not be booking with Jetstar in the future. I strongly request Jetstar to provide additional compensation for the significant delays and the discomfort we had to go through.

Excellent help with Wife needing disability access at Brisbane airport

The flight was delayed by 2 hours but the Jetstar crew were fantastic.

Late leaving and desintuon board showed ‘gate closed’ when they hadn’t even commenced boarding!

Flight was delayed more than 1.5 hours. Gate changed multiple times

The good thing is that the flight got us from Darwin to Brisbane. However, it would have to be the most uncomfortable flight I have ever taken and if I can possibly avoid flying Jetstar again, I will.

I was treated poorly in Dunedin by check in crew, then my bag was lost in Auckland. Never again.

no announcement about why we where delayed which is very poor

Overall good trip I find seats a bit hard. We were waiting on board for about an hour for 2 passengers with some document issue. This main our arrival late for our pickup person.

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

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Palm Cove
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Everything you need to know for your flight to Cairns

Information on the airport you'll fly into in Cairns