CNS

$386 Find Cheap Flights to Cairns – Compare and Save

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1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
$894
Typical prices: $838-$1,299
Jetstar
Tue 6/2Thu 1/3
CHC - CNS • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
$1,079
Typical prices: $623-$1,142
Air New Zealand
Tue 17/4Tue 24/4
AKL - CNS • Direct
Top airlines
Best reviews • 8.1 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
Top routes
Cheapest • 41% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 24 weeks in advance save around 32% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 22% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Cairns!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights to Cairns

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals to Cairns

Sat, 6 Feb - Mon, 1 Mar
Jetstar Logo
16:10 - 09:05Christchurch  Christchurch-Cairns Cairns
19h 55m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
Jetstar Logo
09:45 - 00:05Cairns  Cairns-Christchurch Christchurch
11h 20m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
$894Jetstar
3+ days ago
Mon, 22 Feb - Mon, 1 Mar
Jetstar Logo
16:10 - 09:05Christchurch  Christchurch-Cairns Cairns
19h 55m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
Jetstar Logo
09:45 - 00:05Cairns  Cairns-Christchurch Christchurch
11h 20m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
$894Jetstar
3+ days ago
Mon, 22 Feb - Mon, 1 Mar
Multiple Airlines Logo
20:45 - 16:50Christchurch  Christchurch-Cairns Cairns
23h 05m2 stops Auckland Intl Brisbane
Multiple Airlines Logo
09:45 - 00:05Cairns  Cairns-Christchurch Christchurch
11h 20m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
$985Multiple Airlines
3+ days ago
Sat, 6 Feb - Mon, 1 Mar
Multiple Airlines Logo
21:10 - 09:05Christchurch  Christchurch-Cairns Cairns
38h 55m2 stops Auckland Intl Coolangatta Gold Coast
Multiple Airlines Logo
09:45 - 00:05Cairns  Cairns-Christchurch Christchurch
11h 20m1 stop Coolangatta Gold Coast
$987Multiple Airlines
3+ days ago
Thu, 17 Dec - Sun, 10 Jan
Qantas Airways Logo
12:10 - 19:15Auckland  Auckland Intl-Cairns Cairns
10h 05m1 stop Brisbane
Qantas Airways Logo
15:40 - 14:45Cairns  Cairns-Auckland Auckland Intl
20h 05m1 stop Brisbane
$1,060Qantas Airways
1 day ago
Thu, 17 Dec - Sun, 10 Jan
Qantas Airways Logo
06:50 - 19:15Auckland  Auckland Intl-Cairns Cairns
15h 25m1 stop Brisbane
Qantas Airways Logo
13:50 - 00:45Cairns  Cairns-Auckland Auckland Intl
7h 55m1 stop Brisbane
$1,065Qantas Airways
3+ days ago
Sat, 17 Apr - Sat, 24 Apr
Air New Zealand Logo
07:10 - 10:45Auckland  Auckland Intl-Cairns Cairns
5h 35mdirect
Air New Zealand Logo
11:55 - 18:35Cairns  Cairns-Auckland Auckland Intl
4h 40mdirect
$1,079Air New Zealand
3+ days ago
Sat, 17 Apr - Sat, 24 Apr
Air New Zealand Logo
07:10 - 10:45Auckland  Auckland Intl-Cairns Cairns
5h 35mdirect
Air New Zealand Logo
11:55 - 18:35Cairns  Cairns-Auckland Auckland Intl
4h 40mdirect
$1,083Air New Zealand
2 days ago
Thu, 10 Dec - Thu, 17 Dec
Virgin Australia Logo
15:05 - 10:15Queenstown  Queenstown Intl-Cairns Cairns
22h 10m1 stop Sydney Kingsford Smith
Virgin Australia Logo
06:00 - 18:35Cairns  Cairns-Queenstown Queenstown Intl
9h 35m1 stop Brisbane
$1,086Virgin Australia
3+ days ago
Thu, 10 Dec - Thu, 17 Dec
Virgin Australia Logo
15:05 - 23:05Queenstown  Queenstown Intl-Cairns Cairns
11h 00m2 stops Sydney Kingsford Smith Brisbane
Virgin Australia Logo
06:00 - 18:35Cairns  Cairns-Queenstown Queenstown Intl
9h 35m1 stop Brisbane
$1,151Virgin Australia
3+ days ago
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for flights to Cairns

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

What is the cheapest flight to Cairns?

Christchurch to Cairns is the cheapest route at $894 return, found in the past 5 days on KAYAK. Auckland to Cairns is the most popular connection with return deals from $1,060.

How much is a flight to Cairns?

On average, a return flight from New Zealand to Cairns costs $1,074, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months. Return fares from Christchurch average $776, while Auckland runs a bit higher at $1,101.

What is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns?

Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly to Cairns at $1,047 return on average over the past 12 months on KAYAK. Sunday is the most expensive at $1,184.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns?

•October is the cheapest month to fly to Cairns with an average price of $839 return.
•November ($1,231) and December ($1,166) are the most expensive.

Based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Evening flights to Cairns are the cheapest at $1,006 return on average. Afternoon flights are the most expensive at $1,216.

What is a good deal for flights to Cairns?

Flights under $838 are considered a good deal. 25% of KAYAK users found return flights to Cairns at or below these prices, with the lowest fares from:
•Christchurch $614.

When are flights to Cairns the cheapest?

Flights to Cairns are cheapest 24 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 32% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for flights to Cairns

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$386
Beat the crowds with an average 51% drop in travellers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 70% increase in travellers.
One-way flight from Auckland 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

Your questions about flights to Cairns, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking questions.

  • How do I know if a flight to Cairns is a good deal?

    A good deal on a flight to Cairns is around $838 return. This fare is in the lowest 25% of return flight prices searched on KAYAK, averaged across the cities most often searched as origins by KAYAK users.

  • How expensive are last-minute flights to Cairns?

    Last-minute fares to Cairns (booked within two weeks of departure) are typically 18% higher than the average return fare of $1,074.

  • What is the difference between the most popular and the most frequent airline at Cairns?

    Qantas Airways operates the most flights from New Zealand to Cairns at 0 per week, and for this route Qantas Airways is also the airline most often selected by KAYAK users searching for flights from New Zealand to Cairns. The two are sometimes different because flight volume reflects an airline's schedule, while popularity reflects traveller choice.

  • Which airlines should I consider for flights to Cairns?

Your guide to booking Cairns flights

From booking to airport arrival, find tips to help you plan your flight with more confidence.
  • For the best chance at a low fare to Cairns, book around 24 weeks before departure. Based on KAYAK data from the last 12 months, fares are historically about 32% lower during this window than last-minute fares.
  • For flights to Cairns, a good return fare is around $838. If you find a fare below that, you're getting a strong deal.
  • If your travel dates are flexible, consider flying to Cairns in October. Return fares historically average $839, making October the cheapest month to travel based on KAYAK data from the last 12 months.
  • Before you book:

    • Check the route's typical price range so you can spot a deal.
    • Confirm baggage fees and seat selection costs on budget carriers.
    • Verify whether you need any travel documents beyond an ID.
    • Pick a departure airport, since your nearest may not be the cheapest origin.
  • Shift your departure to afternoon to save up to $210 on a return flight. Afternoon flights to Cairns average $1,006 compared to $1,216 for midday flights.
  • Bag allowances vary by airline, fare type, cabin class, and route. On flights to Cairns, some airlines may include bags at no extra cost. For example, Air New Zealand includes a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class, while Jetstar includes a cabin bag in Economy class. Always check the fare details before booking, since bag policies can change by ticket type.
  • Once you arrive in Cairns, a great place to start is Cairns Convention Centre. It is popular with first-time visitors and can give you a good feel for the area.

Reviews of the top 4 airlines flying to Cairns

 
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.
8.0
Air New ZealandOverall score based on 679 reviews
8.5Crew
7.4Entertainment
7.9Comfort
7.4Food
8.2Boarding
Airline reviews

Premium economy seats and food we're very nice although the price could be more affordable so we can do it more often.

10.0 ExcellentSharon, Sept 2026
Read more Air New Zealand reviews

Premium economy seats and food we're very nice although the price could be more affordable so we can do it more often.

Not up to their standard . After checking in my bag and having made a tight connection off NZ 29, they tried to bump me off the flight at the gate. In they end I argued myself onto the plane but my bag followed on a later plane. After over 24 hours of flying and despite being an Air NZ Platinum card holder being put in this position was unnaceptable

Needed more leg room. Leg rest and entertainment system box took up a lot of space and I'm not tall. Breakfast was good. Poor quality of the entertainment options.

Aircon set too high so VERY warm and VERY uncomfortable.

Great! Flight was delayed by 30 mins but all was great. Thanks.

Arriving at Coolangatta, rows 20 forward, took the airbridge across to the terminal. It was suggested to those from rows 21 back, that we take the rear stairs and to be careful crossing the tarmac. That was all well and good. However, when we got across to the terminal we then had to climb three large flights of stairs to meet up with those coming across the airbridge. No elevator! There were people carrying babies and elderly carrying hand luggage that needed assistance from others.. There was no option to turn back.

Flew premium economy, well worth the extra. Much better seat size & space. Meals & snacks were lovely. Crew really pleasant. Internet is not great, not really useful for anything. Couldn't even send messages.

Overall, a great experience from food and crew. The only setback was that this was the Second flight from Air New Zealand within a week that was an hour late for boarding.

The air New Zealand employees who assisted us with wheelchair aid on Auckland made our transfer from flight to the next seamless. Also were amazing in helping with our luggage and customs in Brisbane.

All was good, the only thing was it didn't run on time.

They could have seated me in my original seat which was an isle They wedged me in the middle of two extremely large ladies who were friends. I couldn’t move, arm rests couldn’t be put down, their arms were over mine on either side It truly was an unacceptable situation. And on an over night fight extremely uncomfortable

New aircraft and flight was running on time, but adverse weather conditions meant we were unable to land on the first two approaches. Third attempt resulted in a very smooth and safe landing.

Very good it will be my choice of airline while in Australia.

Very friendly staff. No food service and no entertainment. Only 1hr 20min flight

I bought flights in August and there wasn’t a flight in the system

Our 6.30am flight was boarded then cancelled to fly at 10.55am . We were flying to Brisbane to attend a funeral at 12 noon an hour away . This means missing the funeral due to unreliability of Virgin . Unimpressed !!

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

Virgin has always provided a smooth and comfortable flight. This one was no different. Seats are comfortable. Staff are great. This is my favourite airline.

Check-in was good and efficient, Boarding was quick and easy. Didn't like the entertainment side of things requiring your phone to connect for a screen, my eyes are bad enough to use my phone more than I already do. Trip was comfortable and baggage claim was good. If coffee and tea were free, then why not a soda or juice as well, its not like its an alcoholic drink.

On time, lovely crew, economy-X seating worth the $ for the legroom. In flight entertainment not working, but I wasn’t going to use it anyway. Never had a bad Virgin experience.

Small twin prop plane. Basic flight. Food was half a chicken & pesto sandwich. As the flight departed after 12pm alcohol was available. No on board entertainment. No wifi services.

I liked the refreshments as the flight was short and the free WiFi. The seats were comfortable.

Was disappointed that we couldn't use our lounge passes as the booking was a group booking.

I never flew with alliance. Kayak is a joke and none of the flights or times were correct. Won’t ever use kayak again

My experience was great overall. Tanya was particularly friendly and helpful the entire trip. I was very pleased with her customer service skills. The plane was an older aircraft but the entire way was comfortable with barely any turbulence at all. Qantas should speed up its fleet renovation. Totally recommend using this airline.

I liked boarding the plane. The staff were rude, the food was appalling and the chairs the most uncomfortable I have ever experienced

Flight was canceled. I was not alerted. It was only kayak that alerted me

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

I love flying with Qantas. There was no onscreen entertaining on this flight, and only a snack provided (not a meal) but still better than Jetstar or Virgin (in my opinion) so still happy.

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).

Everything was spot on until boarding time . Plane was late departing by 40 min… but then they couldn’t find a tug to push us out from the terminal… we sat around for another 20 min making us just over an hour late. Apart from being late everything else was fine !!!

Knees in back from passenger behind, limited seat pockets, no entertainment.

Great. Seats are a little cramped with only a very small recline. Service was great. Food was fine.

Flight was fine with boarding starting a few minutes early. Not a fan of the crew pushing political messaging regarding indigenous naming of Brisbane city… really pushed it like I haven’t heard on Jetstar before.

Flight was delayed both directions but once in the air was ok. Boarding out of Melbourne is just a mess.

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

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

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

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

Captains address to passengers was excellent. Knee room in seating was very uncomfortable.

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Palm Cove
Mission Beach
Trinity Beach

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