On this page, you can find and book flights from Townsville to Cairns. The distance between the cities is only 281 km, and there are about 24 regular flights per week on this route.
The main carrier on this route is QF. Before your trip, we recommend checking how to get to the airport and using the price chart to find the best deal.
The table shows direct flights Townsville → Cairns on the selected date. The flight takes approximately 1 h. Regular flights are operated by Qantas. Departures from Townsville Airport airports, arrivals at Cairns Airport.
For each flight, the following details are shown: departure time (local), arrival city and airport, flight number and airline, terminal or gate, and status. Click on a flight to open its details and go to ticket search. To view flights on a different day, change the date above the table.
Below is a calendar of the lowest flight ticket prices for Townsville — Cairns by day. Pick a convenient date and instantly see the fare. The cheapest flights on this route start from AED 438 in J, and the most expensive are around AED 916 in a. If your travel dates are flexible, the calendar will help you find the best price for your preferred period. To view round-trip fares, switch to the "Round trip" tab above the calendar, select your departure date — and the right-hand calendar will highlight the lowest prices for return flights on each day.
January is the hottest and most humid month in Cairns, with average temperatures reaching 27.8°C and high rainfall. The coolest and driest period is July, with an average low of around 18.4°C.
Budget-wise, the most cost-effective time to plan your flight is January, when ticket prices start AED 438. Prices peak in February, with the lowest recorded fare during this month starting AED 915.
September is considered the ideal time to travel, offering comfortable temperatures and a minimal chance of rain. It is worth avoiding February if your main goal is to save on airfare.
Flights between the cities are served by one main airline — Qantas (QF), operating about 24 flights weekly. Most flights on this short route are direct, which helps minimize travel time. A detailed weekly schedule and current flight options for planning your trip are listed below.
Flights Townsville — Cairns depart from Townsville Airport and arrive at Cairns Airport. Below are pages for the cities, countries, and airports on the route: airlines, schedules, and travel guides.
Given the short distance of 281 km, the actual flight time is approximately 45–55 minutes, making air travel the fastest way to move between the cities.
Regular direct flights are operated by Qantas (QF). There are approximately 24 flight options available per week on this route.
Flights from Townsville arrive at Cairns Airport (CNS). You can research in advance how to get from the airport to the city center or your hotel.
Yes, airfares are dynamic and depend on demand. The current lowest prices and best deals for various dates are always available in the low-price calendar on this page.
To get the best price, it is recommended to book at least a month before your trip, as regional flight fares typically increase closer to the departure date.
Where travelers fly most — pick a route and check prices
